April/May 2010:Body Art via the Slow Movement

LENS:

The Slow Movement

Modern life is nearly synonymous with speed, and with a new century that demands instant information, quicker travel and faster food, it’s no surprise that a movement has arisen over the last few decades in protest of such overwhelming velocity. Enter the Slow Movement. By promoting more deliberate and sustainable ways of thinking, living and interacting in our world community, this growing philosophy seeks a cultural shift towards a new pace throughout domains as varied as food and shopping, art and parenting.

SUBJECT:

Body Art & Modification

The body has long been a canvas for cultures throughout the world to depict and enact their spiritual, artistic or aesthetic ideals—from the decorative tattoos of the Māori people to that special day when a young girl gets her ears pierced. In the last few decades, such modification has blossomed far beyond cultural mores to include a wide array of techniques and individual expression, from tongue-splitting to breast implants, genital mutilation to a now $40 billion industry for hair products.

PARALLAXION:

So what might the lens of the Slow Movement, whose subjects have so far been as varied as gastronomy, commerce and urban design, tell us about our seemingly inherent drive to decorate, modify or even mutilate our own bodies?

Slow Food Happy Hour Slideshow (courtesy of EM Wiig)
http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=71649

Feb/March 2010:Basketball via Jung

LENS:

Carl Jung & Analytical Psychology

To Carl Jung, one of the founders of psychoanalysis, life as we know it was only the tip of an iceberg. Life as we don’t know it, that is, the unconscious realm of dreams, of myth, and of mysterious symbols that guide humanity beyond the limits of basic reason—on that Jung set his lens.

SUBJECT:

Basketball

In 1891, James Naismith attached wooden peach baskets to the walls of a gymnasium. Today, millions of people worldwide join together as one in support of their local teams, cheering on their heroes. Young men and women across America come of age by this game and there are few rituals left in the modern world with as much cultural meaning, where dreams are born and spirits lifted—or broken, faith embraced.

PARALLAXION:

What does it mean to win? Why do we seek out unnecessary competition? How does one stay in the game? Is there something spiritually innate about two teams throwing balls through hoops? And how can a man feel his own soul crushed when he hears the fourth quarter buzzer sound through the speakers of a barroom television? Let’s find out.