Unit 2
🔘 Gallery 🔘 Inspiration 🔘 Research 🔘 Process
Research
--- Research Question ---How can technology and artistic practice enhance the perception and Interaction between humans and plants?
--- Research Themes and Directions ---1. Fusion of Plant Alchemy and Digital Art
Explore how ancient practices of plant alchemy (such as spagyrics) can be combined with modern digital art techniques to create innovative, multi-sensory artworks. This research will include an analysis of traditional alchemical methods and how these methods can oc realised and enhanced through digital technology.
2. Integration of Spirituality and Eco-Art
Investigate how to Incorporate spirituality and ecological awareness into artistic creation, resulting in healing and inspiring art installations. The research will examine the role of plants as spiritual mediums in art and how to convey ideas of eco-feminism and posthumanism through artistic works.
3. Technological Realisation of Multi-sensory Immersive Experiences
Study how modern technologies such as new media art and sound technology can be used to create multi-sensory immersive art experiences. Explore how these technological means can enhance audience engagement and interaction, allowing them io experence the anwor more profoundly.
4. Digital Witchcraft and Modern Ritual DesignResearch the application of modern technology in ritual design, specifically how digital witchcraft can combine traditional rituals with contemporary digital tools. Investigate how to design and implement tech-based rituals with healing effects to strengthen the connection between humans and the
natural world.
5. Interactive Art Between Plants and Humans
Explore how to showcase the Interaction between plants and humans through artistic works. This research will indude scientific studies on plant perception capabilities and how to represent this interaction in art. Focus on the plants ability to sense human emotions and Intentions and their application in art.
6. Eco-Inspired Art Installation Design
Design and create art installations inspiredby ecosystems, studying how theseinstallations can convey the concepts or natural therapy and ecological conservation. Explore methods thatcombine natural matenals （such as plants, soil, stones) and digital technology to create artworks wilh ecological andaesthelk value.
7. Dialogue Between Traditional Herbalism and mlodern Art
Investigate how the knowledge and practices of traditional herbalism can be applied and expressed in modern artisticcreation. Explore the medicinal properties and spiritual significance of herbs and how to convey these attributes and meanings to the audience through art.
8. Plant Art from a Posthumanist Perspective
Study the role and significance of plants in artistic creation from a posthumanist perspective. Explore the relationship between humans and plants and how to break anthropocentrism through artistic works, showcasing the importance of plants as equal living beings.
9. Research on Technology-Driven Interactive Rituals
Investigate how to design and implement Interactive nituals using technological means (such as sensors, interactive projections) to enhance audience engagement and immersion in artworks. Explore the potential of these technologies in enhancing spiritual and healing experiences.
Summary:
In contemporary artistic creation, more and more artists are exploring the relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly with plants. Traditionally, plants have been viewed as insentient beings, but recent scientific research and artistic practices have shown that plants have the ability to perceive their environment, respond to stimull, and establish complex interactions with humans. By combining ancient herbal wisdom with modern technological means, this research question aims to explore how artistic practice can enhance and showcase the perception and interaction between humans and plants.
--- Project Outline ---
‘’Ethereal Herbal Invocation’’ draws inspiration from ancient herbalism, mystical traditions. and electronic witchcraft, merging modern art and technology to create an ecosystem that is both futuristic and rooted in nature. This work Integrates ancient rituals and herbal wisdom with new media art and interactive experiences. By exploring the deep connection between humans and nature and the symbolic meanings of the four elements (fire, water, earth, air), the project aims to offer a healing and spiritual connection within a modern Urban environment.
1. Eco-Printed Fabric
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Background: Eco-printed fabric is an environmentally riendly dyeing technique that uses the natural colours and shapes of plants, transferred onto fabric through heat and pressure. This method not only Preserves the original textures and colours of the plants but also creates a natural aesthetic.
- Usage: To decorate both the interior and exterior of the tent, creating a harmonious and nature-inspired visual effect while enhancing the overall ecological theme.
