Dragging Stones

The Burden of Stones Philemon Mukarno crawling naked on the ground, with two large stones attached to his ankles by ropes. He drags the stones along with him, which is very heavy and painful. He has been doing this his whole life, but fortunately it becomes less heavy and easier over time. Eventually, he frees himself from the stones and can walk freely in the world. The Struggle of Queer People in a Religious Society It is a struggle of queer people in a religious society that condemns and persecutes homosexuality. The stones are the burden of guilt, shame, fear, and violence that gay people have to endure because of their sexual orientation. The ropes represent the ties that bind them to their religion, which they cannot easily break. The crawling represents the humiliation and suffering that queer people face in their daily lives. Resilience and Courage in the Face of Oppression The performance also shows the resilience and courage of gay people who resist and overcome the oppression and violence they face. The gradual easing of the weight of the stones represents the gradual acceptance and liberation of queer people in some parts of the world. The final freeing of the stones represents the ultimate goal of queer rights: to live freely and openly without fear or discrimination. The Body as a Medium of Artistic Expression Mukarno uses his body as a medium of artistic expression, which is a common practice in performance art. He exposes his nakedness to the audience, which creates a sense of vulnerability and intimacy. He also exposes his pain and suffering, which creates a sense of empathy and compassion. He invites the audience to witness his ordeal, which creates a sense of involvement and participation. Powerful Symbols in Performance Art He also uses simple but powerful symbols to convey his message. The stones are a universal symbol of weight, hardness, and resistance. They contrast with the softness and fragility of his flesh. The ropes are a universal symbol of bondage, restriction, and control. They contrast with the freedom and movement of his spirit. The crawling is a universal symbol of lowliness, weakness, and submission. It contrasts with the dignity and strength of his character.