Live performance, Krowswork Gallery, Oakland, CA 2016
This piece points toward limitations within western/patriarchal thought and patriarchal biases found within critical theory and contemporary feminist discourse. Specifically it points to the innate racism and misogyny implied in the aversion, within these disciplines, to the subjects of spirituality, healing and intuition.
For the piece Clark drew on the role which the curator gave her for ‘THE FATES’ residency, at Krowswork Gallery in Oakland, as ‘THE CUTTER’ who instigates death and mini-deaths, to instigate the death of old patriarchal patterns. Clark used feminist texts for bibliomancy to divinate for each individual who participated in the performance and used her skills of intuition to expound on each person’s unique issues and message. In that patriarchy both patronizes the feminine and inspires a dehumanized masculinity, the readings were focused on each individual’s Patriarchal wounding, as well as internalized misogyny. Further, as all deaths are followed by new beginnings, each reading gave participants unique steps they could take to heal their masculine/feminine balance. Each reading was completed with the use vibrationally charged water and a flower essence vibrational remedy, which Clark had prepared specifically for the piece.
The flower essence consisted of Calla Lily, which balances the male/female energy and qualities and purifies one’s spiritual-sexual nature; Alpine Lily, for a radiant and self-assured feminine identity, acceptance of one’s femininity, and for women healing any alienation from or rejection of the female organs; Flannel Flower allowing for gentleness, softness and sensitivity in touching (for males primarily), helps people to trust and express inner feelings, heals when people are uncomfortable with intimacy and need assistance in maintaining personal boundaries; Mountain Pride, to support ones forthright masculine energy and warrior like spirituality, assisting one to be assertive, stand for one’s convictions and courageously face challenges; and She Oak, the fruit of which is very similar in size to a woman’s ovary and the essence of which is made from the female tree of the species. It is beneficial in overcoming imbalances and bringing about a sense of wellbeing in females, and removes personal blocks that prevent conception.