2. Tent
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Background: A tent, as a temporary and mobile structure, symbolises shelter and privacy. In many cultures, tents are also places for rituals and meditation.
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Usage: To provide a private and immersive envionment alowne participants i escape external distractions and focus on their sensory journey and spiritual experience
3. day Pool
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Background: Historically clay has been widely used to make vessels and religious ritual objects, symbolising the connection to the earth and nature.
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Usage: Filled with ‘’mystical wate,’’ it serves as the focal point of the central ritual. Participants drop herbal essences into the pool, symbolising the fusion of elements and spint.
4. Plant Tinctures
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Background: Plant tinctures are concentrated liquids made by soaking plants in alcohol or other solvents to extract their active ingredients. offering both medicinal and spiritual benefits.
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Usage: Participants experience and albsoro the mystical properties of herbs by smelling and dropping the tinctures into the day pool, symbolising the power and healing energy of the herbs.
5. Test Tubes
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Background: Test tubes symbolise science and exploration. commonly used in experiments and pharmaceutical research. representing the understanding and utilisation of nature.
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Usage: To store and display different plant tinctures, enhancing the ritualls scientific and mystical atmosphere.
6. Pipette
- Background: A pipette is a common laboratory tool used for precise liquldtransfer symbolising careful and meticulous handling.
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Usage: Participants use the pipette to drop plant tinctures into the clay pool. symbolising the release of herbal essences and mystical powers.
7. Cushion
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Background: Cushions provide comfortable seating, often used in meditation and retreat settings to help people relax and focus.
- Usage: To offer participants comfortablesealing. facilitating their meditation and sensory engagement during the ritual.
8. Projector
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Background: Projection technology can cast Images onto varlous surfaces, creating dynamic and immersive visual effects.
- Usage: To project ethereal Images and resonant sounds inside the tent, creating mystical and transcendent atmosphere, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
* Plant sensory Abilties *#
1. The Baxter Effect
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The book describes Cleve Backster's experiment, known as the "Backster Effect." which reveals plants' sensitive reactions to their environment and human emotions. Backster connected a lie detedtor to plantleaves and found that when he imaginedharming the plant. it showed signltcantelectrical activity. Even the mere thought ofharm, without any physical action, triggered a response. This indicates that plants can sense human intentions and emolions.
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"It was as If the plant were reading his mind anuidipating his harmfu intent, and reacuingwithn fear or distress"
- This experiment inspired me to highiight the spirituality and sensory abilities of plants in "Ethereal Herbal Invocation." By using herbal tinctures, the audience can establish an emotional and spiritualconnection with the plants.
2. Simples’ Experiment
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Luther Burbank and Simples experiments also demonstrated plants sensory abilities. Simples studied plants responses to mechanical stimulation and environmente changes. concluding that plants not only reaci to physical stimuli but also exhibit patterns akin to pain and pleasure.
- "Plants have all the attributes of sensitiva creatures. They respond to human emotions and can communicate in a primitive way."
- In my work, through interactive rituals. participants can feel the spirituality of plants and experience their responses to human emouions and intentions.
* The Mysterious Connection Between Plants and Humans *
1. Telepathy and Empathy
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Some experiments and cases in the book suggest that plants may possess some form of telepathy or empathetic ability. Plants not only perceive changes in their surroundings but also resonate deeply with humans. For instance, some researchers reported that plants could sense when their caretakers were coming home, even before they arrived, showing signs of excitement or anticipation.
- ‘’Plants seem to be able to pickup on the energies and Intentions of their human caretakers, forming a unique bond that transcends mere physical interaction."
- This concept is also reflected in my work, Ethereal Herbal Invocation." Through the use of herbal tinctures and multisensory experiences, the audience can sense the vitality and spirituality of plants and form a deep emotional connection with them.
* Specific Experimental Cases *
1. Vogel's Experiment
- Marcel Vogel's experiments further support the mysterious connection between plants and humans. He discovered that when humans focused attention and care on plants, the plants showed better growth and health. This phenomenon suggests that plants can feel and respond to human emotions.
