Welcome to the online creative writing course of the School of Disobedience, designed to delve into the profound and multifaceted theme of absence. Absence permeates our lives in countless ways, from the loss of loved ones to the voids in our personal and collective histories. It shapes our experiences, our memories, and our identities.
In this course, we will explore absence not just as a lack or void, but as a powerful presence that influences our thoughts, emotions, and creativity. Drawing inspiration from philosophical and psychological concepts, we will examine how absence can be a source of inspiration, a catalyst for storytelling, and a mirror reflecting our deepest fears and desires.
We will explore Erkan Özgen's poignant video "Wonderland," which captures the ineffability of trauma through the silent yet powerful expressions of a young boy. By engaging with this work, we are invited to deepen our understanding of the complexities of absence and its role in shaping individual and collective experiences of war and displacement. Join us on this journey as we transform the notion of absence into a rich tapestry of creative expression, uncovering the hidden depths and untold stories that lie within.
theory
The concept of absence is multifaceted and can be explored through various lenses in both philosophy and psychology. Here are some key concepts related to the topic of absence in these fields:
PHILOSOPHY:
Heidegger's being and time (Sein und Zeit):Being-toward-death
Martin Heidegger's notion of being-toward-death emphasizes the awareness of one's own mortality, which underscores the absence of future possibilities. This concept relates to the existential anxiety and the meaning we derive from life in the face of the inevitable absence of existence.
Sartre explores the idea of nothingness, suggesting that the absence of inherent meaning in the universe compels individuals to create their own purpose. This existential void or absence of predefined meaning is central to his philosophy.
Jacques Derrida's deconstruction:Différance
Derrida's concept of différance refers to the endless deferral of meaning in language. Absence plays a role in how meaning is constructed, as what is present in text or speech always implies what is absent, creating a space for interpretation and ambiguity.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology:Embodiment and Perception:
Merleau-Ponty explores how our perception is shaped by the absence or presence of stimuli. The concept of absence is crucial in understanding how we perceive and interact with the world, particularly in terms of memory and expectation.
Plato's theory of forms: Imperfect realizations
Plato's theory posits that the physical world is an imperfect realization of ideal forms. The absence of perfection in the material world highlights the gap between the ideal and the real, a foundational concept in his philosophy.
PSYCHOLOGY:
Object relations theory (Melanie Klein, D.W. Winnicott): Object permanence and loss:
This theory explores how early relationships with caregivers shape our understanding of absence and presence. The concept of object permanence (the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not seen) is crucial in the development of the self and in dealing with loss and separation.
Attachment theory (John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth):Separation anxiety and Attachment styles:
Attachment theory examines how the presence or absence of secure attachment figures affects psychological development. The absence of consistent caregiving can lead to various attachment styles, impacting emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.
Grief and bereavement (Elisabeth Kübler-Ross): Stages of grief
The process of grieving the absence of a loved one is characterized by stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Understanding these stages helps in comprehending the psychological impact of absence.
Freudian psychoanalysis:Loss and melancholia:
Sigmund Freud's exploration of loss in "Mourning and Melancholia" delves into how the absence of a loved one or an ideal can lead to melancholia, a pathological state of prolonged grief and internal conflict.
Memory and forgetting:Cognitive psychology of memory
The absence of memory, or forgetting, plays a significant role in shaping identity and experience. Concepts like amnesia, repression, and the reconstruction of past events are central to understanding how absence affects psychological processes.
Existential psychology (Viktor Frankl):Meaning and absence
Existential psychology focuses on finding meaning in life, especially in the face of absence and suffering. Frankl's logotherapy emphasizes the human capacity to find purpose despite the absence of external sources of meaning.
inspiration
"Wonderland" (2016) by Erkan Özgen is deeply related to the topic of absence through its portrayal of the impacts of war, specifically the Syrian conflict. The video features a young, mute boy using gestures and facial expressions to convey the horrors he has witnessed, as he cannot articulate these experiences verbally. This lack of spoken language emphasizes the absence of normalcy, safety, and peace in his life.
