Seminar: Cartes Blanches (2021–23)
Hemeroby
Oliver Lenzlinger
The term hemeroby is a measure of the overall impact of humans on natural ecosystems. The word is derived from the Greek " hḗmeros" (cultivated) and "bíos" (life). The following work is an exploration of this theme in a new visual language.
The time-based medium of animation makes it possible to control the dramaturgy and slowly introduce the viewer to the world shown. The situations recorded with the lidar scanner confront nature with human-made goods and places. Objects are combined where otherwise there is a discrepancy between their existence. The natural audio supports a gentle and positive perception. Through 60 frames per second, a kind of surreal hyperrealism is created. The light blue background can be interpreted as a wide sky - or as space for thoughts. Consciously chosen perspectives and compositions of three-dimensional objects support the perception and result in a poetic atmosphere of harmony and distance.
Are we aware of the degree of naturalness as well as the closeness or remoteness to nature of our now? Every object we possess as human beings is derived from nature. Raw materials have been taken from different parts of the earth's sphere and processed. The relationship of goods to their origin is often no longer recognisable. It feels like a great, intangible distance that has lost the link. Through the process of this digital work, my awareness of nature was sensitised and my intervention in the cycles was reflected.
If there are irreversible changes, the concept of hemeroby, i.e. the proximity and interaction with nature, should be reviewed. The work shown can be thought-provoking but still allow for a pleasant experience of an unknown visual language.