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introduction
In a world characterized by frenetic pace and constant distraction, the exploration of stillness emerges as a profound antidote to the chaos that often engulfs our lives. This course invites you to engage with stillness through various lenses—philosophical, psychological, and artistic—examining its multifaceted nature and implications.
Philosophically, stillness can be seen as a state of being that encourages deep reflection and awareness. Figures such as Martin Heidegger have argued that stillness allows individuals to engage authentically with existence, offering a counterpoint to the noise of modernity. Meanwhile, psychological perspectives reveal the complexities of stillness as both a refuge and a potential source of discomfort. It invites us to confront our inner turmoil while simultaneously serving as a sanctuary for self-discovery and contemplation.
Through the lens of art, we will delve into the work of Chiharu Shiota, whose installations embody the concept of suspended time. Her art captures fleeting moments and transforms them into eternal reflections, inviting viewers to experience stillness as both a physical presence and a metaphysical inquiry. In works such as The key in the hand and Lost words, Shiota creates environments that challenge our perceptions of time and memory, prompting us to linger in the depths of our experiences.
Moreover, stillness can be redefined as a form of political resistance—an act of anticapitalism in a society that relentlessly prioritizes productivity and speed. In embracing stillness, we confront the societal pressures that demand constant motion, reclaiming our time and agency. This course will examine how the deliberate act of pausing can become a radical statement against the relentless rhythms of modern life, empowering us to find meaning in moments of unproductiveness.
As we embark on this journey into stillness, you will be encouraged to engage with your own narratives and experiences, cultivating a deeper understanding of how stillness resonates in your life and the world around you.
theory
PhilosophICAL CONTEXT
The philosophical exploration of stillness begins with the Stoics, who advocated for cultivating inner calm as a means of achieving virtue and wisdom. Marcus Aurelius, in his Meditations, emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure amid chaos, suggesting that "the tranquility of the mind is a treasure" (Aurelius, 2002). This foundational view sets the stage for further inquiry into the nature of stillness.
Martin Heidegger’s existential philosophy introduces a different dimension, where stillness becomes a way to engage with the essence of being. In Being and Time, he posits that “the stillness of being allows us to confront the depths of our existence” (Heidegger, 1962). For Heidegger, stillness is not merely the absence of movement; it is a space for authentic engagement with the world.
Henri Bergson’s notion of time adds yet another layer, distinguishing between mechanistic time and lived experience. In Time and Free Will, he argues for a qualitative understanding of time that emphasizes moments of stillness as opportunities for creative and spiritual insight (Bergson, 1910).
This notion of suspended time resonates deeply with the meditative practices found in Buddhism, where stillness is essential for achieving mindfulness and self-awareness. The Buddhist concept of satori encapsulates this idea: a sudden moment of enlightenment that arises from profound stillness, illuminating the nature of reality.
PSYCHOLOGICAL LENS
In psychological terms, stillness can manifest as both a response to external stimuli and a form of self-reflection. The phenomenon of freezing—an involuntary response to threat—contrasts sharply with the stillness of self-contemplation, which is a conscious, voluntary state aimed at reflection and insight. Research by Levine (1997) in In an Unspoken Voice emphasizes the distinction between these two forms of stillness, noting that while freezing serves as a protective mechanism, self-contemplation fosters emotional regulation and personal growth.
This understanding of stillness is also mirrored in phenomenology, where scholars like Maurice Merleau-Ponty explore the relationship between body and perception. In Phenomenology of Perception, he asserts that stillness allows for a deeper awareness of bodily experiences and their interconnectedness with the world (Merleau-Ponty, 1962). This phenomenological lens positions stillness as a critical element in shaping our understanding of existence and self-awareness.
inspiration
Chiharu Shiota is a Japanese contemporary artist known for her immersive installations that explore themes of memory, existence, and the human condition. Born in Osaka in 1972, Shiota initially studied painting at the Kyoto Seika University, but her practice evolved dramatically when she began to experiment with installation art during her studies in Germany. Her work often utilizes everyday materials—most notably thread, keys, and found objects—to create intricate environments that invite viewers to engage with their personal and collective histories. Shiota’s installations are not merely visual experiences; they provoke a profound emotional response and encourage introspection, making her an exemplary figure in the contemporary art landscape.
Shiota's artistic practice revolves around the interplay between absence and presence, exploring how objects and materials can evoke memories and emotions. Her signature use of red or black threads—often woven into complex webs—serves as a metaphor for connection, entrapment, and the fragility of human relationships. By transforming spaces into immersive experiences, she creates environments that blur the line between the viewer and the artwork, compelling visitors to confront their own memories and emotions.
