Krakas Orchestra

 

Performance installation

Artspace Transit, Toldkammeret, Helsingør

 

Blue mussel shells, 3 meter tall metal construction, 11 meters long fishing nets.

 

The exhibition Krakas Orchestra is divided into two parts; a performative installation in the courtyard and a sound installation in the indoor exhibition space. The exhibition Krakas Orchestra refers to the legend about Kraka from Norse mythology. Kraka is a woman who faces a number of challenges in order to fulfill her desired marriage. She must come neither dressed nor naked, neither full nor fasting, and neither alone nor accompanied by anyone. Kraka solves the task by dressing in a fishing net, biting into an onion and bringing a dog along. In the the work Krakas Orchestra there are a number of inherent challenges, as the presence of the piece depends on uncontrollable factors such as wind and weather. These challenges were present during the opening day performance on April 28, 2023

 

In Krakas Orchestra, the blue mussel is a fundamental element, whose poetic and dystopian symbolism points to the influence of weather conditions and how it will have an impact on the landscape and all living things. The mussels adhere to surfaces it comes into contact with. If the water level rises drastically, the blue mussel will become a common sight on surfaces in the landscape. The blue mussel is also a symbol of how we as humans are connected to all bodies of water. This thinking is rooted in hydrofeminism, where water serves as the link connecting all living things on the planet.

 

The performative installation works as a costume of thousands of mussels that tinkle in the wind. During the opening performance, pianist Sandra Plauškaitė integrated herself into the costume, playing in harmony with the wind and the thousands of mussels.