University of Johannesburg, ART CENTRE
Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Hosted by the Centre for Phenomenology in South Africa,
the UJ Philosophy Department and the UJ Arts Academy
Defining dizziness as an unpredictable motion or the sensation of such a motion, this long-term artistic research asks for the state of dizziness tobe viewed in a different light. A phenomenon that appears on different scales and in various contexts, dizziness can be understood as causing an existential shift from the given to the uncertain, thereby unbalancing elements, multitudes, or even entire systems. Whether petrifying turmoil or joyful ilinx, by becoming dizzy, we enter a stage of heightened vulnerability, unsure of our perception, processing, orientation and abilities - uncertain of ourselves and the world around us. These Feelings of insecurity mark our interaction with the environment, conveying that dizziness and its disorienting conditions are situated in the lived experience and exposing its complexity.
Methodologically, the artistic research on dizziness emerges as a concept in motion. This brings us to the notion of 'concept',which will lead to the workshop session. Critically examining how concepts are formed, function, and evolve within and across different disciplines (art, philosophy...), questions may include:
In a (post-)disciplinary landscape, what can a concept be? When, why and for what purposes do we use concepts? What artistic, philosophical and other sources are relevant to the critical reading of the term concept?
The final part will be a practice-based training sessionfocused on our vestibular system, which is responsible for our sense of balance, gravity, and orientation; it will invite participants to a guided balancetraining session. No prior experience is necessary, and all bodies and abilities are welcome. Afterwards, we will Finish the day with mutual exchange and discussion.
FACILITATORS
Ruth Anderwald + Leonhard Grond work as artists, curators, and artist-researchers and are currently guest professors at the Artistic Research Centre, University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna and affiliated members of the Centre for SensoryStudies, Concordia University, Montreal/Tio'tia:kel. Their publications include the edited volume Dizziness-A Resource,(Sternberg Press/MIT Press, 2019).
