Mundus Transfiguratus
Towards a Queer Ecological Mythology
Mundus Transfiguratus depicts an alternative living mythological world where queer transmogrified non-human beings take centre stage and challenge the established perception of human supremacy. The installations and performances that form part of this project emerge as an experimental participatory psychodrama with a counter narrative interwoven with fiction and reality, legends and biographies, to explore conflict, displacement and trauma, but also to celebrate hope and love, and overcoming adversity.
Part 1. The Journeys of Cliza
Cliza @ Villa Borghese
Cliza, a human-wild boar warrior descendant of Turiacus, roams through the Villa Borghese at night, seeking other warriors to form their own House.
Full video here
The Occupation
Having founded their own House, Cliza and their warriors occupy the library at the British School at Rome.
Full video here
Resin on ancient marble pedestal (by courtesy of BSR), 40 cm x 5 cm, 2022.
Resin on ancient marble pedestal (by courtesy of BSR), 40 cm x 5 cm, 2022.
Richard Lassel, The Voyage of Italy, 1670 (by courtesy of BSR).
Resin on ancient marble pedestal (by courtesy of BSR), 40 cm x 5 cm, 2022.
Preparation for Battle
In preparation for battle, Cliza and their retinue set up an itinerant court in the subterranean bowels of Cosmo Trastevere, in Rome.
Reel by Cosmo Trastevere. Full video here
The Banquet
At the battle of Transterrum, Oretta, a human-fish descendant of Triton and the head of the House with their namesake, defeats the House of Cliza. To celebrate their victory, Oretta hosts a banquet in Rome. The heads of other houses from neighbouring lands attend the celebrations. But Cliza, who was presumed dead, storms the event with their warriors and murders Oretta and the other dignitaries.
Full video here
Karlota's Journey
After murdering Oretta and the other dignitaries, Cliza sets off to lay claim to the lands of those they slaughtered and travels first to the lands of Karlota, a human-crow descendant of Odin and head of the House of Karlota. However, Karlota survived the attack and speedily returns to their queerdom.