The Cyborg would not recognize the Garden of Eden is an immersive exhibition exploring the fast - evolving intersection of humanity and technology within the context of womanhood. Through contrasting elements of rubbery skin and metal, movement and stillness, and conduction and isolation, the cyborg provokes contemplation on the uncertain position and importance of gender in a futuristic society. Where do we, as creators and consumers (and women), belong in this reality?
The center of the installation is a mesmerizing creature, a strange yet magnetic representation of the modern society’s undying obsession. A vulva – rendered almost unrecognizable with rubber skin and various technological additions/upgrades – serves as a reminder of our increasing fusion with technology. We are confined within ‘shoebox’ apartments, surrounded by miles of cables integrated into both our living spaces and the remnants of nature. This integration is becoming a necessary and universal experience. I am not attempting to condemn this progress, rather suggesting its use as a tool for personal advancement and liberation. As a nod to the cyberfeminist movement of the 1990s, the sculpture is anti-naturalist, portraying the future of a technological wasteland, which nevertheless holds the possibility of reshaping our societal structure to serve our current needs.
By merging digital and traditional art, I am aiming to create an immersive experience. The seemingly still creature, coming to life through audio and video reactive visuals, add an extra layer of humanity to its eerie presence. The interplay of light, sound and form captivates, evoking a deep sense of connection and introspection, while considering the adaptability of the human form to changing living conditions and reflecting on the countless times humanity has adapted throughout history. When it comes to technology, our bodies often desperately welcome, and willingly accommodate these needs, blurring the line between our physical and digital selves.
The installation doesn’t attempt to represent a scientifically accurate depiction of the future of the human form, rather it serves as a prompt to reconsider our relationship with technology and its possibilities for the future. Through thought-provoking visuals, immersive environments, and engaging interactive features, I offer a platform for dialogue and introspection. Through this piece, I contemplate my place within our ever evolving reality, and explore the profound implications of this integration, both positive and negative.
Emma Vališová von Sanger is a visual artist based in the Czech republic. In her practice, she delves into the depths of self-exploration, translating personal perception into visual expressions. With a focus on the subconscious and the self-destructive tendencies of humanity, she strives to capture the essence of the human experience, and by employing contrast, she detaches herself from the creative process to present authentic portrayals of her subjects. Addressing current societal obsessions, including identity politics and the impact of technology, her work serves as a form of public therapy, revealing conscious fears and dilemmas. By creating an uncomfortably familiar environment, she challenges viewers to engage in opposing thoughts, leaving a lasting impression, and through merging the digital and physical realms, utilizing interactive elements, and embracing diverse materials and techniques, she forges a connection between the audience and their own reality, immersing viewers in an introspective and thought-provoking experience.