I am mesmerized by fire, by its power to consume, but also its cross-cultural centrality for human physical and spiritual survival in ceremonial and social gatherings where stories and traditions are being passed on.
The Shiviti photographs document ritualistic burnings that bring memories of transformative moments.
DAY
digital print
24” x 18”
Fire rallies that marked the end of a social phase or process used to be a culminating part of every youth movement and army ceremonies. Phrases and ideals were formed of burlap and wire and set on fire to summarize learned content and intensify the experience with a sacred communal cheer such as “go forth and fulfill!”
I took this photograph of a “fire banner” at a yout
RING
burnt wood, screws, nails, glue, vinyl, graphite, spray paint .
60” x 49” x 16”