Krimi Two, Iteration 1 - In Wheat Field, Khajuraho

Nicole Banowetz | Devin Reilly

The Krimi came to us from India.  When we arrived at Last Ship we began creating without knowing what we would discover.  As our forms emerged we learned of early Vedic writings about microorganisms, called Krimi.  Krimi are tiny visible and invisible organisms both pathogenic and non pathogenic. They were first described in the Vedas over 3000 years ago, over 2,500 years before Western science developed the first primitive microscope.  At this time in India they knew that unseen forces affect our health and that some of these can be detrimental and others beneficial.  The delicate balance that exists in nature was already understood.  Early Vedic writings even explained that detrimental Krimi could be cleaned by placing it in early morning light.  This is an early reference to killing germs with UV light.

The Krimi remind us of the Old Friend hypothesis which states that certain microbes have existed throughout history.  There is evidence that humans had these krimi inside their bodies for generations and that human immune systems evolved alongside them. These microbes that evolved alongside our immune system are known as "old friends” and the human and the microbes depend on each other to function properly.  In contemporary times we are rediscovering our Old Friends.  Many scientists have realized that in some cases destroying the microorganisms that live in and on our bodies have caused immune disorders, allergies, and other problems.

Everything in India is always in motion, fluid and adaptable.  Our Krimi change, each having multiple iterations.  Inspired by the many reincarnations of Hindu gods one Krimi can also be many.  In these iterations sometimes the krimi stand, other times they fly, and they may grow new appendages.  These iterations also reference the many stages of insects progressing from larval to adult.

We believe our Krimi have a positive influence, bringing joy to those who see them.   During our residency the Krimi appeared around Khajuraho sometime near a temple, on route to a mountain, or next to a lake. We would perform with our krimi and the locals would join us; sometimes just watching from afar and other times asking to wield the Krimi themselves.

The Krimi exist in an overlap of spirituality and science just as these tiny organisms and humans exist together in one place while living in completely different realities.  The two profoundly affect one another even when they have no awareness that the other exists.