an omniscience : the sanctuary

Healing Garden with bioremedial plants, kantha embroidery on indigo fabric and bird opera for four woodwinds, variable dimensions, 2025

An Omniscience : the sanctuary is a sensory garden that encourages the visitor to find grounding in the earth while dreaming about flying in the sky. Comprising local plant species, adapted to arid and saline environments, which absorb radiation from the soil and the air, the garden is a refuge where humans and nonhumans cross paths with each other symbiotically, resisting the whirling machinery of modernity. Visitors are invited to lie down among the medicinal plants and look up at the flight paths of birds (and planes) embroidered on indigo-dyed tapestries hovering above the garden. Par Tola kantha embroidery was created in accordance with Islamic principles, in harmony with abstract geometric linology, evoking the myriad symbolism of lines, from life lines to blood lines, DNA, constellations, navigation and flight paths. Its practice transcends gender and class barriers. 

While resting in secluded coves within the garden, contemplating the migratory flows of matter and spirit, a composition written for four woodwinds, evoking the sound of birds, the flow of air and water, will emanate from the surrounding landscape. It offers us lessons: how can we be more like birds? Drifting, flying, circulating, towards a horizon, migratory and boundaryless, with big and binocular perspectives, flocking together, adapting quickly to warming, synthetic environments. This immersive installation brings ideas of entangled planetary toxicities to the fore, while also providing a space of cosmic reflection and spiritual desire.

The textile panels and garden for an omniscience: the sanctuary was commissioned by DBF for IAB ‘25.

Excerpts from ‘an omniscience’, recorded and mixed by Nicholas Powell at Goldsmiths Music Studios in October 2024 for 4-channel installation. Flute: Imogen Davy, Oboe: Catriona Lockhart, Bass Flute: Tilly Coulton, Bass Clarinet: Alex Lyon, Composer & Conductor: David Soin Tappeser.