Christina Tsantekidou’s project “Waterscapes of Belonging” focuses on the profound symbolism of water as a fundamental element that connects human life, birth and migration. Water, with its universal presence in our bodies and cultural narratives, is the central theme of this project. By exploring the metaphorical and literal significance of water in our existence, this artistic endeavor aims to discover shared human experiences that transcend cultural divisions.

Water, making up 60% of the human body, forms the basis of our physical existence and evolution. Furthermore, water plays a fundamental role in various cultural and historical contexts – from the amniotic fluid that nourishes life in the womb to the symbolism of baptism that marks spiritual rebirth. Drawing on scientific insights and historical references, “Waterscapes of Belonging” seeks to illuminate the role of water as a unifying force in our shared journey of migration and adaptation.

1. Interviews and Audio Installation: interviews with local residents, focused on personal experiences intertwined with themes related to water, narratives of birth, baptism and daily rituals. After the interviews were completed, they were integrated into an evocative audio installation, creating a sound experience for viewers. Tsantekidou used ordinary school chairs in symbolic containers to tell stories. Each chair presented a unique immigration narrative, symbolizing the fluidity and transformative nature of human migration. Thus, the audience became directly involved after sitting in these chairs, listening to the intimate stories of locals and reflecting on the universal essence of human resilience.

2. Photography: To complete the sound installation, the artist photographed the interviewees and created diptychs (displayed side by side) that juxtapose images of parts of their bodies (such as hands) with photographs of soil or sand underwater that share a tone similar in color to your skin.
The intention behind these works is to visually convey a feeling of belonging to the Earth. By aligning human skin tones with natural elements like soil or sand submerged in water, the design emphasizes the shared connection to the Earth, regardless of our origins. The overarching message is one of universal acceptance, highlighting that we all belong to the same planet and should be embraced and respected wherever one chooses to be. This artistic approach aims to promote empathy, unity and understanding between diverse cultures and backgrounds.

Artistic Goals:
– Illuminate the symbolic and literal meaning of water in the formation of human experiences and identities.
– Promote empathy and understanding, presenting the transformative narratives of local people in the context of water.
– Raise awareness of the profound role of water as a universal symbol and life force.
– Facilitate inter-cultural dialogue on themes of integration and collective humanity.
– Inspire reflection and connection, inviting audiences to delve into the fluid narratives of human existence.

Through “Waterscapes of Belonging”, a project that combines stories with images and sounds, the artist aimed to make people think about how water and the desire to belong are all interconnected. This project shows that despite our different cultures, we all share a deep connection to water that unites us.

Christina Tsantekidou is a Russian-Greek artist, born in 1987, who lives in São Paulo, Brazil.
She works with geopolitical themes, addressing global themes and issues, substantiated on biographical stories of the population. Narratives based on interpreted facts, recorded live or collected through a small local investigation.
Tsantekidou’s work has been exhibited in several exhibitions such as Common Ground (Berlin, Germany – 2019), Thresholds of Life (Paphos, Cyprus – 2019) and Perpetual Lines (Lahti, Finland – 2018).