- "When you love a plant and give it your attention, It responds in lind, thriving in Ways that are almost magical."
- In my work, participants engage with and smell herbal tinctures, experiencing the mystical powers and healing properties oi plants. This emphasizes the spirituality and sensory abilities of plants in their interactions with humans.
* Key Concepts in the Book *
Animism
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"The Secret Life of Plants conveys a crucial idea: plants are sentient beings with the ability to perceive and interact. The book presents numerous experiments and research findings demonstrating plantst mysterious sensory abilities and their deep connection with humans. Through these studies, the authors aim to change people's perceptions of plants, showing that they are not merely inanimate decorations or food sources but are living beings with sensations and emotions.
- ‘’Plants are not passive recipients of human care; they are active participants in a shared living experience, capable of responding to our emotions and intentions"
I believe the Backster Effect and Simples’ experiments reveal that the interaction between plants and humans extends beyond the physical realm to emotional and spiritual levels. This understanding challenges traditional dualistic thinking, inspiring me to integrate elements of science and spirituality in my art.
The concepts of telepathy and empathy prompted me to consider how plants resonate deeply with humans. In modern society, where the disconnection from nature grows stronger. these experiments suggest that by forming emotional bonds with plants, we can rekindle our reverence and dependence on nature.
Vogel's experiment highlights the importance of intention and attention in the health and growth of plants. This made me realize that in artistic creation, the same focus and emotion are needed to achieve deeper resonance and interaction. This resonance is not merely a physical interaction but e spiritual connection.
Inspired by "The Secret Life of Plants,’’ my work "Ethereal Herbal Invocation aims to explore the mysterious connection between plants and humans through herbal tinctures and multisensory experiences. The tinctures provide healing and protection on a physical Level and enhance interaction and resonance with nature on a spiritual level. Through this immersive experience, I hope the audience can feel the vitality of plants and re-evaluate our profound connection with nature.
--- Four elements ---
elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elements fomm ine basis of ailnatoralprocesses, and everything in existence is a combination of these elements in varying proportions. When a living being dies, these
elements separate and recombine to form new life forms. This perspective emphasizes the cyclical and eternal nature of the natural world. Plato also mentioned the four elements in his work "Timaeus." linking them to geometric shapes. Aristotle further developed this theory by associating the four elements with four basic qualities: dryness, moisture, heat, and cold.
Building on this foundation, Aristotle introduced a fifth element, known as aether on
*quintessence.* He believed that this element existed not only in the physical world but also possessed a divine nature, serving as the origin and ultimate destiny of allite forms.
This theory of elements influenced subsequent scientific research and had a profound impact on alchemy and mysticism.
"What happens is that the four elements combine and separate-and then recombine."
--- Jostein Gaarder, "Sophie's World"
--- Jostein Gaarder, "Sophie's World"
--- Plant Alchemy ---In plant alchemy. plants are viewed as embodying the healing power of nature. Through extraction and transformation, it is possible to create preparations that offer not only medicinal benefits but also spiritual advantages. This process is not merely physical and chemical; it is also a spiritual and philosophical practice that provides a holistic understanding of nature and healing methods. By studying these herbs and their corresponding elements in depth, we gain insight into their medicinal properties on a physical level and uncover their profound significance on a spiritual and magical level.
"Ethereal Herbal Invocation aims to create e multisensory experience through art. allowing the audience to feel the power and harmony of natural elements. This title reflects the ancient philosophy and mysticism of the four elements (earth, water, fre, and air), blending the mystical properties and spiritual connections of herbalism with Aristotle's concept of aether, representing a transcendental spiritual experience beyond the material world.
In exploring the connection between magical herbalism and elemental symbolism, we find that each magical herb is closely associated with the four classical elements (earth, air. tre. and water). Scott Cunningham's 1985 book
‘’Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs’’ describes in detail how these elements exist in everything, including herbs. Each element has its unique magical uses.
