ETERNAL RETURN
2019
2K video | 2.39:1 | 12.18 min. | b/w | stereo


In a flat and wide, open landscape, a person is walking in circles - endlessly, over and over again. Their face is covered by a mask expressing grief and suffering, and merging with the physical structure like a second skin. Neither do we see how that person got here and were they came from, nor does it seem that this aimless wandering will ever come to a halt. Eventually, the person unexpectedly stops, breaking the endless movement completely.

The concept of rebirth and cyclicality of all life, matter, existence (Saṃsāra), is found in the fundamental belief underlying most Indian religions and spiritual teachings. It is the belief in indefinitely repeated cycles of birth, misery, and death caused by karma. The first step to „get off the wheel“ is to make a strong effort to still the mind, silencing all mental and physical activities in order to break free.



Concept / Directed / Edited: Kay Walkowiak
Performance: Nandita Raman
Camera: Brett Novak
Postproduction: Andi Winter
Supported by: Federal Chancellery of Austria, Federal State of Salzburg, City of Vienna



︎ Archive Film