Dervish, 2004-05

Animation, digital projection, computer, projector. 1024x768

Dervish consists of high definition projections of individual trees with twirling branches. The project was inspired by a ritual practiced by the priests, or dervishes, of the Mevlavi sect of Islam. In the midst of a trance, the dervishes whirl in a motion symbolizing the soul's release from earthly ties and communication with the divine. The movement of the branches contains elements of both control and lawlessness: while the whirling motion of the trees is fanciful and seemingly enchanted, the movement is limited by the roots of the trees.