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The Nereids

Place: Museum Moyland, Cleve

Date:

Performed by: Elvo Axt

Artists: Isabella Fürnkäs

Works: The Nereids

In The Nereids, Isabella Fürnkäs reimagines the image of the water nymph at the fountain, drawing inspiration from Monteverdi's Lamento della ninfa. This performance delves into the themes of exploitation and the enduring portrayal of the nymph as a perpetual symbol of fertility. Set within the castle park, the event takes place in an octagonal pool filled with water tinged a deep, evocative red, reminiscent of a traditional fountain. The atmosphere is enriched by a performer playing a delicate glass flute, who, in a dynamic interaction with the artist, presents a poetic text penned by Fürnkäs herself.

The visual elements of the performance are thoughtfully curated. The costumes, designed by Minji Park, alongside the pool’s facade, are adorned with intricate depictions of nymphs and satyrs, evoking a sense of mythological reverence. These images not only embellish the setting but also underscore the thematic exploration of the nymph’s mythological and cultural significance.

As the performance begins, audience members are given coins, symbolizing a ritualistic offering. At the conclusion of the event, they are invited to cast these coins into the pool, each making a personal wish—a gesture that merges the realms of mythology, art, and participation. This act of wishing becomes a poignant moment of reflection, connecting the audience to the narrative of the nymph and her story.

- Text by Paula Thiel

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