HEAL US/ HEAL U.S. was performed across the street from the former World Trade Center site on the eleventh anniversary of 9/11. This date was also the eleventh day of True Light, a 90-day endurance performance which explored the effects of fasting, prayer, meditation and silence upon creative inspiration. Using a household mop and a bucket with soapy water, Chavez scrubbed the words “HEAL US” onto a stone pedestrian sidewalk. The pavement was hot from the summer sun and the¬ words quickly evaporated. This lead to a repetition of the action, which continued for over eight hours. The pavement beneath the letters gradually became washed and brightened. The aroma of geranium essential oil in the soap infused the air. Geranium essential oil has anti- bacterial and anti-microbial properties which help keep wounds clean while they are healing. It is also a cytophylactic that stimulates cellular regeneration, and is valued for promoting the release of negative memories.
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