Experiments in cross
species communication -
Communication & commune
with electric fish.
ENKI allows electric fish and humans to commune on the
same level - that of electrical fields and brain waves
- avoiding the use of language as such; instead stimulating
a shared empathy through physical connection. Bioelectric
communication signals from live Electric Fish control an
immersive sensory environment for humans - through which
the human can communicate back to the fish. These fish
have high intelligence, memory, and learning ability.
Historically there is a deep connection with with these
electric fish and medical 'healing' technologies. The project
makes reference to the status of these, electric fish,
and the ethics of their use as neurological research tools.
As
research specimens, they become sacrificial to
the greater purpose of furthering human knowledge.
It could also be seen as a reference to the 'babel-fish'
(Hitch Hikers Guide') and through this to the tower
of babel (thrust for knowledge, conflicts of language
and interoperation).
This project explores the possibilities of cross species
communication and human to fish relationships, in particular
the electric fish - is it possible that a symbiotic relationship
between human and electronic fish can be effected through
passive and acctive electronic media's?
Part 1 - ENKI
ENKI uses the bioelectric information from live Electric
Fish to control an immersive sensory environment designed
to alter states of consciousness, and produce potentially
healing effects. While exploring biotechnology and electronics,
I found there are many connections between neurological
research (with electric fish), and medical 'healing' technologies,
both historic and contemporary.
(see www.enkitechnology.info)
The Aquarium; fish as techno-cultural device
Given that aquariums are in use as what could be considered
as a low-fi relaxation technology, it is a natural progression
that fish, in particular, the the weakly electric fish,
should be interfaced with the latest electronic and computer
based technologies.
A typical tropical aquarium is a multi cultural space -
consisting of farmed and wild-caught species. Aquariums
are installed as calming objects, however; on closer inspection
the contained environment is one of both aggressive conflict,
tolerance and submission. The skill of the aquarium keeper
is to create harmony among fish - and through this; craft
an impossible window into an otherwise wild world by creating
a controlled illusion of it.
The electric fish are kept by aquarium enthusiasts or Neuroscientists
- To me it seems these fish have a precious almost 'sacred'
status in our society.
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About the weakly electric fish; Interaction and communication
Unlike non-electric fish, electro-active or electrogenic
fish are in a continual state of 'electro reception'. Given
this we can transmit (talk) to the fish electrically at
any time, and it will receive (listen). These fish have
high intelligence, memory, and learning ability. Working
with these (weakly) electric fish, I found that not only
are these fish both used in neuroscientific research for
human benefit, but the Knife Fish naturally emit Binaural
frequencies; thought to have phycoaccustic effects on humans.
It is in the interests of neuroscientists to understand
how this information is processed filtered and understood
so quickly (the Mormryds have an extremely large brain
in proportion to body size.) Of particular interest is
the process of Jamming other electrical signals, and frequency
modulation.
It is my interest to see how and if the fish will respond
and to what; is it possible to 'communicate', and what
would communication entail?
Is it possible that the fish, with such a sensitive electro-sensory
system, be aware of a human presence? or even senses these
subtle electrical fields we generate? What, if anything,
can these fish tell us about our selves?
It is certain that these fish can recognise 'electrical
images', changes in environmental electro connectivity
as well as sense tiny creatures in zero optical visibility.
Electric fish have been used medically & therapeutically
for thousands of years; In ancient times, the Greeks and
Romans considered the Torpedo fish to have magical properties.
During the Middle Ages, the magic capacities of electric
fish were sought for their vital force. What
role can electric
fish play today
in the development
and application
of electro-accupunture,
EEG, and other
electro-theraputic
technologies?
I began to Investigate the development of these ideas through
to the modern day; How are electrical fields, therapeutically
thought to effect us, and if they do at all? Closely coupled
with the medical use of electromagnetic fields, I found
this debate was alive and well; Scientifically controversial
(shunned), as is any so called 'alternative medicine',
the evidence for the effectiveness of such technologies
is in question. As is the affectivity of Binaural frequencies
and the possibility brain-wave entrainment. Despite this;
these ideas, and technologies developed around them are
in-use medically, and commercially since the 1910. Perhaps
the use and perpetuation of ideas is subject to what we
believe in - not necessarily what we know to be true.
'Alternative' medicine
and hard sciences are
two fields which are
traditionally at odds
with each other - ENKI
is an art work which
brings these two worlds
together and generates
a discussion in this
scientifically controversial
area. It is an exploration
of the role subjectivity
and experience in the
construction of knowledge
and belief structures.
ENKI is a real and functional technology. It allows electric
fish and humans to commune on the same level - that of
electrical fields and brain waves - avoiding the use of
language as such; instead stimulating a shared empathy
through and actual physical connection (see www.enkitechnology.info)
