Title: Intraconnected (taken/inspired by the title of the book written by Dan Seigel)
Medium: Mixed media on mirrored acrylic sheet
Size: 42 x 59.4 cm
After this work was exhibited I was coincidentally (or not) introduced to the work of Rudolf Steiner who's motto seems to describe perfectly the concept behind this piece:
"The healthy social life is found
when in the mirror of each human soul
the whole community finds its reflection'
and when in the community
the value of each one is living"
Intraconnected
MWe (Me + We) is a term coined by Dan Siegal in his 2023 book ‘Intraconnected’. The author believes that modern society has “got it all wrong” by encouraging the belief that we are separate from each other influenced by western ideologies that promote individualism. Drawing on contemporary science and indigenous cultures and traditions, the author urges us to reconsider our perception of the self as separate. To put it simply, we are all ‘interconnected’ as humans and have our own separate solo body. However, the author emphasises the importance of recognising that the self is also part of a much larger system (wider universe consisting not only of humans but various species and ‘energies’). Being interconnected is considered a linear process of thinking of ourselves and others and the author argues that this can influence a separation of the self from others and can lead to experiences of being Othered and treated as less than. The author notes, “the whole (system) is greater than the sum of its parts (self)”. Moving away from a linear (interconnected) view of existence to a systems view (intraconnected - we are all parts within a much larger whole system), might be a move away from neoliberal individualism that encourages experiences such as stigma.
Do you ever notice/feel the energy when you walk into a room? Do you notice what physical sensations occur in your body as a result of the energies or atmosphere? Our physiology reacts to the environment around us and those we are in relation with. My artwork is my attempt to show how our words, attitudes and behaviours indiscreetly or otherwise may not only affect others emotionally but can also influence a person's physiology and ‘whole’ health. I often hear the phrase ‘others emotions are not my responsibility.’ If more people were aware of how their words, attitudes and behaviours can also influence our physiology and our ‘whole’ health, I wonder if this would encourage us to think differently about the impact we may have on others emotionally. It is my hope to encourage reflection about the potential impact our words, actions and behaviours (that may not always be overt or intended), could have on another's whole health, body and the wider system/s around us.
