In this online course, we will explore the concept of presence—both physical and emotional—through creative writing. Presence is a powerful theme that permeates our lives, influencing our interactions, memories, and sense of self. By examining the ways presence manifests in our experiences, we can deepen our understanding of its impact and significance.
We will draw inspiration from diverse sources, including the evocative artwork "Portrait of Ross in L.A." by Félix González-Torres, which poignantly captures the dualities of presence and absence, memory and loss. Additionally, we will delve into literary and theatrical theories that highlight the importance of presence in storytelling and performance.
Through a series of creative exercises, you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own experiences, craft vivid narratives, and experiment with different perspectives and techniques. Whether you are writing from personal reflection or fictional imagination, this course invites you to explore the profound dimensions of presence in your work. Join us on this journey to discover and articulate the essence of presence in your writing.
theory
Several theories offer diverse insights into the multifaceted nature of presence, shedding light on its cognitive, emotional, embodied, and existential dimensions. By exploring these perspectives, we can deepen our understanding of what it means to be fully present in the richness of human experience.
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.
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.
Overall, theories of presence in theatre and performing arts underscore the importance of authenticity, spontaneity, and connection in creating impactful performances. Whether through emotional truth, physical precision, or intellectual engagement, actors strive to embody presence in their work, inviting audiences to share in the transformative power of live performance.
inspiration
"Portrait of Ross in L.A." by Félix González-Torres is a powerful artwork that intricately explores the concept of presence in multiple dimensions—emotional, physical, and existential. This piece, a pile of candies totaling 175 pounds, represents the weight of González-Torres's partner, Ross, before he succumbed to AIDS. Viewers are invited to take a piece of candy, gradually diminishing the pile, symbolizing Ross’s physical decline.
Here’s how "Portrait of Ross in L.A." relates to the topic of presence:
Physical presence and absence: The artwork starts as a tangible manifestation of Ross’s presence, both in terms of his physical weight and his metaphorical presence in González-Torres's life. As viewers take candies, Ross’s presence is physically eroded. This act of taking and the subsequent diminishing pile poignantly illustrates the gradual loss of a loved one to illness. The artwork's ability to renew itself by replenishing the candies speaks to the idea of memory and how the presence of a loved one lingers even after their physical departure.
Interactive presence: By inviting viewers to interact with the piece, González-Torres emphasizes the dynamic nature of presence. Each person who takes a candy becomes part of the narrative, their presence directly affecting the artwork. This interaction reflects on how people impact each other’s lives and how presence is an ever-evolving state influenced by interaction.
Emotional and existential presence: The piece brings forth a meditative space for viewers to consider the weight of human existence and the impact of loss. It raises questions about the presence of those who have passed away and how they continue to exist in the memories and actions of the living. It emphasizes that presence is not just a physical state but also an emotional and existential one that persists through memory and communal experience.
Public and private presence: "Portrait of Ross in L.A." juxtaposes the private loss of González-Torres with a public audience, highlighting the shared human experience of grief and memory. This duality reflects on how personal experiences of presence and absence resonate within a broader societal context.
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.
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 motivated!
As we conclude our exploration of presence in this creative writing course, remember that the act of writing itself is a powerful testament to your presence in the world. Through your words, you have the ability to capture the essence of moments, evoke emotions, and create connections that transcend time and space. Embrace the richness of your unique voice and the stories only you can tell. Trust in your creative journey, and let the awareness of presence guide you in all your future endeavors. Keep writing, keep exploring, and continue to make your mark—your presence—felt in every story you share.