Moss Symphony of Time is a video work that combines natural aesthetics and musical rhythms to explore the deep connection between moss, time, and man and nature. Filmed at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, this work is carefully choreographed through several small video and photo clips, showcasing the vitality of mosses in different environments.
Without a conventional language system, moss thrives in a symbiotic relationship with humans, society, architecture, and urban centres. It grows gradually, discreetly embedding itself in the world's nooks and crannies, bearing witness to memories, the passage of time, and historical chapters. However, human activities have significantly impacted the behaviour of moss. Air pollution, particularly sulphur dioxide and heavy metals, inhibits moss growth and can be lethal. Human-induced climate change forces moss to migrate to new locations, altering their growth patterns. Deforestation destroys their forest habitats, rendering many species homeless.
The project draws on ecofeminist scholar Maria Mies. Mies emphasised the interconnections between gender, capitalism and environmental exploitation. This perspective is crucial for examining the symbiotic relationship between nature and human society, and it urges a reassessment of environmental governance in light of Mies's critique of capitalism's impact on women and nature. Through the lens of ecofeminism, moss is seen as a silent yet vital contributor to the urban landscape. The project aims to highlight the deep connections between the growth of moss and the wider ecofeminist politics of sustainable development, challenging patriarchal and capitalist systems to achieve a more equitable and ecologically healthy co-existence.
The work not only focuses on the unique aesthetics of moss but also delves into themes of the passage of time and the natural cycle of life. Through four carefully choreographed perspectives, the video demonstrates the continuity of moss growth, resulting in a sequential narrative.