* 🜃Earth *
- Main symbolism: Money, prosperity, fertilty, healing, employment
- Herb: Mugwort
- Background and Uses: Herbs associated with the earth element typically address concrete needs in the physical world, such as financial stability, fertility, and physical healing. Larth element herbs have stabilising and nourishing properties: often used to enhance personal wealth, promote fertility, and treat illnesses. Mugwort is known for its warming and protective qualities, particularly effective in treating cold-related ailments.
- ‘’The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine’’.
* 🜁Alr *
- Main Symbolism: Spiritual strength, vision. mental power, wisdom
- Herb: Lavender
- Background and Uses: Air element heros are primarily related to the mental and intellectual realms, possessing the ability to enhance thought and emotion. The element symbolises lightness, freedom, and wisdom. Lavender is renowned for its calming and refreshing effects. helping to relieve anxiety, clear the mind. and provide comfort and puntication on a spiritual level.
- ‘’The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy’’, Valerie Ann Worwood
* 🜂 Fire *
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Main Symbolism: Desire, courage, strength, exorcism, protection, health
- Herb: Marigold
- Background and Uses: Fire element herbs are full of vitality and transformative power, often used to increase personal courage and strength, as well as in protection and exorcism rituals. The fire element symbolises energy, passion, and transformation. Marigold is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in promoting wound healing. embodying the fire element's presence in nature.
- "The Green Pharmacy", James A. Duke
"Calendula, or marigold, has been used for centuries to treat skin conditions and
promote wound healing."
promote wound healing."
* 🜄Water *
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Main Symbolism: Sleep, meditation, purification, prophetic dreams, healing. love, friendship, loyalty
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Hero: Chamomile
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Background and Uses: Water element herbs are often associated with emotions. intuition, and healing, having calming and restorative effects. The water element symbolises gentleness. fuidity, and emotional depth. Chamomile is renowned for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, able to calm the nervous system, help alleviate anxiety and insomnie, and provide peace and recovery like water.
- "The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook", James Green
"Chamomile is one of the most gentle and soothing herbs avallable"
--- The symbolism of the four Elements in Ecofeminism and
Posthumanism ---
1. Earth
* Ecofeminism Symbolism:
In ecofeminism, the earth element symbolises Gaia, the Earth Mother, and fertility. Earth represents the foundation and support system of the natural world, highlighting the deep connection between women and nature.
Ecofeminists belleve that women and the earth suffer from similar oppression and exploitation, so restoring the environment and women's rights are inseparable goals.
* Greta Gaard in Ecofeminism:
Theory ano Practice states: "The earth symbolises the foundation of ife. Ecofeminists call for respect and protection of this foundation, just as we protect women's rights.
* Mary Daly in Beyond God the Father mentions:
"Earth is a symbol of fertility and regeneration, embodying the vitality of women and the abundance of the earth.
* Posthumanism Symbolism:
In posthumanism, the earth element represents an ecological system that moves beyond anthropocentrism. Earth emphasises the role of humans as part of a biological network, transcending human-centred thinking and stressing the equality and interdependence of all life forms.
* Rosi Braidott in The Posthuman mentions:
"Earth represents the diversity and ecological balance on our planet, an
important symbol for understanding the interrelationships between humans and
nature."
* Karen Barad in Meeting the Universe Halfwey writes:
"The earth element reminds us that all life forms are interconnected and should be treated equally."
2. Air
* Ecofeminism symbolism:
Air symbolises freedom. flow, and communication. in ecoleminism, air represents the freedom of women's voices and the dissemination of thoughts, emphasising the Importance of communication and knowledge sharing. Air also symbolises spiritual and intellectual enlightenment.
• Valerie Plumwood in Feminism and the Mastery of Mature notes:
Air symbolises the free flow and spread of ideas, as important as the spread of women's voices?
• Judith Plant in Healing the Wounds: The Promise of Ecofeminism states: "Air is a medium of communication, symbolising the exchange of female wisdom and knowledge."
* Posthumanism Symbolism:
In posthumanism, the air element represents the flow of information and energy.
symbolising invisible yet powerful connections.
It emphasises the role of invisible networks and communication technologies in modem society.