The boy's silence speaks volumes about the traumatic void left by violence and destruction. Özgen's work powerfully illustrates how absence permeates the lives of those affected by conflict—not just the physical absence of loved ones or homes, but also the emotional and psychological absence that trauma imposes.
By focusing on the non-verbal communication of a child who has seen too much, "Wonderland" starkly contrasts the innocence of youth with the harsh realities of war, highlighting the profound absences created by such experiences. This evocative portrayal invites viewers to consider the unspoken and unseen aspects of trauma, making the absence palpable and deeply affecting.
creative exercise
This exercise invites you to delve into the theme of absence inspired by Erkan Özgen's video "Wonderland." By focusing on the ineffability of trauma and the challenge of representing the experiences of others, you will explore the profound emotional and psychological dimensions of absence in your writing.
Instructions: You don't need to follow these steps in order, nor do you have to complete all of them. Select the one or two instructions that inspire you the most for your creative writing practice.
Watch "Wonderland" (Advised time frame: min. 10 min): Begin by watching Erkan Özgen's video "Wonderland," paying close attention to Mohammed's non-verbal expressions and the ways in which his body communicates his experiences. Reflect on the emotional impact of his gestures and the absence of spoken language.
Reflect on absence (Advised time frame: min. 15 min): Spend a few moments reflecting on what absence means to you. Consider the different forms it can take—absence of people, places, safety, language, understanding, or even memory. Think about how absence can be both a physical and emotional state.
Write a silent narrative (Advised time frame: min. 20 min): Inspired by Mohammed’s non-verbal storytelling, write a short narrative where the main character is unable to speak. Use only descriptions of body language, facial expressions, and actions to convey their story. Focus on what is absent in their life and how this absence shapes their experiences and interactions.
Describe an absent scene (Advised time frame: min. 20 min): Choose a significant place or person that is no longer present in your life. Write a vivid description of this absence. What emotions does this absence evoke? How does the absence manifest in the environment or in your daily routine? Use sensory details to bring the scene to life.
Dialogue with silence (Advised time frame: min. 20 min): Create a dialogue between two characters where they communicate without words. Explore how the absence of spoken language affects their relationship and the misunderstandings or deeper connections that arise from this form of communication.
Symbolic representation (Advised time frame: min. 15 min): Think of an object that symbolizes absence for you. Write a short piece describing this object and its significance. How does it embody the sense of absence? What memories or emotions does it evoke?
Imagining the inexpressible (Advised time frame: min. 20 min): Inspired by the idea that viewers must construct and imagine experiences from their own perspectives, write a piece where you describe a significant event from the point of view of an outsider. How does this outsider attempt to understand and make sense of the event? What do they get wrong? What do they grasp intuitively?
Reflective analysis (Advised time frame: min. 10 min): After completing your writing, reflect on the process. How did exploring absence through non-verbal communication and symbolic representation affect your understanding of the theme? How did this exercise challenge you to convey emotions and experiences in new ways?
Closing thoughts: Absence is a powerful theme that permeates many aspects of life. By exploring it through different lenses, you can uncover new layers of meaning and emotion in your writing. Embrace the challenge of conveying what is not there, and allow your imagination to fill the gaps with profound insights and creative expression.
stay motivated!
As we draw to a close, take a moment to ground yourself in the present. Absence is not an easy topic to explore, and it's natural to feel a range of emotions as we reflect on the complexities of loss, displacement, and trauma.
Now, let's take a deep breath in, feeling the air fill your lungs, and exhale slowly, releasing any tension or heaviness you may be carrying. As you breathe, envision a warm, gentle light surrounding you, enveloping you in a sense of serenity and peace.
Remember that through our exploration of absence, we've also discovered resilience, empathy, and strength within ourselves. Each word written, each emotion explored, has brought us closer to understanding the human experience in all its intricacies.
As you leave this space, carry with you the knowledge that your voice matters, your stories are important, and your presence makes a difference. Let this newfound understanding inspire you to continue writing, to continue exploring, and to continue sharing your truth with the world.
Thank you for embarking on this journey with us. May your creative endeavors be filled with lightness, serenity, and boundless inspiration.