My experience of the exhibition Apologue Isle started before arriving at CAT. On my way to the gallery, I stopped at the traffic light at the ABC roundabout and saw this tiny plover chick being lost on the road trying to get to her parents who were restlessly calling her. An innocent car halted next to me, just missing the little one which reappeared right in front of my car. I jumped out of the car and quickly scooped and placed her on the narrow green as one of the parents swooped over me. Back in my car I felt hopeless and could only hope she’d be safe there. My heart was still pounding when I reached CAT and I burst into tears when I met the gentle smiles of Emalia and Andy.

The dark space comforted me and each story resonated with my feelings of guilt, sadness, and grief towards the destruction of nature.

Circumstances allowed me to create my response to the exhibition in my birth land, Japan. I chose my favourite local shrine and danced near my favourite old tree. Through moving while thinking about Apologue Isle, I sensed a hint of hope the exhibition also offered. The hope was linked with an emerged image of my dear baby — a new, healthy growing life.

Then I thought of that tiny plover chick in the middle of the busy road. My heart still tightens when I remember her. I still can only hope. But a collective hope is perhaps what we really need to collectively move forward.

Eri Mullooly-Hill Konishi was born and grew up in Nara, Japan. She is a performer and a registered Dance Movement Psychotherapist who moves with diverse communities in lutruwita.

Her belief in the power of dance led her to train as a Dance Movement Psychotherapist at Goldsmiths, University of London. Since qualifying in 2012 she has worked with children and adults in multiple settings including learning difficulties, mental health, and dementia care.

Here in beautiful lutruwita, Eri works for Second Echo Ensemble, performs at Mona and various events and festivals, and facilitates classes and workshops that are informed by her culture and/or relational dynamics. She also offers individual Dance Movement Therapy.

Currently Eri is focusing on nurturing her baby Yuma, enjoying her new role as a mother.