An old olive tree story. Alexandra Clod

Mute

An old olive tree story

Alexandra Clod

Photo collage, 2024 

When I looked at this tree at first, while knowing that the whole area of the park was completely cleaned for the Eleftheria square construction, I started to believe that this tree was artificially brought there.

Once again it reminded me that I am an internally displaced person who lost both homes, in Donetsk and in Crimea. I thought I found a companion in misfortune, who lost their home in the way I did, and was forced to start living in a new place.

But I wouldn't be so eager to share this story with you if it was that hopeless 

.

Later, I got to know the whole story from the Department of Gardens of Nicosia Municipality: this tree grew exactly in this area. Until there was a decision to build a park, it was taken away with the other plants. As the construction was finished, the tree was brought back and re-planted.

Now, the old olive has sprouted new branches, and the tree continues to bring fruits.

.

As it turned out, the olive tree is at home now.

.

So, if the olive tree can make it home, maybe so can I?

.

Alexandra Clod

Alexandra is a multidisciplinary artist, with formal training as a psychologist. The Industrial context of Donetsk city where she grew up provoked her interest in environmental changes and in how humans relate to nature. She works with the subjects of mythology (ancient rituals, sacred knowledge and symbols), global changes (shift of technologies, transition from postmodernism to new cultural paradigm etc.) and the psychological theories (such as archetypes, wholeness and trust). Inspired by the transformative power of art, in her art practice Alexandra uses means of photography, video and performance. She has taken part in international projects and residencies, including a RUCKA Artist Residency in Cesis, Latvia, with support of an Artist at Risk grant, performing at the Alte Muenze in Berlin, and a photography project in County Cork, Ireland. 
https://www.alexandraclod.com/  
(Re)Grounding is a partnership between IZOLYATSIA (Ukraine), D6:EU (Cyprus) and D6: Culture in Transit (UK). 
The programme is supported by: the UK/UA Creative Partnerships programme created by the British Council in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute; European Cultural Foundation; Arts Council England; the Paul Hamlyn Foundation; the Cyprus Department of Contemporary Culture of Deputy Ministry; the Goethe-Institut Zypern; the NewBridge Project; Vsesvit, and EKATE (Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts). 

Next project

Karolina Uskakovych. Common Ground