BETLEHEM

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Although some people think we have lost our sense of ritual, modern society uses many of their fragments. The phenomenon of transformation of rituals and rites and transition them from remote provincial locations to the centers of large cities is typical for many countries and peoples. Costumes and masks were used in different cultures from ancient times for various reasons. “Bethlehem” project, though, appeals to traditional costumed rituals in the Carpathians (where Christmas caroling was called “Bethlehem”), but greatly simplifies them, turning characters into symbolic shapes. I used prefabricated archetypal characters, and didn’t focus on reconstitution of authentic traditions. Costumes and masks in the "Bethlehem" project essentially perceived as a kinetic sculpture in the urban or public space, complemented by rhythmically-noise component, through which, in fact, the communication with the public occurs. This act itself obtains archaic and mystical form of communication. It appears in random places and begin to interact with random audience who does not expect such kind of communication.