As above, so below—language at a microscopic scale
Jess Gooding
How do specific elements of language predict trajectories for human behavior? The Sapir Whorf hypothesis suggests that the structure of one's language influences one's cognition/perspective.
The saying—As above so below—explores duality and oneness, when you zoom in so closely you can find yourself zoomed out, on the other side of things so to speak. Whilst this concept is often applied to parallels observed on cellular (micro) and astral (macro) levels, this project looks at it in the context of language. How do the specificities of the languages we speak (verbal or otherwise) manifest in our physical reality?
This topic was explored through organic forms, viscosity, translucency, and texture, which provided visual stimulus for these drawings. After conducting research on people who speak multiple languages, and allowing what was gleaned to inform a tactile exploration via means of clay and collage, my inquiry was turned inwards and I began to visualize an internal language I'd developed/discovered with myself. The larger grayscale piece is a depiction of this language. The colored pencil segments dissect the whole, honing in on specific feelings that passed through my body in hypnogogic/meditative states.