24 AUGUST 2023 | 7:00 PM — 9:00 PM
Palais Khereiddine
— Input by Aymen Gharbi and Bettina Pelz
— Water has shaped human civilizations throughout history, and its presence or absence has influenced the development of cultural practices, architecture, art, and cultural practices. It is deeply intertwined with natural and cultural heritage, scientific and artistic, cultural and spiritual legacies of civilizations worldwide.
Environmental Heritage
Water ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and coastal areas, are essential components of cultural heritage. They provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna and often hold cultural and spiritual significance for local communities. Preserving these ecosystems and their associated cultural practices is crucial for maintaining cultural heritage.
Maritime Heritage
Water has played a crucial role in the development of maritime cultures. Coastal regions and islands have unique cultural traditions associated with fishing, boat building, navigation, and seafaring. The history of maritime exploration, trade, and colonization has shaped the cultural identity of many societies around the world.
Architecture and Engineering
Water has influenced architectural styles and engineering techniques in many cultures. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Mayans, developed sophisticated water management systems, including aqueducts, canals, and reservoirs. Water features like fountains, reflecting pools, and ornamental ponds have been incorporated into gardens, palaces, and public spaces as aesthetic elements.
Cultural Practices
Water-related traditions and practices are prevalent in various cultures. For example, festivals involving water are celebrated in many countries, such as Songkran in Thailand, Holi in India, and the Water Festival in Myanmar. These events often involve water fights, water splashing, or water-based rituals to mark the arrival of a new season or to celebrate cultural and religious occasions.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
Water has deep symbolic and spiritual significance in many cultures. It is often associated with purity, life, renewal, and regeneration. Water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and springs are considered sacred in numerous religious and cultural traditions. Rituals and ceremonies involving water, such as purification rituals or baptism, are common across different cultures.
Threats and Conservation
Water-related cultural heritage faces several threats, including pollution, climate change, urban development, and improper water management. Rising sea levels, floods, or droughts can damage or destroy cultural sites located in vulnerable areas. Efforts to protect and conserve water-related cultural heritage involve sustainable water management, restoration of water systems, and raising awareness about the importance of safeguarding these heritage sites.
Water ine Fine Arts
Water themes are present in various art forms, water has inspired artists across different time periods. Paintings, sculptures, and installations often depict water bodies, seascapes, rivers, or mythical water creatures.
Water as artistic material and medium encompasses a variety of artistic forms of expression such as watercolor painting, ink and wash, photography and film related to water, water sculptures and installations, land art / site-specific artwork for water-related sites, and performative action encompassing water as material or medium.
Water’s fluidity and transformative properties, its interaction with light, space, and movement make it a versatile and captivating artistic material. Its dynamic nature allows artists to explore a wide range of visual and sensory experiences, resulting in unique and evocative artworks.
TEXT
Aymen Gharbi and Bettina Pelz. Published on 12 July 2023.
FEATURED IMAGE
Annika Hippler. INTERFERENCE Tunis 2016. Photo: Mehdi Khemili.