Tombeau for An Old Self
Jorge Ayala
Tombeau for An Old Self is an installation that explores death and the rituals that surround it. Every living organism faces the continuum of life, this is universal fact. Death provides a powerful image of dramatic change that has been adopted as a symbol of transformative processes, such as the transition from childhood to adulthood or from one level of mental awareness to another of greater spiritual enlightenment.
This introspective work contains a sculptural element upon which a flickering light is projected. The aural component of the installation samples a recording of "Tombeau Les Regrets" by Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe (ca. 1640 - 1700) which has been transformed using a granular synthesis process, which keeps its tonal qualities. The term Tombeau - a French word which literally translated means tomb or burial place - describes a French style of musical composition written by a composer to commemorate the death of a notable individual.
“Change is in the nature of existence. Matter and energy are in a constant flow. Birth, growth, development and death are all part of the cycle of life. Old ideas are revised, rewritten and replaced with new ones. Our lives are part of this universal continuum of change, it is an intrinsic part of our nature to transform and improve ourselves and the environment that surrounds us.
Tombeau For An Old Self is an intimate reflection of where I have been, where I stand, and where I am heading as an individual. I want to share with the audience a sense of yearning and nostalgia for old experiences while simultaneously paying homage to them, as they form the cornerstone upon which my present self is built. This piece is also an optimistic monument to change, renewal and betterment; a reaffirmation of life.