The tradition of canning tomatoes in gelatin has survived over generations and changes of regime in my family in Latvia, a former Soviet republic in the Baltic. I belong to the first generation of freedom, which comes with broader life possibilities. This allows me to reflect on my origin through a geographical distance and at the same time to look closer at some every-day life phenomena.
While documenting the process of preservation and the surroundings where it is being done, I am questioning: What does this „jelly“ hold together or what kind of gaps does it fill in? Is it the interconnection of mother- daughter relationships or the entire female family line? Does it soothe the emotional issues caused by the patriarchal family structure, the past oppression regime, and the dangers in the current geopolitical context? The question of what throughout it all is an essential part of one’s identity remains. Video and sound elements, combined with live performance create an audiovisual realm that falls in between memories and fiction.

Concept, Video, Performance: Dace Šteinerte
Performance, Mask: Vita Malahova
Sound Design: Markus Aebersold
Stage Design: Andris Kaļiņins
Outside-Eye: Olen Mamai
Technical Consultant: Reinaldo Verde