Lacrima

“Lacrima” is a water clock. It theoretically measures climatic time, in particular that of the Dolomites and the Marmolada glacier. It is a slow performance, an invitation to reflect on the glacier waters that are draining away, on the earth that soaks up this valuable resource, on the water tables that safeguard it in the ground and in time, and on the importance of ancient traditions that are the custodians of our relationship with water. It is a participatory performance that involves Mary Mattingly, the artist who conceived this exhibit—created for the MUSE as the result of her period of residency and her many discussions with the museum’s scientists—and all those who took part in the Un vaso per Mary workshop with the vases made during the event.

The artist

Critically acclaimed more than once also by the New York Times for her efforts regarding ecological issues, Mary Mattingly was the first artist-in-residence hosted by MUSE. In December 2022, she met experts in science, biology, botany, geology, and glaciology. She visited the local area, going as far as the Dolomites to see the reservoirs that produce hydroelectricity. And this experience was what led to “Lacrima”.