Enlight-Tents
Concept by Vaago Weiland and Laura Varela

Enlight-Tents documentation film created for the installation by Vaago Weiland and Laura Varela for Luminaria Arts Night in San Antonio, TX March 14, 2009.

Installation for Public Space at the Alamo

Generations of mankind lived and travelled in tents. All of their possessions were placed in their tents. Everything took place in nature or these tents: life, love, birth and death. The most important values of life are inside of us–inside of our being. We don’t need thick walls to shelter these values and beliefs. We don’t need spaces built like fortifications such as missions, cathedrals, and other buildings of worship. We don’t need defensive fortification to feel secure or connected with other life giving energy. The understanding of the basic law must be inside of us–our heart, soul and mind. The beauty of mother earth reminds us of this constantly.

It is easy to change your position when you are living in a tent. It is easy to change your point of view when you are not living behind thick walls. You are just covered and sheltered by a thin membrane and are coexisting with nature when you live in this manner. This membrane is easy to destroy; everyone has to handle it carefully. You need a lot of sensibility, respect, and knowledge to handle it. 

Vaago Weiland is from Europe and studied architecture as well as sculpture and spent time in San Antonio in 2007. He recognized that the San Antonio Missions were built like castles and defensive fortifications. Laura Varela is a Chicana from Texas whose roots in the Americas are grounded as far south as Durango Mexico and north to the Great Plains. Throughout their discussion about the arrival of Europeans and the effect on indigenous cultures and people one conclusion was clear: the belief and knowledge of the basic law of the universe and nature was sheltered behind thick walls for the Europeans.