The Art of Nomads
In the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia, a mesmerizing event unfolded just before the world plunged into the uncertainties of a global lockdown. It was a Nomads Live Performance Painting, a unique spectacle that took place on the 15th of March 2019, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic and cultural landscape of the region.

The stage for this extraordinary performance was set in a cultural and eco-friendly building, a fitting backdrop for an event that aimed to transcend artistic boundaries and delve into the core of human existence. Against the looming backdrop of impending lockdowns, the event took on an added significance, becoming a testament to the resilience of human expression in the face of challenging times.

At the heart of the performance was a four-hour-long live painting session, a canvas brought to life not with strokes of a brush, but through the intricate artistry of body painting. The focal point of this living canvas was a dear local model, hailing from the rich cultural tapestry of Samoa. His presence on the canvas symbolized more than just a visual spectacle; it embodied the essence of continuous migration and the interconnectedness of our global existence.

As the brush moved across the contours of the model’s body, it told a story of movement, of evolution, and of the intertwining threads of different cultures. The model, with roots in Samoa, took center stage, a living representation of the myriad journeys that individuals embark upon, voluntarily or by fortune, seeking new horizons and opportunities.
In a poignant twist to the performance, the model performed his own walk out of the frame. This act symbolized not only the physical act of migration but also the agency and personal narratives that individuals carry with them as they traverse the world. His Samoan heritage, like brushstrokes on the canvas, painted a vivid picture of the diverse human experiences that shape our collective history.

The Nomads Live Performance Painting was more than just an artistic expression; it was an initiative that sparked conversations about the continuous flow of people around the globe. It served as a reminder that, as an evolutionary species, we have been propelled across borders by a synergy of cultural currents and the unpredictable tides of fortune.

This artistic endeavor encouraged contemplation on the natural meanings embedded in migration—meanings that extend beyond geopolitical boundaries. It highlighted the beauty of diversity and the profound impact of movement on the tapestry of our shared human story. In those four hours of live painting, Melbourne bore witness to a celebration of cultural richness, human resilience, and the ever-evolving dance of existence on a global stage.