#ecosophical

I’m reflecting on my recent work so that I can further explore the ecosophical perspective in photographic art. In my latest project I looked at the process of encroachment in villages of the Scottish Clearances, as I integrated critical theory within photographic practice. My images in the series Another Path  http://www.irrationalangle.com/another-path/ embrace the environment from the perspective of a green gaze that respects human intervention without exploitation of natural resources and the corresponding right of nature to reclaim its territory.

In this blog I’ll be further exploring the theories and ideologies of environmental, ecocritical and ecosophical perspectives in visual imagery and how power, exploitation, social equity and lifestyle are represented in contemporary architectural photography and urban landscapes. These theoretical considerations take place at today’s convergence of ecological crisis and the digital age and question the human condition in these times. I hope to be able to contribute to the contemporary photographic debate on photography in relation to these perspectives and the use of image in commercial architecture, real estate development and spatial interpretation at social and personal level.

Location: Gortain a’ Ghibain, Isle of Mull, Scotland

Catalogue: IRR-2017-030-8428 / 75 x 50 cm (30 x 20 in.) fine-art giclée inkjet pigment print / Hannemüle Rag 308g / 3mm dibond aluminium / Natural-wood float frame

I believe that Jeremijenko's very first sentence in her speech is really interesting as she explains how she learned that 'new technologies were an opportunity for social transformation'. This is definitely obvious when discussing media and new art. Technology and the Internet have made it possible to explore completely new ways of both creating and sharing art. Art does not have to viewed at a museum anymore, in fact, the artworks are probably likely to be seen, enjoyed and shared a countless number of more times if they are published online. Take Instagram for example, where a huge amount of photographers and artists can spread their work and ideas globally with minimal resources.

It has also almost become impossible to not incorporate some form of technology into artworks nowadays, especially with photography. Very few photographs are displayed in their original form, they have almost always been altered in Photoshop, even if it’s as simple as brightness and contrast.

Mori Mariko’s artwork is however an example of how technology and media can enhance art and contribute to a new art form. I personally do not enjoy that type as I consider it to be a bit too altered and the digitally added features do not appeal to me. I do however find the concept of her interactive sculpture ‘Oneness’ very interesting. The sculpture consists of six models of “aliens” holding hands and when the viewer hugs one of the models, its eyes lit up and the heart starts beating. My interpretation is that the sculpture do not only symbolise actual “aliens” from outer space, but anything that we classify as “the unknown”, and just things we are unfamiliar with. The way that technology has been incorporated into this artwork makes it more relatable and he technological features highlights the purpose of the sculpture as it provides important reactions to the viewers’ interaction. 

This idea of minimizing the void between the familiar and the unfamiliar might also relate to Armstrong’s (2005) term ‘ecosophical’. This term involves a discussion regarding how we connect and identify with the world, and the possibilities of changing behavior in order to become more connected with our surroundings. Armstrong explains how “our long history of dominance and oppression of ‘the other’ parallels our history of dominance and oppression of biophysical systems”. I simply believe that one of the benefits of combining art with new media is how it allows the viewer to interact with the artwork on a more physical level. 

Generative design is a form of art and design which I find very interesting as it is more or less work entirely done by a computer program. The results are stunning and it is almost fascinating how human beings and computers can work together and create such impressive designs. Enzo Henze created the artwork Red Ambush by teaching a computer how to draw like a human, how is that even possible?

Involving new media and technology into art both has its advantages and disadvantages. I believe that it opens up a new world of possibilities and creates opportunities for humans to understand the world and our surroundings on a deeper level. It also makes it possible for us to explore the concept of ‘art’ as it allows us to go far beyond the standard use of brushes and paint to create an artwork. 

Armstrong, Keith (2005) ‘Intimate Transactions: The Evolution of an Ecosophical Networked Practice’, the Fibreculture Journal 7, <http://seven.fibreculturejournal.org/fcj-047-intimate-transactions-the-evolution-of-an-ecosophical-networked-practice/ >

Jeremijenko, Natalie (2010) ‘The art of the eco-mindshift’, Ted: ideas worth sharing, <http://www.ted.com/talks/natalie_jeremijenko_the_art_of_the_eco_mindshift.html >

Lanks, Belinda '9 Groundbreaking examples of Generative Design' <http://www.fastcodesign.com/1670547/9-groundbreaking-examples-of-generative-design#1>