creative writing school
Module 1: Perception & Intuition
structure
Introduction
Theory:
Stay grounded & motivated
Share your text with us
Theory:
- Philosophy
- Theatre & Performing Arts
- Félix González-Torres: Portrait of Ross in L.A.
Stay grounded & motivated
Share your text with us
introduction
In this online course, we will delve into the concept of presence—both physical and emotional—through creative writing. Presence affects how we connect with others, recall memories, and understand ourselves. By exploring its role in our lives, we aim to deepen our grasp of its importance.
We will draw from various sources, including Félix González-Torres's "Portrait of Ross in L.A.," which captures the tension between presence and absence, memory and loss. We will also examine literary and theatrical theories that emphasize the role of presence in storytelling and performance.
Through creative exercises, you’ll reflect on your own experiences, develop vivid narratives, and experiment with different perspectives and techniques. Whether your writing is rooted in personal reflection or fiction, this course invites you to explore the profound aspects of presence in your work.
Join us to uncover and express the essence of presence in your writing.
We will draw from various sources, including Félix González-Torres's "Portrait of Ross in L.A.," which captures the tension between presence and absence, memory and loss. We will also examine literary and theatrical theories that emphasize the role of presence in storytelling and performance.
Through creative exercises, you’ll reflect on your own experiences, develop vivid narratives, and experiment with different perspectives and techniques. Whether your writing is rooted in personal reflection or fiction, this course invites you to explore the profound aspects of presence in your work.
Join us to uncover and express the essence of presence in your writing.
theory
PHILOSOPHY
The concept of presence is explored from multiple angles, each offering unique insights into what it means to be fully engaged in the moment.
- Phenomenology: Phenomenology explores the structures of experience and consciousness. In this context, presence refers to the immediate awareness of oneself and one's surroundings. Phenomenologists like Edmund Husserl and Maurice Merleau-Ponty investigate how presence emerges through embodied perception, emphasizing the importance of lived experience and bodily engagement with the world.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices focus on cultivating present-moment awareness and non-judgmental attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Drawing from Buddhist traditions, mindfulness theorists like Jon Kabat-Zinn highlight the transformative power of being fully present, fostering greater clarity, insight, and emotional regulation.
- Flow theory: Flow theory, proposed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes a state of optimal experience characterized by deep immersion, focused attention, and effortless action. Presence emerges when individuals are fully absorbed in an activity, losing self-consciousness and experiencing a sense of "flow" or "being in the zone."
- Existentialism: Existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger examine the nature of human existence and the experience of being in the world. Presence, in existential terms, encompasses the awareness of one's existence and the responsibility to create meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose. Sartre's concept of "bad faith" highlights the dangers of evading presence through self-deception and inauthenticity.
THEATRE & PERFORMING ARTS
In the field of theatre and performing arts, the concept of presence holds particular significance, influencing actors' performances, audience engagement, and the overall theatrical experience. Several theories within this domain explore different aspects of presence:
- Stanislavski's method acting: Developed by Konstantin Stanislavski, the method emphasizes the importance of emotional truth and authenticity in acting. Central to the method is the concept of "being in the moment" or "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances," where actors strive to fully inhabit their characters and respond spontaneously to the circumstances of the scene. Presence, in this context, involves a deep sense of connection to the character, the other actors, and the audience, creating a heightened sense of realism on stage.
- Brechtian Verfremdungseffekt (Alienation effect): Proposed by Bertolt Brecht, the alienation effect aims to disrupt the audience's passive identification with the characters and narrative, encouraging critical engagement with the performance. Presence, in Brechtian theatre, involves maintaining a certain level of distance or estrangement from the character, allowing actors to convey social and political messages more effectively. By breaking the illusion of reality, Brecht sought to stimulate intellectual reflection and social awareness among audience members.
- Grotowski's poor theatre: Jerzy Grotowski's concept of "poor theatre" emphasizes the actor's physical and vocal presence as the primary means of communication with the audience. Grotowski advocated for stripping away extraneous elements such as elaborate sets and costumes, focusing instead on the actor's raw, embodied presence on stage. Presence, in Grotowskian theatre, involves a profound commitment to physical and emotional authenticity, allowing actors to establish a direct, visceral connection with spectators.
