In Symbiotic Relationships, Mara Espinosa Erda delves into the intricate dynamics of symbiotic and codependent relationships, examining how they shape identity and emotional connection. Through the physical act of adhering feathers to her body, Espinosa Erda symbolically merges with her parrot, a companion she has had since childhood. This intimate gesture serves as a profound exploration of emotional reliance and the delicate balance between connection and individuality.
Symbiotic Relationships, 2024 (video) | performance, Rome. Video: Vincent Jernevs
Parrots are known for forming lifelong bonds and experiencing deep grief when separated from their chosen partners. By embodying this bond, Espinosa Erda reflects on the intensity of attachment and the emotional vulnerability inherent in such relationships. The performance becomes a meditation on the blurred boundaries between self and other, where emotional dependence intertwines with personal identity.
Symbiotic Relationships, 2024 | performance, Rome. Photo: Vincent Jernevs
At the core of this work lies the artist's relationship with her mother, which she parallels with the bond she shares with her parrot. The feathers become a symbolic extension of her own body, representing the weight of emotional entanglement and the struggle for autonomy within close relationships. By transforming her parrot into an embodiment of her mother, Espinosa Erda navigates the complex emotions of love, protection, and loss that define these connections.
Symbiotic Relationships, 2024 | performance, Rome. Photo: Vincent Jernevs
