Week 8 - Matthew Dedes
Looking at the forms of differing Holocene states and the ongoing dilemma which humanity finds themselves in I was drawn to the section on extinctions. Defining extinction is tricky as it could be argued the majority of our natural world has already either become extinct or is close to becoming extinct. If we are looking purely at eco-systems, humanity has already regretfully lost many different types of animals, flora, fauna and land. As described within this close reading humanities understanding of the realities which time has posed over our natural world has not shaped our own future endeavours which we may have hoped. Looking at Ray Bradbury’s work we understand the inevitability and recognition of certain extinctions however the inability to adapt to the constant changing scenarios in which humanity poses. Such threats to our natural world are sometimes inevitable however, the continued alignment that humanity is in fact speeding up the process is the worrying significance whilst looking further into the future.
The concept of life is also summated very well as all organisms are subject to differing forms of life, however the important aspect of the work comes with the relationship between extinction and preservation. the notion of both life and death also outlines the inevitability of extinction within our natural world however does it then determine how we as humans exist in accordance with our natural world? Are we the reason why these processes are constantly being hurried? Humanity and their progressive understanding of what is needed to create the perfect society often does not take into account the examination of certain eco-systems and what they need to survive.
Animal worlds
Another section of micro-landscapes which really jumps out of me is the part of the animal world, specifically the photo essays. I feel as if the strength that photos and art now have within everyday society really intrinsically gets people. Patricia Piccinini and her contemporary artwork explores the very relationship with my eco-concept of a Holocene state as it provides a comparison with the intersectionality of human and animal bodies. The main factor at the source of this is technology and its avid processes of destroying eco-systems and civilisations.
Main points:
- Hybridity in creatures is not only unreasonable but it is an unfair way of “testing” animals’ capabilities which is inhumane.
- The connection between an animal’s view on the world compared to ours.
- Genetic engineering and the ongoing shift toward a more advanced and technological state.
- No one understands the importance of having animals around In order to complete and aid and embed eco-systems all around the world.