We have many ideas about what belongs together, and what does not. In Solvosimul (melt +
together) I try to explore the ways of unconventional connection in relation to the Earth.
Solvosimul is defined by the abject ways we interact with our surroundings, specifically with
non-human matter. What is allowed and what is not allowed, as defined by society? And how
do these societal frameworks influence the way we interact with non-human matter, with
Earth? Are we allowed to feel without borders? Can we allow ourselves to feel
uncomfortable, to then embrace what comes beyond this discomfort? There is a form of
resistance and freedom in allowing yourself to be dirty, to get dirty, to feel unconditionally.
I invite you to navigate the Flickr archive of Amberly Kelly with me; a collection of images
where a person, often dressed in knee socks, Mary Janes and colorful dresses, is
photographed submerging themselves while wearing these clothes. Almost never pictured
from the knees up. Their clothing imply some sort of girliness, appropriateness, thus what
she is doing, playing in the mud, is not “ladylike”, and does not belong. A girl must be
appropriate, we get told, and mud is dirty, unruly and with no boundaries. There is something
disarming about this clash of elements, a reminder that we don’t have to define our
relationship to Earth by societal ideas. As we unchain ourselves from these frameworks, we
can become more kindred with our surroundings and explore new ways of connection, even
though they might feel repulsive and uncomfortable at first.