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P01 ‘SAMSARA’


‘The only constant is change’ is a manifest that portrays how life and everything in it is subject to transformation.


Samsara is a new residency at London’s biggest immersive venue - Frameless. The show is a three-part audio-visual experience by Shahwali Shayan, Olesea Bortniac and Tao Xie as they explore the concept of continuous transformation, the ongoing process of change and evolution in our fragile and beautiful world. Supported by the Royal College of Art, the show will run from 2nd March to 1st June, 2024.


  •             ‘Samsara’ is an immersive multisensory visual art exhibition, accompanied by spatial soundscapes that celebrates the perpetual flow of change - birth, life, death and rebirth. Change is all around us. Some change is fixed, like the shift of one season to another, while other change is evolutionary and progressive, tossing new circumstances our way as time goes on.

    The project seamlessly melds 3D scenography, imaginative microscopy, sonic experimentation, and tangible real-world objects to illuminate the multifaceted facets of continuous transformation.  

    This visionary endeavour delves into the very essence of transformation, meticulously examining these processes embedded in the tapestry of natural phenomena, culture, society, and the human experience. It invites contemplation on the philosophical musings of existence and metamorphosis through the synthesis of arresting visuals and harmonious soundscapes.

    Through a symphony of diverse settings, an enchanting palette of hues, a meticulously curated musical accompaniment, and the deft application of post-production artistry, ‘Samsara’ aspires to craft an immersive visual odyssey that resonates deeply with its audience, eliciting profound emotional responses. The exhibition promises to be a profound exploration of the aesthetic and conceptual interplay that underscores the ceaseless cycle of life.


Drawing from autoethnographic research, this exhibition delves into the metaphorical significance of moss, weaving personal reflections with broader cultural narratives. Integrating my South Asian identity, themes of longing, nostalgia, childhood, and migration are explored, offering insights into the cultural and personal experiences that have deeply influenced my artistic expression. 

Moss emerges as a potent symbol of resistance, its resilience in adverse conditions reflecting themes of endurance and defiance. Through an exploration of decay, the exhibition illuminates the positive aspects often overlooked, presenting moss as a metaphor for life's cyclical nature—a metaphorical rebirth or resurrection akin to Samsara. Philosophical inquiries into moss extend to its representation of nature's reclamation and resilience, offering parallels to marginalized identities. 

Emphasising the constructive facets of decay, the exhibition shifts focus from mere decomposition to the potential for growth and renewal. Acknowledging moss's historical significance, particularly its role in healing wounds during Wars, adds layers to the narrative, intertwining nature's therapeutic qualities with the scars of human conflict. Utilising moss as a visual language, the exhibition fosters a dialogue between personal experiences and broader cultural contexts, transcending physicality to become a metaphorical bridge connecting individual narratives with universal truths.

In many respects, this piece embodies a self-portrait in motion, serving as a homage to my life, identity, and personal journey. Through the intricate interplay of visuals and themes, it encapsulates the essence of who I am, intricately weaving together elements of my existence, cultural heritage, and evolution.

The music for this piece ‘White Flower’ composed by Klangphonics - Maxl Walmsley-Pledl , Ben Kopfnagel & Markus Zunic.