Letter of Intent – Origamilitantisme

Origami is a traditional Japanese art form involving the folding and/or moulding of squares of paper to produce a three-dimensional object, often an animal or geometric figure. Although not traditionally associated with Zen Buddhism, but more with cultural events such as weddings, funerals, or well-wishing for sick patients, origami nonetheless has a meditative appeal, both in its symbolic meaning and in the practice of paper-folding itself.

The repetitive nature of having to produce hundreds of paper Pelicans for a performance event is a meditation in and of itself, involving many hours of quiet activity and contemplation. The quiet folding transcends the body and infuses the mind with a spirit of peace. As such, we enter the fray of a public demonstration to deliver a peaceful message by peaceful means, adding joy and colour to an often chaotic and aggressive atmosphere.

This action stands in counterpoint to what we have often seen in the streets of Montreal over the past year, on the part of both police and protesters alike, during the various public protests that have taken place. Often associated with the wish for healing, the origami performances of Origamilitantisme are intended to inspire a nonviolent resolution to the conflicts that exist in our community today, particularly around the limits placed on the freedoms of association, assembly and expression as restricted in the municipal bylaw P-6.