- Lecoq's corporeal mime: Developed by Jacques Lecoq, corporeal mime emphasizes the expressive potential of the body in performance. Presence, in Lecoq's approach, involves cultivating a heightened awareness of the body's movements, gestures, and expressions, enabling actors to communicate non-verbally with precision and clarity. By mastering the art of presence, performers can captivate audiences through the sheer power of physical storytelling.
- Psychophysical training: Various psychophysical training methods, such as Michael Chekhov's technique or Viewpoints, focus on integrating physical and emotional awareness to enhance presence on stage. These approaches emphasize the interconnectedness of mind and body, encouraging actors to explore the sensations, impulses, and emotions that arise in the present moment. By grounding themselves in the present reality of the performance space, actors can imbue their work with a sense of immediacy and vitality, drawing audiences into the unfolding theatrical experience.
inspiration
"Portrait of Ross in L.A." by Félix González-Torres is a profound exploration of presence through a simple yet impactful medium—a pile of candies weighing 175 pounds, symbolizing the weight of the artist’s partner, Ross, before his death from AIDS. The piece invites viewers to take a candy, slowly diminishing the pile and metaphorically reflecting Ross's physical decline.
Here’s how the work connects to the idea of presence:
Physical presence and absence: The candy pile initially represents Ross's physical and metaphorical presence. As candies are taken, the diminishing pile mirrors his gradual physical loss. The act of replenishing the candies underscores the persistence of memory and the continuing presence of a loved one beyond their physical absence.
Interactive presence: By encouraging viewer interaction, González-Torres highlights the fluidity of presence. Each person who takes a candy becomes part of the piece’s evolving narrative, illustrating how presence is shaped by ongoing human interactions and exchanges.
Emotional and existential presence: The artwork creates a reflective space where viewers contemplate the weight of human existence and the nature of loss. It prompts thoughts on how those who have passed continue to influence memories and lives, emphasizing that presence extends beyond the physical to encompass emotional and existential dimensions.
Public and private presence: The piece merges González-Torres’s personal grief with a public display, linking individual experiences of loss to a collective context. This duality reflects how personal experiences of presence and absence resonate within a broader societal framework.
Here’s how the work connects to the idea of presence:
Physical presence and absence: The candy pile initially represents Ross's physical and metaphorical presence. As candies are taken, the diminishing pile mirrors his gradual physical loss. The act of replenishing the candies underscores the persistence of memory and the continuing presence of a loved one beyond their physical absence.
Interactive presence: By encouraging viewer interaction, González-Torres highlights the fluidity of presence. Each person who takes a candy becomes part of the piece’s evolving narrative, illustrating how presence is shaped by ongoing human interactions and exchanges.
Emotional and existential presence: The artwork creates a reflective space where viewers contemplate the weight of human existence and the nature of loss. It prompts thoughts on how those who have passed continue to influence memories and lives, emphasizing that presence extends beyond the physical to encompass emotional and existential dimensions.
Public and private presence: The piece merges González-Torres’s personal grief with a public display, linking individual experiences of loss to a collective context. This duality reflects how personal experiences of presence and absence resonate within a broader societal framework.
creative exercise
Through this exercise, you'll engage deeply with the theme of presence, inspired by Félix González-Torres's evocative and interactive artwork, exploring how presence can be felt, experienced, and remembered in various forms.
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.
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.
- Initial reflection (Advised time frame: min. 20 min): Begin by looking at images of "Portrait of Ross in L.A." and reading about the background of the artwork. Reflect on your initial emotional and intellectual reactions to the piece. Write a brief journal entry capturing your thoughts and feelings.
- Descriptive passage (Advised time frame: min. 10 min): Write a descriptive passage about the artwork, focusing on the sensory details—how the candies look, how they might feel, taste, and smell. Describe the artwork from the perspective of a viewer who is about to take a candy, capturing the physical and emotional presence of the moment.
