Sam Chara, The Peace Lily
Ceramic, performance, film (dimensions variable)

The Peace Lily is a multilayered artwork consisting of a cluster of ceramic Peace Lilies placed in the garden close to Mary Watts’ bench. During the launch on the 11^th of May, Sam Chara will present a live performance, reimagining the song ‘Casta Diva’ from the opera Norma by Vincenzo Bellini. The story tells about the Gauls wanting their queen Norma to declare war on the Romans, who have been oppressing them. She assuages the people’s anger and convinces them that this is not the right time to revolt. She asserts that the Romans will eventually fall by their own doing. It is at this point that Norma sings Casta Diva; a prayer to the moon goddess for peace. Looking at the history of the residencies of the Watts family, The Peace Lily performance focuses on the times during the war, when military troops inhabited these premises, and the peaceful, creative environment of the Watts Gallery changed. After the performance, Sam Chara will hand out origami peace lilies to remind us of keeping peace in the world, in our homes, and in our hearts. The audience are invited to write a word of peace on the paper lily, as a gift to bring home, to remember the day and the importance of peace. Just as the Peace Lily symbolizes growth, peace, and harmony, this work represents the fragile, and precious balance there within. Once in bloom, this gift should be cherished and not taken for granted. The performance will be filmed and screened in the Artist in Residence studio throughout the show.

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