Pain, Passion, and the Divine: The Shape of the Human Spirit

Pain, Passion, and the Divine: The Shape of the Human Spirit is a proposed multi-channel video installation and choreographic artwork that explores the emotional terrains of pain, passion, and spiritual transcendence through movement, sound, and visual composition. Set against the backdrop of ongoing global unrest—conflict, instability, and widespread loss—the work invites viewers into a contemplative space where suffering and ecstasy coexist and transform into a shared sense of humanity. It aims to create a moment of collective breath: one that acknowledges struggle while opening a channel for beauty and hope.

The installation will take the form of a triptych across three video channels, each representing one of the core human experiences: pain, passion, and the divine. These emotional dimensions will be interpreted through a carefully crafted fusion of dance, soundscape, and voice. The choreography, designed in collaboration with diverse dancers and movement artists, will draw on personal and cultural memories, allowing each participant to express the depth of emotion through their body.
This project integrates dance, film, music, and installation into a unified, emotionally charged work. It invites reflection and connection—offering beauty, presence, and spiritual inquiry amid today’s complex emotional landscape.

The visual language of the piece balances minimalism with richness:

• Cinematography will alternate between wide, sweeping movement and intimate close-ups to capture both the collective and the individual body.

• Lighting design will enhance the emotional atmosphere of each segment—raw shadows in “Pain,” saturated hues in “Passion,” and ethereal luminance in “Divine.”

• Sound will be composed by Carla Kihlstedt and Matthias Bossi, whose distinctive voices will merge voice, instrumental layering, and ambient design into an immersive experience.

This installation is designed as a modular project:

• A gallery-based multi-channel video installation, adaptable to various institutional and museum contexts.

• A performance-integrated version, where live dance and projection interact in real time.

Performance artists and Dancers

Samira Bethke
Rikako Shibamoto
Giulia Tornarolli
Margaret Jenkins
Corey Brady
Arthur Erlanson
Lisa Moresco
Nicole Hultvi
Lincoln Sharp
Private Brandon Freeman
Denise Holland Bethke
Rachel Furst
Shinichi Iova-Koga

Music score composed by Carla Kihlstedt and Matthias Bossi

Technical Development Plan

The dance performances have already been filmed, exploring the emotional states of pain, passion, and transcendence. The next key phases are focused on video editing, composing an ethereal sound score featuring breathwork, and preparing the piece for exhibition as a three-channel video installation.

1. Video Editing
The recorded footage will be edited into a triptych format, with each screen representing one emotional theme. Editing will emphasize movement, emotional rhythm, and interconnection between the three channels. Techniques such as slow motion, layering, and poetic pacing will be used to enhance the affective tone and visual flow. We will work with an experienced editor using professional software to create a coherent and immersive structure that honors the choreography and the emotional depth of each performance.

2. Music and Sound Design
The original sound score will be composed by Carla Kihlstedt and Matthias Bossi. The music will be ethereal and immersive, with breathwork used as a central sonic element—amplifying presence, intimacy, and embodiment. The sound will be developed in close dialogue with the visual editing process to ensure harmony between image and audio. Each channel will have its own spatialized audio layer, allowing for a multidimensional listening experience. Voice, ambient tones, and rhythm will serve to support both emotional resonance and spiritual atmosphere.

3. Exhibition Design
The final installation will feature synchronized projection across three screens, supported by multichannel or directional speakers. The visual and auditory design will immerse the audience in the emotional landscape. Blackout or low-light settings will enhance the contemplative environment. The setup is adaptable to galleries, museums, or spiritual venues. Technical requirements include projectors, media players, speakers, and technician support.

4.  Live Adaptation (Optional)
 A live dance version may also be developed using the video installation as scenography, merging live performance with film to enhance embodiment and audience connection.