Central to Shiota’s work is the concept of stillness. She employs stillness not just as a physical state but as a means of exploring time, memory, and existential contemplation. Through her installations, she invites viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with the layers of meaning embedded within the threads and objects.
One of Shiota's most notable works, The key in the hand (2015), exemplifies her exploration of stillness. This installation features thousands of keys suspended in a dense web of red thread, creating a visually striking environment. Each key represents a personal memory or story, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of loss and connection. The stillness of the installation evokes a sense of suspended time, encouraging contemplation about what remains when memories fade and how connections persist even in their absence.
Another significant work, Lost words (2017) presents an intimate engagement with stillness. In this installation, Shiota creates a space filled with letters and words woven into a web of thread, suggesting the weight of unexpressed thoughts and feelings. The stillness of the letters invites viewers to reflect on the significance of communication and connection in their own lives. This moment of pause allows for deeper contemplation of what is often left unsaid, highlighting the importance of stillness as a catalyst for introspection.
creative writing exercises
warm-up exercise
Choose three images from Chiharu Shiota's work that resonate with you. As you select each piece, take a moment to observe the details, colors, and emotions they evoke. Consider the following questions for each image:
What story does this artwork tell? Reflect on the themes of stillness, memory, absence, or connection that the piece conveys.
How does the use of materials contribute to the feeling of stillness (suspended time)? Analyze the choice of thread, objects, or colors, and their impact on the overall atmosphere of the work.
What personal experiences or memories does this artwork evoke for you? Connect your feelings and thoughts about the piece to your own life, exploring how stillness and time intertwine in your narrative.
After reflecting on these questions, write a short paragraph for each image, capturing the essence of your observations and the stories they inspire. This exercise will help you tap into the profound sense of stillness present in Shiota’s art and prepare you for deeper explorations in your writing.
prompt: writing from the perspective of a thread
In Chiharu Shiota’s installation A walk through the line (2017), the viewer is enveloped in an intricate network of red threads, creating a labyrinth of connections that evoke feelings of both disorientation and introspection. This prompt invites you to immerse yourself in the experience of being one of the threads within this installation. Instructions:
Perspective shift: Begin your writing by embodying the perspective of a thread. Imagine yourself woven into the fabric of Shiota's installation, stretching and intertwining with other threads.
Narrative exploration: Describe your journey as a thread. What do you see, feel, and experience? How do you connect with other threads, and what stories do they hold? Consider the notion of suspended time—how does the space around you feel both frozen and fluid?
Emotional landscape: Reflect on the emotional weight of being part of this interconnected web. What memories do you carry? How do the threads around you amplify or transform these memories?
Final shape: As you conclude your writing, shape your narrative into a poem or a series of fragmented thoughts. Use line breaks, varied lengths, and visual arrangement to echo the complexity and intricacy of Shiota's installation, mirroring the feeling of suspended time within your final piece.
Allow this exercise to delve into the nature of connection, memory, and the tension between movement and stillness. Consider how the very act of writing can capture and prolong moments in time, much like Shiota’s art.
stay grounded and motivated!
"As a choreographer, I often begin my pieces with a deliberate slowness, granting both myself and my dancers the necessary time to arrive and become present on stage. This initial stillness is not just a technical choice; it is an essential part of the artistic process. It creates a pause, a break from the outside world, which is often chaotic and demanding. Audiences arrive from various places—work, daily routines, the hustle of life—and entering the theater signifies stepping into a different realm, one where the rules of engagement are transformed.
The theater serves as a parallel world, where the familiar gives way to the extraordinary. In this fragile space of transition, we encounter the in-between, where reference points shift and the very fabric of reality feels altered. By intentionally changing the pace, I lay the groundwork for a new reality, inviting the audience to adjust to a different set of norms and experiences. This process is akin to establishing a new time zone, one where we can explore the depths of stillness together.
In these moments of quiet, stillness allows precision, focus, and details to emerge, illuminating the nuances of movement and emotion that often go unnoticed in the rush of everyday life. It is in stillness that we cultivate a heightened awareness, where every subtle shift in a dancer’s posture or the gentle rise and fall of breath becomes an essential part of the narrative. Each pause, each moment of extended suspended time, becomes an invitation to observe, reflect, and engage with further layers of meaning." —Anna Ádám Founder of the School of Disobedience