↘
CLOSENESS
ACROSS
DISTANCE
4000 Miles (2)
»We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep.« – William James, American Philosopher and Psychologist
Feeling connected tethers humans to the the earth. We search for shared threads that tie us to one another as we cast our mighty nets in attempts to capture a sense of togetherness. This innate need to feel a sense of community and belonging has prompted technological advancements that help humans transcend obstacles like time and physical distances. The contemporary understanding of proximity and nearness reflects a cultural shift as community is no longer defined by place, and with technology, we are able to maintain personal contact and presence over vast distances. Existing solutions, such as messenger services and video conferencing systems, tend to focus on direct communication, primarily providing efficient and explicit exchange of information. However, social relationships require more subtle, versatile, and sensory ways of communicating and expressing emotions. (1)
The concept of closeness can be examined figuratively and metaphorically, for it encompasses the following: (A) the state of being only a short distance or separation in terms of space or time; (B) the kind of affection or intimacy in a relationship; (C) the attentive and thorough way of being (2). Within the course, students explored these different lenses through observation, creativity, and artistic production. The aim was to explore and develop concepts that enable the maintenance of meaningful social relationships across spatial distances, which drive and strengthen participation, neighborliness, cooperation and solidarity within a transcontinental community.
Feeling connected tethers humans to the the earth. We search for shared threads that tie us to one another as we cast our mighty nets in attempts to capture a sense of togetherness. This innate need to feel a sense of community and belonging has prompted technological advancements that help humans transcend obstacles like time and physical distances. The contemporary understanding of proximity and nearness reflects a cultural shift as community is no longer defined by place, and with technology, we are able to maintain personal contact and presence over vast distances. Existing solutions, such as messenger services and video conferencing systems, tend to focus on direct communication, primarily providing efficient and explicit exchange of information. However, social relationships require more subtle, versatile, and sensory ways of communicating and expressing emotions. (1)
The concept of closeness can be examined figuratively and metaphorically, for it encompasses the following: (A) the state of being only a short distance or separation in terms of space or time; (B) the kind of affection or intimacy in a relationship; (C) the attentive and thorough way of being (2). Within the course, students explored these different lenses through observation, creativity, and artistic production. The aim was to explore and develop concepts that enable the maintenance of meaningful social relationships across spatial distances, which drive and strengthen participation, neighborliness, cooperation and solidarity within a transcontinental community.
(1)
BMBF. (2021, November 26) Bekanntmachung der Richtlinie zur Förderung von Projekten zum Thema „Nähe über Distanz – Mit interaktiven Technologien zwischenmenschliche Verbundenheit ermöglichen“. Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung ↗
(2)
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (n.d.). Closeness. In www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com ↗ Retrieved September 4, 2024
The project is part of the Virtual Global Learning Exchange (VGLE). Bridging two institutions on two continents and two time zones, it aims to promote intercultural exchange and Blended Learning, focusing on linking physical and virtual learning environments for art and design practice. The student teams consist of students of different senorities from the first to the seventh semester.
The course culminated in a visual art and design exhibition ↗ at the Faculty of Design Würzburg.
The course is a cooperation of Prof. Sydney Craig ↗ (Herron) and Prof. Judith Glaser.
Winter Term 2023/24
BMBF. (2021, November 26) Bekanntmachung der Richtlinie zur Förderung von Projekten zum Thema „Nähe über Distanz – Mit interaktiven Technologien zwischenmenschliche Verbundenheit ermöglichen“. Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung ↗
(2)
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (n.d.). Closeness. In www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com ↗ Retrieved September 4, 2024
The project is part of the Virtual Global Learning Exchange (VGLE). Bridging two institutions on two continents and two time zones, it aims to promote intercultural exchange and Blended Learning, focusing on linking physical and virtual learning environments for art and design practice. The student teams consist of students of different senorities from the first to the seventh semester.
The course culminated in a visual art and design exhibition ↗ at the Faculty of Design Würzburg.
The course is a cooperation of Prof. Sydney Craig ↗ (Herron) and Prof. Judith Glaser.
Winter Term 2023/24
What comes after death poses so many questions to humanity, as it isn’t something that can be experienced or a story that can be told. Life is the only existence that humans know, whereas death is often viewed as the polar opposite, a state of not consciously existing any longer. With this, many cultures, groups, religions, and individuals have different beliefs when it comes to the afterlife, some posing the question as to whether or not there even is one. The transition between life and death is a complex topic, which truly raises more questions and room for contemplation than it does in providing any one answer.
Each project uses visual imagery such as specifically chosen colors, symbols, forms, and text existing within planes of space that deliver their own separate narratives surrounding the same concept. Despite all of our projects being centered around death and the afterlife, the results of our craft goes to show how differently each person’s interpretation may be and what particular motifs and concepts are significant to the individual.
