Creative writing exercise Stay grounded & motivated Share your text with us
introduction
Welcome to our online creative writing course, where we will explore the tangible experience of darkness, drawing inspiration from Tino Sehgal's performance art piece, "This Variation." Here, darkness isn't an abstract idea but a real, visceral absence of light—a space where seeing gives way to other senses, and we encounter the world differently.
In "This Variation," Sehgal uses complete darkness to transform the space into a sensory landscape, where sound, movement, and presence take center stage. Participants must navigate an unfamiliar environment, stripped of visual cues, and engage with the artwork through touch, sound, and intuition. This disorientation opens new ways of perceiving and experiencing the world, pushing us to confront what we cannot see.
Darkness also brings intimacy and vulnerability, as we become acutely aware of ourselves and others in a shared, unseen space. By immersing participants in this sensory landscape, Sehgal invites them to confront fears, discover new layers of perception, and emerge with a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings.
Throughout this course, we will embrace the themes and techniques inspired by "This Variation" to fuel our writing. By stepping into the unknown, we’ll uncover new realms of creativity and imagination, revealing the hidden corners of our minds. Join us on this journey into darkness, where the absence of light allows us to see more deeply within ourselves.
inspiration
Tino Sehgal: This variation (2012)
Tino Sehgal, born in 1976, is a contemporary artist known for his groundbreaking approach to performance art. Originally trained in political economics and dance, Sehgal transitioned to the visual arts in 2000, where he quickly gained recognition for his immersive and ephemeral artworks. What sets Sehgal apart from other artists is his deliberate rejection of traditional artistic mediums and materials. Instead of creating physical objects, Sehgal's works consist of human voices, language, movement, and interactions, resulting in highly personal and unique experiences for viewers. This immateriality is a central tenet of Sehgal's practice, challenging conventional notions of art as a tangible object and prompting viewers to reconsider their relationship to artistic experience.
Within the context of art history, Tino Sehgal's practice represents a radical departure from traditional forms of artistic expression. His emphasis on live performance and audience interaction aligns with broader trends in contemporary art towards experiential and participatory practices. Sehgal's work also draws on avant-garde movements of the 20th century, such as Fluxus and Happenings, which sought to break down the boundaries between art and life. However, Sehgal's approach is distinct in its focus on the fleeting and ephemeral nature of artistic experience, challenging viewers to confront the transience of human existence and the limitations of materiality.
"This Variation," one of Sehgal's most celebrated works, offers a unique sensory experience within a completely darkened room. This immersive performance art piece invites viewers to navigate a space transformed by a large group of interpreters. Through sound, movement, speech, and singing, the interpreters create an ever-changing landscape that blurs the boundary between spectator and performer. In the absence of visual cues, viewers must rely on their other senses to engage with the artwork, resulting in a heightened state of awareness and perceptual acuity. "This Variation" exemplifies Sehgal's ability to challenge traditional modes of artistic presentation and create dynamic, immersive experiences that resonate with viewers long after they have left the gallery.
creative exercise
I. IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE STEP BY STEP:
Step 1: Choose your context Select one of the following contexts: a night club, a theater or cinema, or the street at nighttime. Each setting offers a unique atmosphere and sensory experience.
Step 2: Close your eyes and immerse yourself Find a comfortable and quiet spot within your chosen context. Whether it's the pulsating energy of a night club, the dimly lit ambiance of a theater or cinema, or the quiet solitude of the nighttime streets, make yourself at ease. Close your eyes and take a series of deep, calming breaths to center yourself in the present moment.Listen to the sounds, smell the scents, and feel the sensations around you. Let yourself fully immerse in the experience, allowing your imagination to transport you.
Step 3: Extend your experience Continue to keep your eyes closed and maintain your focus on the immersive experience. Gradually increase the duration of your immersion: start with 5 minutes, then extend to 10 minutes, and finally to 15 minutes. Pay attention to any changes in your perception and how your feelings evolve over time.
II. CREATIVE WRITING:
After completing your immersive experience, engage in automatic writing to capture your thoughts, emotions, and sensory impressions. Follow these guidelines:
1. Free-flow writing: Write continuously without pausing or censoring your thoughts. Allow your ideas to flow freely onto the page, without worrying about grammar or structure.
2. Sensory detail: Focus on describing the sensory details of your immersive experience. Explore the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes associated with your chosen context. Use vivid language to bring these sensations to life on the page.
3. Emotional expression: Reflect on the emotions evoked by your immersive experience. Describe how you felt during each stage of the exercise, from the initial moments of relaxation to the deeper immersion in your chosen environment.
4. Exploration of darkness: Consider the concept of darkness in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Explore how darkness influences your perception and mood, and how it shapes your experience within the immersive setting.
5. Flow of consciousness: Allow your thoughts to flow naturally from one idea to the next. Embrace spontaneity and creativity, and don't worry about making logical connections between your thoughts.
stay grounded and motivated!
"In closing, I want to emphasize the incredible journey you're embarking on. Creative writing is about more than just putting words on a page—it's about expressing yourself, exploring new ideas, and discovering the depths of your imagination. Remember, it's not about the quantity of words you write, but the consistency of your practice. Every word you write, no matter how small, is a step forward in your creative journey. So keep playing, keep exploring, and keep writing. You've taken the first step by joining this course, and I can't wait to see where your creativity takes you. Keep up the amazing work, and I'll see you soon for more writing adventures!"
—Anna Ádám Founder of the School of Disobedience