“rose.water//copper.garden.” is vulnerable body of work culminating three years of thoughtful contemplation, radical self-rediscovery and somatic investigation of self after the ties have been drastically severed. Exploring themes of spiritual curiosity, personal history and ancestral veneration this work addresses the quiet regenerative journey of a dysregulated nervous system following heartbreak, loss and self-inflicted isolation.
In this choreographic film, Okwae A. Miller, reimagines the bounty of intricate memories residing within the bones from his past-self, present-self, and all the people in between. These intricacies are enfolded into a site-specific solo supported by an atmospheric sound collage, produced in collaboration with Atlanta-based musician Rob Carlo. The sound and movement function to echo the notion that healing involves undressing the veils of shame while simultaneously punctuating life’s radiance. Connected through flicks of navigating channels, the elements presented in the score share personal documentations of pain, advice from ancestors and longings for direction.
This work premiered May 2025 as a 5-week choreographic video installation in collaboration with Best Practice Gallery and Bread & Salt Gallery in San Diego, CA with the support of San Diego Arts & Culture and California Arts Council.
Videography: Xavier Vazquez
Composition: Rob Carlo
Choreography and Creative Direction: Okwae A. Miller