On August 8th, United Rising was honoured to participate in the Sensory Threshold Lab 2024, held at the stunning Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen. Yasmine, our Director, along with Vera, a dedicated member of United Rising, contributed to this unique artistic research laboratory led by the talented artists and researchers Katherina Heil and Alexander Heil. This lab serves as a dynamic space where art, research, and experimentation converge within a specific spatial and conceptual framework.
Exploring “As Found+”: The Intersection of Art, Ecology, and History
The 4th edition of the Sensory Threshold Lab, titled “As Found+,” emphasised the creative use of found materials, ready-made objects, and site-specific interventions. This theme encouraged participants to engage deeply with the location’s ecology, history, and future, exploring the intricate connections between art, research, and practice. The lab served as a platform to challenge conventional boundaries and foster collaboration across various disciplines.
The Sensory Threshold Lab places a strong emphasis on collaboration in its many forms, viewing it as a central theme of exploration. The project at Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen sought to investigate the intersections between otherworldly environments, interdisciplinary collaboration, and both human and more-than-human perspectives. It aimed to create a unique experience where artists, researchers, and the surrounding community could collaboratively interpret and engage with the Kunstfort and its landscape in diverse, unexpected ways.
United Rising’s Contribution: A Focus on Reciprocity and Environmental Stewardship
During our participation in the lab, United Rising brought a perspective rooted in environmental protection and human rights. We believe that the systemic challenges in resource management begin with individual responsibility, and thus, we explored the theme of reciprocity. Drawing on indigenous knowledge and life philosophy, we aimed to connect participants with the concept of reciprocity through their experiences in the beautiful, nature-surrounded location of the fort.
After exploring the fort’s surroundings, we noticed that participants who spent several weeks there developed a deep connection and respect for the ecosystem that hosted them. Nature was giving, and in return, the participants began to give back, fostering a sense of reciprocity.
Yasmine and Vera initiated a brainstorming session with the participants, asking what reciprocity meant to them, how it related to the human-nature connection, and how they experienced it during their time at the fort. The discussion revealed diverse interpretations: for some, reciprocity meant caring for nature and giving back; for others, it represented the circularity between taking and giving. There was also a strong sense of community and mutual respect. Regardless of the specific interpretation, it was clear that reciprocity was a concept that resonated deeply with everyone, aligning them with the same frequency of thought and action. The time spent at the fort and the lab’s theme provided a fertile ground for this exploration.
Body Mapping Workshop: A Creative Exploration of Reciprocity
Reflecting on the brainstorming session, Yasmine and Vera decided to conduct a workshop on body mapping, exploring reciprocity through this artistic method. Body mapping invites participants to reflect on their embodied experiences and their relationship with the environment. The final artworks are metaphors for the ecological self, capturing the complex relationships between the self and the environment.
In a time of ecological and climate crisis, living in reciprocity with nature is challenging. These crises evoke a range of emotions, from grief and anger to hope and determination. Similarly, connecting with the natural world can bring joy and peace, but it also reminds us of the loss and destruction our ecosystems face. In line with the “As Found+” theme, we encouraged participants to create body maps using found natural materials from the local area. By drawing, collaging, and placing these objects on the floor, participants expressed complex relationships with each other and the more-than-human world. The body mapping workshop aimed to foster human and planetary well-being by encouraging creative engagement with nature and a deeper connection to the place.
The workshop culminated in a sharing session where participants reflected on the materials and elements they used in their body maps and what these represented to them. Each participant’s map acted as a scaffold for exploring the complex emotions and experiences that emerge from our connections to the natural world.
United Rising Take: Bridging Theory, Art, and Advocacy
The experience at the Sensory Threshold Lab underscored the powerful role that art can play in connecting theoretical concepts with practical advocacy, which is at the heart of our work at United Rising (UR). Art serves as a bridge, translating complex ideas about environmental protection, human rights, and social responsibility into tangible experiences that resonate with a broader audience. Through creative expression, abstract concepts become more relatable, inviting people to engage with them on a deeper, more emotional level.
At UR, our mission is to address systemic challenges in resource management and advocate for sustainable practices and human rights. However, these issues often seem distant or overwhelming to many people. Art, with its ability to evoke emotions and provoke thought, helps us to communicate these challenges in a way that is both accessible and impactful. For instance, through workshops like body mapping, we can explore ideas such as reciprocity and environmental stewardship in a manner that is not just theoretical but also deeply personal and experiential. By integrating art into our advocacy work, we create opportunities for individuals to connect with the principles we champion—like sustainability, community, and respect for nature. This connection fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, encouraging participants to take action in their own lives. Moreover, art provides a space where diverse perspectives can come together, allowing for a richer dialogue that bridges the gap between different disciplines.
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in this experience, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to Katherina and Alexander for their visionary initiative in creating the Sensory Threshold Lab.