Into Still Life by Shaman Tearoom

In their work Into Still Life, the notion of “still life”, typically reserved for depicting inanimate objects, evolves into a rich exploration that transcends familiar forms. An oxymoron arises as “still” and “life”—terms often seen as opposites, with stillness suggesting an absence of motion and life embodying endless change—merge into a relationship that surpasses conventional boundaries.

Into Still Life embodies this paradox, illustrating how life emerges within stillness and stillness within life. It invites us to observe the delicate dance between these two forces, reflecting the Eastern philosophy of yin and yang. Yin, embodying stillness, and yang, embodying movement, represent dualities that are not merely oppositional but symbiotic. Each holds the essence of the other, underscoring the interconnectedness and rhythm of existence.

The essence of this philosophy reflects how opposing elements are, in reality, deeply interconnected. The balance between yin and yang captures the harmony between stillness and motion, where each aspect is not only shaped by its counterpart but also sustained by it. Through this lens, the performance becomes a meditation on life’s cyclical nature, where moments of quiet are interwoven with movement, each nurturing the other.

Into Still Life invites the audience to uncover the profound within the ordinary—the quiet objects, moments, and experiences that often go unnoticed. It is a call to mindfulness, encouraging us to cultivate awareness of life’s subtleties and embrace the transformative power of stillness. This practice of mindfulness serves as a path to well-being, reminding us that true balance emerges not only through movement and change but also through the ability to dwell in stillness, to pause, observe, and simply be. In these quiet spaces, we reconnect with life’s deeper currents, finding solace and clarity beyond the rush of constant activity.

This interpretation reflects a unique adaptation of Shaman Tearoom’s 2022 exhibition performance Still Life, reimagined here to focus on well-being in the intimate setting of ArtScience Museum’s gallery. Incorporating music composition, acoustic instruments, spoken word, and vocal improvisation with a digital audio workstation (DAW), the performance culminates in a tea ceremony that gently underscores themes of reflection, balance and connection.

Into Still Life is presented as part of ArtScience Encounters: m—a, a micro season of performances inviting an emptying, grounding and centring of oneself.