En Ausencia

In Central America, water is often contaminated, and drinking water is a private good, regulated by market forces just like any other commodity. En Ausencia— In Absence —was conceived and filmed during Caterina Erica Shanta’s research residency in Mexico City in June 2023. To highlight the political nature of water in Mexico, the artist issued an open call inviting people to share their dreams in which water appeared as the main and recurring element. The film was constructed using the narration of the people who participated in the project, recounting dreams of water—both wondrous and terrifying omens—against the backdrop of the Xochimilco marshes, the last remnant of the immense Lake Texoco, which disappeared after the 1960s.