The Cenote Ring

Performance Stone Nest, London’s West End, 09/05/25

Painting exhibition at HS Projects (5 Howick Pl, London SW1P 1WG), 18/06/25 - 12/12/25

This project investigates the symbolism, history, and myths surrounding the underground bodies of water forming the cenote ring in Yucatan, Mexico. It addresses the complexities and tensions of belief systems and worldviews by connecting the historical significance of this geological feature, created by an asteroid impact, with contemporary societal issues such as consumerism, expansion, speed, and resource accumulation amid an ecological crisis.

The project shifts across painting, performance, moving image, and installation. It is accompanied by an immersive sonic, sound design inspired by natural cycles, collapse, and grief developed through field recording and playing real-time API near-earth object data, generative and granular synth techniques as well as score and sound design in full Spatial Audio created by Bon Music Vision. The performance provokes thought and dialogue about our interaction with natural environments, the historical manipulation of resources, and the overarching themes of creation, destruction, and renewal.

The Cenote Ring

By Paola Estrella

Audio - Bon Music Vision

3D Environment and Avatar in Unreal - Costas Kazantzis

Music and Voice - Montañera

Performance and Movement - Pierre Babbage

Spoken Word - Paola Estrella

3D Scans - Bon Music Vision Costumes - Gabrielle Venguer

Editing - Paola Estrella

Technical Support - Iker Orozco

Camera Assistant - Helga Dorothea Fannon

Drone Filming - Israel Casas

Underwater Filming - Benjamin Estrella Contreras

Narration - Jose Chi, Paola Estrella,

Benjamin Estrella Gabilondo, Karla Estrella

Costume design - Gabrielle Venguer

Lighting design - Beril Yavuz

Director of videography: Bahia Ayos

Photographer: Stylian Tastsoglou

Inspired by John Muir, Maria Popova, Charles Darwin, Ashley King, Carlos Castaneda, Jacobo Grinberg.

In conversation with Pita Arreola

Supported by

Arts Council England, Arte Lagos, Stone Nest, Orleans House Gallery, and HS Projects.

Project Development

Images from performances at the V&A East Takeover, Studio Berlin, Stone Nest, and Soho House Mexico.

Supported by The National Lottery Fund, Arts Council England, Richmond Council, Orleans House Gallery and HS Projects. Further development during a residency at Arte Lagos in Mexico City in summer 2024, including visits to Yucatan's cenotes to continue the research.

Paola Estrella Painting Acrylic
Paola Estrella Painting Flower
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