agnosis

About AGNOSIS

According to the materialist philosophers of ancient Greece, matter constitutes the fundamental essence of nature, implying that all existence arises from material interactions. Lucretius eloquently illustrates this interconnectedness, suggesting that the demise of one entity simultaneously heralds the emergence of another—an ongoing cycle of death and rebirth. He refers to the primordial substance, or "primordia," as the essential cause from which all things, whether visible or intangible, are derived. Drawing inspiration from contemporary materialism and alternative frameworks that challenge established hierarchies and relationships, AGNOSIS emerges as a physical exploration that overlays various materials and formats. This endeavor incorporates diverse machines, processes, and technologies aimed at manifesting the continuous symbiosis between matter, life, and technology.

This work is conceived as a film sculpture that delves into the tangible dimensions of images and light, transcending their ephemeral qualities. It explores the profound notion that the universe is composed of the same fundamental matter—primordial essence—as everything within our grasp. Here, this idea intertwines with technology, serving as a bridge to access what often feels beyond our reach. The piece invites contemplation on the interplay between the unattainable and the tangible, the physical and the virtual. It raises intriguing questions about our ability to discern materials through sensory experiences that extend beyond mere reason. Through this exploration, the work challenges viewers to reflect on their perceptions and the boundaries between reality and illusion.

To create AGNOSIS, I began by projecting a captivating series of slides featuring images of the universe and planets, meticulously captured by NASA, onto a black cloth. Using a 16mm Bolex camera, I filmed myself interacting with these celestial visuals. Additionally, I showcased a video that sequentially recorded the surface of Lake Titicaca, capturing the sun's reflection on the water with precise exposure settings. This reflection appeared as a dense black mass, reminiscent of the night sky. After filming, I developed the material in a film processing laboratory and manually assembled it using a Moviola, culminating in a reel of film ready for projection. I installed a vintage 16mm projector in a darkened gallery room and designed a system that allowed for continuous playback of the film. To enhance the immersive experience, I painted a matte black rectangle on the wall, onto which the images were projected. This setup created the illusion of a window or an open portal to another dimension.