Amantes (Lovers): Investigating autonomy, autopoiesis, and polyrhythm with horses

Abstract

This visual essay with moving image explores a practice between the artist and three horses who are brought together by their shared response to the Afro-Cuban son clave: A rhythmic pattern that is ostensibly neither from the artist’s nor the horses’ cultural backgrounds. The essay investigates autonomy, autopoiesis, and polyrhythm with horses; and it considers the role of the change and stability paradox in potentially leading to more rhythmic attraction the less this is imposed or managed by the artist. The artist speculatively compares her practice with horses to the creative learning pedagogy developing in Wales in contrast to England’s prescriptive teaching.