Brooklyn-based puppeteer, writer and multidisciplinary artist Yulia Tsukerman has been creating a series of video poems and accompanying books titled Transmissions from the Ancient Forest. The project is told from the viewpoint of lesser animal gods living in an Ancient Forest, reflecting on contemporary human suffering and imparting their wisdom. The project’s sentiments can be summarized by one poem recited by a donkey-like god, which spells out, “The gods hear your prayers for peace, but do you hear ours?”
Despite not being human, the gods in Transmissions from the Ancient Forest can deeply empathize with humanity and their struggles. They want to care for the human race, and they believe that the best way to do so is to call for peace between human beings and between human beings and the planet. They call for alignment and balance between human life and the lives of plants and animals. Most important of all, they share these messages with kindness. This is why Transmissions from the Ancient Forest by Yulia Tsukerman is relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Climate Action and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.
The books that make up Transmissions from the Ancient Forest are published as blessings and have been divided into two almanacs, showing how the project has been running for two years. Some books reflect on current happenings from a particular month, for example the Blessings for October from the Second Almanac follows the gods as they wear costumes. They transform into carrots, pumpkins, mushrooms and other fresh produce, reflecting the celebration of Halloween. Other books, such as Blessings for September from the Second Almanac, reflect on specific human world issues previously discussed by the gods. Blessings for September offers a look into the minds of Stones that live along the River of Time, contemplating everything from changing weather patterns to the shifting “moods” of plants.
Yulia Tsukerman’s Transmissions from the Ancient Forest offers a poetic and visually stunning meditation on human suffering and the interconnectedness of life. Through the voices of empathetic animal gods, the project calls for peace among humans and between humanity and nature, emphasizing balance and harmony. By blending poetry, puppetry and visual art, Tsukerman creates a unique narrative that blends timely reflections with timeless wisdom, Transmissions from the Ancient Forest inspires a deeper understanding of people’s shared responsibilities and the urgent need for compassion in today’s evolving world.
Find out more about Transmissions from the Ancient Forest and other pieces by Yulia Tsukerman on her website www.yuliyatsukerman.com or Instagram @yeahliya.