In the end, it’s all the same thing

A journey into deep time that travels through a tree of life, genetic ancestry, ancient microorganisms, cycles of birth and death, and the shared memories of two brothers.

Melding the respective visual and sonic practices of Hermanos Riffo Gómez (Cristo and Francisco Riffo), this performance intertwines intimate recollections with the memory of nature and the cosmos. Through the growth and modification of microscopic organisms, the artists explore themes of migration, family heritage, and fraternal symbiosis.

The piece begins in a 3D environment inspired by the artists’ native Chile that navigates through the Andes, roots and branches of trees, empty houses, and interior rooms. This visual universe gradually transforms, giving way to live imagery captured by microscopes installed inside the dome, combining 3D and darkfield microscopy, long-duration time-lapse footage, and live biological samples manipulated in real time. Each transformation of the evolving samples segments a new chapter in the journey. The sounds emerging from these microscopic landscapes are turned into a live musical composition, through a multichannel ambisonic audio system.

Echoing the brothers’ familial and creative bond, the relations between the cells reflect their collaborative process. In the end, it’s all the same thing unfolds a moving meditation on memory, belonging and the entanglement of time.

Cristo Riffo

Cristo Riffo is a Chilean artist whose practice explores memory, light, politics, and biology through live performances and kinetic installations. He repurposes and reconfigures technological devices by drawing on microbiology, electronics, robotics, and programming. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Universidad de Playa Ancha (Chile) and a Master of Fine Arts from Concordia University. His work has been presented in Chile and internationally.

Francisco Riffo

Francisco Riffo is a Chilean musician and multimedia artist whose practice encompasses computer music, sound installation, generative visuals, and interdisciplinary collaborations. His musical work combines traditional practices with experimental approaches, chaotic programming, and live improvisation.