Shadows of Us, 2023
I created this interactive, shadow-puppet like artwork as a representation of the conflict resolution and healing that can happen as we dream. The silhouetted figures are of two separate realms, the conscious, awake state just before going to sleep, and the dream state where we may encounter people we can no longer see for whatever reason. Though aesthetically minimal, the artwork’s mechanics are meant to relay a greater meaning in how the viewer can transform the artwork into multiple scenes.
During REM-stage dreams, the body stops producing noradrenaline, a stress hormone that gives an experience emotional salience. Dreaming of an emotional situation without having the upsetting emotional responses within the dream itself can be a source of healing. Researchers such as Dr. Rosalind Cartwright, have found that having dreams of negative life events can benefit the affected person, by enabling them to better cope with stress in day-to-day life. From my own experience, shortly after my uncle and father passed away, I had dreams of them (separately) in which I was able to embrace them and feel like I could let go of the painful emotions that lingered after their deaths.
Even if someone hasn’t experienced the death of a loved one, most people can relate having dreams of lost connections, be it an ex-partner, old friends, or distant relatives. The song I chose to play over my short video is called I.C.U by Australian band Holy Holy. The lead vocalist Tim Carroll wrote this song about a dream he had of an former girlfriend; Carroll has explained that the dream made him think more about how two people can become totally disconnected except for these occasional, imaginary reunions. Holy Holy wrote the album that I.C.U is featured on in the midst of Australia’s COVID lockdown, so the title reminds me of the many people who’ve passed away from COVID in the ICUs of hospitals. The magnitude of loss is surreal, almost like a dream.
References:
https://sequencewiz.org/2018/07/11/how-dreaming-helps-us-get-over-traumatic-experiences-or-not/
https://genius.com/Holy-holy-icu-lyrics
The Queen of Dreams: Remembering Rosalind D. Cartwright, PhD