The artwork embarks on a visceral, intimate, and poetic exploration of the profound connection between the human body and various bodies of water—wetlands, lakes, seas, rivers, and springs. It delves into the realms of the body, binaries, gender, sexuality, and the historical interplay between water and life. Moreover, it contemplates water’s significance as a vital space essential for fostering relationships across all territories.

In “Kowkülen” (Being Liquid), Seba Calfuqueo suspends his body from a tree employing Shibari ties, a Japanese form of bondage. This act allows his skin to contact the flowing waters of a river within the Wallmapu territory. As the water tenderly caresses Seba’s skin and courses through his being, a text is recited in Mapudungun (the Mapuche language, meaning ’language of the land’) and Spanish. This spoken narrative unveils toponymies connected to water, anachronisms, and intricate relationships between diverse Mapuche terms and words. Such exploration opens the door to many imaginaries, drawing from both Mapuche and non-Mapuche perspectives, aiming to intertwine the advocacy for water defense through the lens of nature’s rights and the people’s.

The artwork invites contemplation and reflection by merging the physical experience of the artist’s body with the poetic resonance of language. It prompts us to reconsider our relationship with water, recognizing its sacredness and ecological significance. Through this immersive journey, “Kowkülen” seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for the vital interconnectedness between human existence, water, and the diverse web of life that Mapuche people inhabit.