A Parody Mass is an audio-visual art series titled inspired by the Gaelic waulking songs, or *orain luaidh*, traditionally sung by women during the communal waulking of wool. This collection examines the interconnected themes of work, ownership, and dissociation, reflecting on how these concepts shape our understanding of labor and identity. Through the use of repetition in both visual and auditory elements, the artworks evoke the rhythmic essence of waulking, illustrating how song and labor intertwine to sustain the process and the community.
The series also interrogates the complexities of ownership, exploring the rights tied to material goods and cultural heritage. Each piece serves as a reminder of the collective memory embedded in acts of work, highlighting the contributions of those who came before us. In a modern context, we contemplate the feelings of dissociation that arise when we lose touch with historical roots and the labor that has shaped our identities. This exploration invites viewers to reflect on the enduring influence of communal labor and the stories woven into the fabric of our shared culture.
A Parody Mass can also function as an album series. The NUE Series is available as a Spotify playlist or via Bandcamp.