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MACHINE DREAMS

Alexei Taylor, Author

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Mimesis

Mimesis is an idea of imitation. Mimesis in the process of imitating something in order to understand it and sometimes to dominate over it.  In order to create mimesis one needs to deconstruct something to small details and then gradually reconstruct it over again. By going through this process one can also notice possible motives and larger picture behind creation of an object.

According to Taussig’s book, mimesis is the way of understanding something through means of its likeness. Taussig argues that there is complex process underlying creation of mimesis, which consists of copying original object and connection between perceiver and the perceived.



The traditional Ukrainian dolls represent the principle of mimesis. Long time ago this type of dolls were used to “solve” various issues. For instance, a doll would be given to sick child in belief that it will take the child’s disease on itself. It is significant that dolls are not supposed to have eyes to avoid evil spirits. Instead, they have crosses to protect from evil spirits, which denotes imposed church power. Thus these dolls become mimesis, small representation of church power that performs church’s functions. 

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