Sea-ing is Believing: Arka Kinari’s Magical Performance That Left Us Afloat
CO-WRITTEN BY GEORGINA FABER
At Eau daCité we are interpelled to consider the intersection of water and climate justice, which is why we were drawn to attend Arka Kinari: Artivism At Sea performance, last weekend at Montréal’s Société des Arts Technologique. The artists’, named Filastine and Nova, mixed use of vocals, electronics and unique instrumentation coupled with the use of the physical space of the domed venue, and reclined seating in bean bag chairs, helped to not only convey the significance of their message on climate change but also to elicit a powerful sense of empathy for their journey as artists and activists.
The idea for the sailboat designed to tour the globe via the ocean was born out of their climate activist motivation while realizing that no matter how grateful they were to have the privilege to tour with their music and share it with the world, they were contributing to the climate pollution by flying in aircrafts to their touring destinations. What was most inspiring about their story was that whether they were confined at sea with no port that would have them or whether their intended destination was not where they imagined they would end up did not stop them from their pursuit of the realization of their project on the Arka Kinari.
While their storytelling was very thorough during the performance, and the recorded visuals accompanying the music added immensely to allowing the audience to experience their journey, we do wish they would have been more forthcoming during the Q&A after the performance. Perhaps it was because they felt they had revealed all that they could during the performance itself, and it is certain that the piece stands on its own impact. However, Filastine and Nova were generous to reveal that their partnership began on MySpace, which linked to the overarching theme of networks. Their performance explained that the maritime network, especially in archipelago regions such as Indonesia, in a sense represents the original internet through its ancient ability to mix peoples, trade ideas, and exchange culturally.
The duo explained that along their initial sail, their journey was stalled and they had to seek refuge on atolls that had been previously abandoned by it’s human population, due to nuclear-caused environmental degradation. They were able to sustain themselves from the abundance of the resilient ecosystem that was able to regenerate itself with the absence of human interference. Since Eau daCité serves as a space to explore and address paradoxes, it was interesting to note that this part of the adventure illuminated a very rich one: suggesting that when humans are destructive, perhaps the solution lies not in more intervention, but in strategic retreat.
This immersive experience engaged many senses. Upon arrival, we were presented with ghost money designed by the artists called Loot. This tactile element and gift offered an ironic nod to the anti-capitalistic and decolonial themes. The candle-lit cave and incredible footage, captured and artistically packaged by 4PI Productions, provided a high-resolution visual treat for the ocular senses that opened a window to an experience foreign for most. The contemporary and experimental style of music created an auditory portal, unlocking an opening for uploading new approaches to wicked problems. The burning incense was a nice centering and relaxing component that thwarted any potential for eco-anxiety that discussing the climate crisis can potentially evoke. This compelling and moving project supports human reconnection to the water through art and culture, which is completely aligned with what we promote at Eau daCité. As such, you are strongly encouraged to support Filastine, Nova, and Arka Kinari by purchasing their music. Also, you can engage with their project both online by subscribing to their Patreon, and in-person, as they sail through Timor-Leste, then on to Australia, and beyond.