Lay/Unlay (2022)

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In Lay/Unlay (2022), the cyclical and regenerative nature of human toil takes center stage. At its heart is a wheelbarrow overflowing with bricks, a striking symbol of relentless effort and the unyielding rhythm of work. The performance creates a space where the physicality of labor unfolds, immersing the audience in an exploration of repetition, progress, and persistence.

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The workers, silently engrossed in their tasks, communicate through the precision and deliberateness of their actions. Without the use of words, their steady, purposeful movements convey a quiet determination and focus. Each gesture, however small, contributes to the piece’s unfolding narrative, amplifying the universal resonance of labor as a fundamental human experience.

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A distinct soundscape emerges from the clanging of bricks, resonating throughout the space. This rhythmic cadence, paired with the repetitive motions of stacking and unstacking, creates an atmosphere that is both hypnotic and contemplative. The interplay of sound and movement invites the audience to connect with the meditative quality of the work, drawing them deeper into its cycle.

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At its core, Lay/Unlay alternates between construction and deconstruction, forming an unending loop of labor. Bricks are meticulously stacked and just as deliberately dismantled, underscoring the tension between creation and dissolution, progress and futility. This repetitive cycle reflects the broader patterns of life, where persistence and transformation exist in quiet harmony. Through its immersive qualities, the piece highlights the often-overlooked beauty of labor and the resilience within acts of renewal.