Spirit Systems of Soft Knowing ༊*·˚

Keiken

Artwork description:

Spirit Systems of Soft Knowing ༊*·˚ is an interconnected ecosystem; an immersive, interactive installation centered around an embodiment technology we developed: the haptic wearable womb. This holistic “wetware” integrates software, hardware & our own biology, providing wearers with an embodied experience. The sensory, auditory and performative nature of the work creates a meditative & grounding experience. It draws from the architecture of the womb, a sacred technology, to form a spiritual, temporary extension of the body.

Featuring the haptic vibrations & sounds of animals, insects, and elements of the natural world such as water, wind and an interpretation of space, the technology serves as a “tool of consciousness” to foster an empathetic connection with the unknown & reawaken conscious communication from the body. In an era of rapidly advancing technology and AI, most devices inherently disconnect us from our bodies. As a society we often lack the soothing & fundamental need for physical touch.

Designed to expand our consciousness, or “Umwelt”, a term that ethologists use to refer to the tiny slice of reality that we experience, it encourages connection & communication with our internal mind and body & outwardly with other species & other existence forms. We are influenced by David Abram's work who emphasizes the need for an expanded consciousness that is more deeply connected with the more-than-human world, to overcome the alienation fostered by modern, industrial societies. This wetware explores how technology can foster more positive, holistic relationships with tech & reconnect us to forgotten/lost senses.