- Character perspective (Advised time frame: min. 15 min): Create a character who visits the exhibition and interacts with the artwork. Write a scene from their point of view, delving into their thoughts and feelings as they take a candy. How does the act of taking a piece of candy affect their sense of presence? What memories or emotions does it evoke?
- Personal connection (Advised time frame: min. 20 min): Reflect on a personal experience of presence and loss. Write a short narrative or poem that parallels your feelings with those evoked by "Portrait of Ross in L.A." Consider how physical objects or rituals in your life serve as reminders of someone’s presence.
- Dialogue (Advised time frame: min. 30 min): Write a dialogue between two people who have just visited the exhibition. One of them finds the piece uplifting, the other finds it sorrowful. Through their conversation, explore different perspectives on presence and absence, memory, and the impact of art on personal experience.
- Reflective essay (Advised time frame: min. 30 min): Conclude the exercise by writing a reflective essay on how "Portrait of Ross in L.A." deepens your understanding of presence. Discuss how the artwork influences your perception of physical and emotional presence and how it resonates with your own experiences of loss and memory.
stay grounded and motivated!
"For nearly twenty years, my work has revolved around creating artistic experiences, holding spaces, and building communities. At the heart of all these practices lies one essential quality: presence. But what does it mean to truly be present? It’s more than simply being physically there. Presence means being fully engaged with the moment—attentive, open, and ready to respond. It’s about bringing your whole self, not just your body but your mind, your intuition, your energy.
Over the years, I’ve found that presence requires nurturing. It’s a practice that needs patience, awareness, and certain tools to stay grounded, especially in the fast-paced, often overwhelming world we live in. For me, there are three key tools I return to again and again:
The first is breath. Breath is the simplest yet most powerful anchor. It roots me in the here and now, offering a steady rhythm that brings calmness and focus. Whether I’m performing, facilitating, or simply listening, I use my breath to center myself and be fully available to the experience.
The second is embodiment. I trust my body as a source of wisdom. It tells me things that my mind might overlook—signals of tension, ease, excitement, or discomfort. Being present means being in touch with my body’s sensations, allowing them to inform how I move, act, and respond in each moment.
The third is listening. And I mean deep, active listening. Not just to others, but to the environment, to the unspoken, to the energy in the room. Listening without judgment, without rushing to fill the silence. This kind of listening creates a space of openness, where connections can happen, where something unexpected can emerge.
Presence is what makes each moment alive, what allows for real encounters and genuine creativity. It’s what I’ve come to rely on in my work, and I’m thrilled to share these practices with you. As you move forward, I encourage you to cultivate your own sense of presence in whatever you do—breathe, listen to your body, and stay attuned to the world around you. This presence is not just a skill; it’s a gift, one that will deepen your art, your relationships, and your connection to life itself."
—Anna Ádám
Founder of the School of Disobedience
Over the years, I’ve found that presence requires nurturing. It’s a practice that needs patience, awareness, and certain tools to stay grounded, especially in the fast-paced, often overwhelming world we live in. For me, there are three key tools I return to again and again:
The first is breath. Breath is the simplest yet most powerful anchor. It roots me in the here and now, offering a steady rhythm that brings calmness and focus. Whether I’m performing, facilitating, or simply listening, I use my breath to center myself and be fully available to the experience.
The second is embodiment. I trust my body as a source of wisdom. It tells me things that my mind might overlook—signals of tension, ease, excitement, or discomfort. Being present means being in touch with my body’s sensations, allowing them to inform how I move, act, and respond in each moment.
The third is listening. And I mean deep, active listening. Not just to others, but to the environment, to the unspoken, to the energy in the room. Listening without judgment, without rushing to fill the silence. This kind of listening creates a space of openness, where connections can happen, where something unexpected can emerge.
Presence is what makes each moment alive, what allows for real encounters and genuine creativity. It’s what I’ve come to rely on in my work, and I’m thrilled to share these practices with you. As you move forward, I encourage you to cultivate your own sense of presence in whatever you do—breathe, listen to your body, and stay attuned to the world around you. This presence is not just a skill; it’s a gift, one that will deepen your art, your relationships, and your connection to life itself."
—Anna Ádám
Founder of the School of Disobedience
Photo: Internet