• Neil Badmington in Posthumanism mentions: "Air symbolises the flow of information and unseen connections. reminding us to pay attention to invisible forces and networks."
• Stephanie Dubois in Human in the Air writes: "Air symbolises the flow of information and the boundless communication networks in the posthuman era."
3. Fire
# Ecofeminism Symbolism:
Fire symbolises transformation, energy. and passion. In ecofeminism. fire represents the revolutionary power and transformative energy highlighting the important role women of in driving social and ecological change.
• Irene Kelsey in Flames of Ecofeminism writes:
Fre symbolises the transformative
power of women, calling us to burn away injustice and oppression.
• Hilary Rose in Feminine Flames notes: "Fire is a symbol of revolution and transformation, and the role of women social change cannot be ignored.
#Posthumanism Symbolism:
In posthumanism, the fire element represents the power of technology and transformation. symbolising the potential for innovation and development. Fire also reminds us to consider the enviromental impact of technological changes.
• Francis Patrick in Technology and Flames mentions: "Fire symbolises the transformative power of technology. while also reminding us to consider its impact on ecosystems."
• Bruno Latour in Flames of Modernity writes: "Fire is a symbol of technological innovation but we must balance technological progress with environmental protection."
4. Water
# Ecofeminism Symbolism:
Water symbolises emotion, healing. and flow.
In ecofeminism, water represents the continuity of life and the emotional strength of women, emphasising the importance of healing and regeneration.
Water is also e key
component of ecosystems, symbolising the flow and change of life.
• Anne Prince in Healing
Waters of Feminism writes: "Water symbolises the flow of emotions and the power of healing.
Women's role in environmental protection is as vital as the flow of water:
• Alanna Mitchell in Feminine Waters notes:
"Water is the source of life, and women's emotional strength is like the healing power of water-flowing and full of vitality."
# Posthumanism Symbolism:
In posthumanism, the water element represents adaptabilty and change, symbolising the fluidity and interconnectedness of life. Water reminds us to focus on environmental sustainability and the regeneration of resources.
• Donna Haraway in Posthuman Waters writes: "Water symbolises adaptability and
change, reminding us to value sustainability in the posthuman era."
• Timothy Morton in The Interconnected Waters mentions: "water is a symbol of life, emphasising the importance of interdependence and environmentel protection."
These symbolic meanings illustrate the profound impact of the four elements in ecoleminism and posthumanism. helping us better understand the complex relationship between humans and nature and the importance of achieving ecological balance and social justice in modern society.
--- The Concept and Origins of Electronic Witchcraft ---Electronic Witchcraft is a modern metaphysical cultural phenomenon that is spread and practiced through virtual internet platforms. This phenomenon combines elements of traditional
witchcraft with modern digital technology, allowing witchcraft practices to continue and evolve in the virtual space Electronic witchcraft involves not only online spells and rituals but also digital symbols. virtual altars, and interactions within online communities.
Existing research suggests that electronic witchcraft meets the spiritual needs of people in modern society. providing an alternative means of stress relief, especially when facing life pressures and issues that science cannot solve.
Using VR or AR technology, it is possible to create more immersive and interactive art installations, which could be a direction for my future development. Future projects could use VR and Al technology to allow the audience to experience the grown process of plants in a virtual space and feel the magical healing power of herbs. Though the simulation of a virtual environment, the audience can interaci with plants and even participate in virtual witchcraft rituals, experiencing the allure of digital witchcraft.
TechGnosis: Myth. Magis, and Mysticism in the age of Information - Erik Davis:
• This book explores the intersection of technology and mysticism. highlighting
the role of digital technology in modem witchcrait.
• The fusion of technology and mysticism is not a recent phenomenon; dis a continuation of humanity's quest to understand and manipulate the unseen forces of the world."
Witchcraft Today - Gerald Gardner:
• The foundation of traditional witchcraft, many modern electronic witchcrat practices stem from these traditional ideas.
Innovating and spreading through digital platforms.
"Witchcraft is a continuous tradition. adapted and evolved through the ages, now finding new life in the digital realm."