An incredibly small space to pass through: On artistic practice, relation, and the resonant murk

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to outline the thoughts, priorities, and methods underlying my practice as a whole. Through the thesis, these values are shown to be non-hierarchical, posthumanist, and aimed towards inclusion across difference.

The thesis examines features of dominant narratives that act as barriers to open-ended forms of relation focusing on Eurocentric, Neo-liberal trends of thinking in the Global North. Using methods proposed by science fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin as a starting point, it focuses on other forms of time and attention, resonant relation, belonging, and the amateur as possible alternative modes of engagement. Chapters include explorations into alternate approaches to narrative, open space in artistic practice, metaphor as methodology, contexts for lateral collaboration and engagement, and time as a context for care.

The works included in this thesis explore themes of posthumanist relation through contemplation and writing, experiential/embodied learning, visual work, collaboration, socially engagement, and music composition and experimentation. Elements experimented with include resuscitation of dead metaphor, inviting ghosts and other more-than-human collaborators, moving very slowly, listening very intently, and creating contexts for shared unproductivity.

The result is itself a resonant zone of uncontainable relation, a swamp to wander through. The final work is presented as a website, itself exploring non-linear and non-heirarchical for relaying, compositing and navigating ideas. The full thesis can be read at:

LLEIF.FI/resonantmurk