❛Bed of Moss, Cloud and Water❜
In the centre of a darkened room, under a single, focused spotlight, stands a metallic bed frame. The usual comfort of mattress and pillows is replaced by an array of LCD screens, creating an unsettling yet intriguing focal point. Images of moss, clouds and water appear in slow progressions.
*
The sequential video loop displayed on the screens explores profound themes of yearning, haptic disconnect, and the clash between our intrinsic need to connect with the Earth and the barriers imposed by modern life and climate change highlighting the mitigation of desires through technology.
By delving into the concepts of inner time, qualia, human-nature disconnect, and post-human spirituality, this project aims to illuminate the complex interplay between human consciousness, technology, and the natural world. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and creative exploration, it seeks to offer insights for navigating the challenges of the modern era while fostering a deeper sense of connection, meaning, and spirituality in the post-human age.
©Divya Singh, 2024, New Delhi, India
(The image above is a projection rendered using AI)
Haptic Longing
Julia Kristeva's theory of the chora phase underscores the fundamental role of touch and physical presence in human development and emotional regulation. In today's technologically driven society, the disconnect from these primal experiences manifests as a deep sense of longing and alienation.
*
In her seminal work "Revolution in Poetic Language" (1984), Julia Kristeva presents a profound exploration of early childhood development and its lasting impact on human emotions and communication. Central to her theory is the concept of the 'chora' phase, a pre-linguistic stage of infancy where touch and physical closeness with primary caregivers play a critical role in emotional regulation.
Before infants learn to use language, they experience the world through their bodies, with touch acting as a primary means of communication and emotional satisfaction. This phase highlights the intrinsic connection between human beings and their environment, a bond that becomes increasingly fractured in technologically advanced societies.
During the chora phase, the boundaries between the infant and the caregiver are fluid. The sensations of touch, such as the warmth of milk or the soothing hands of a caregiver, are integral to the infant's emotional wellbeing.
This intimate form of communication fosters a sense of unity and security, emphasizing the importance of physical presence and tactile interaction in human development. As we grow and adopt language as our primary mode of communication, this primal connection to touch and the natural world often diminishes, leading to a sense of disconnection.
In modern, technologically advanced times, this disconnect has become more pronounced. The pervasive presence of digital devices and virtual interactions has altered the way we experience the world and connect with others.
While technology offers unprecedented convenience and connectivity, it often comes at the cost of physical and emotional engagement. The screens that dominate our daily lives serve as barriers, distancing us from direct sensory experiences and reducing opportunities for meaningful, tactile interactions.
The sense of yearning for physical touch and connection, (what might be described as haptic longing) remains a fundamental aspect of human nature. However, as our interactions become increasingly mediated by technology, satisfying this longing becomes more challenging
The serene landscapes that once offered solace and connection are often replaced by concrete jungles and virtual simulations of nature. This physical and emotional distancing from the natural world contributes to a collective sense of loss and alienation.