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Posthuman Art Network

(ILR) Hamed Heidari: Material Capture

Updated: Jul 7


Case Study


Abductive reasoning, material engagement, affordance


In the late 20th century, a new perspective emerged that sought to bridge the gap between materialism and subjectivism in understanding culture. This new horizon was born out of the convergence of various disciplines such as neurocognitive sciences, anthropology, art, and archaeology.


One of the key trends in this new perspective is the concept of "material capture." This approach rejects the traditional dichotomy between mind and matter, instead positing that culture is built over time and in different places through the conscious and mutual involvement of humans with the world around them.


According to this view, artifacts are not just mere objects but are instead an integral part of every culture. They are not limited to being confined to the skull, but rather are distributed throughout the material world. This approach relies on three fundamental assumptions about the relationship between mind and matter:


Firstly, it recognizes that human cognition is situated and that matter plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the world. Secondly, it acknowledges that the semantic and symbolic features of material culture arise from practical actions and activities. Finally, it posits that artifacts are part of the process of forming agency, shaping human intentions and emotions.


To illustrate this concept, let's consider the Assyrian written clay cones. These cones feature a conical shape with a pine fruit in the hands of a mixed and winged creature with an eagle's head. The conical shape is not just a symbol but rather a material sign that creates meaning through its interaction with humans. In Assyrian cosmology, the conical shape is connected to the god of gardening, Nisroch, who is also associated with construction.


The meaning of this cone is not fixed or predetermined but rather emerges through its interaction with humans. It is a material form that takes on meaning through its practical use in rituals and ceremonies. The king's attempt to rebuild or build a temple on top of one of these cones is not just a symbolic act but rather a material practice that shapes his agency and intentions.


The Assyrian cosmological system revolves around the axis of ratio, which is not predetermined by any one individual or group but rather emerges through the interactions between humans and their environment. This system is not contained within any one skull but rather is distributed throughout the material world.


The materiality of the mind is a concept that is now gaining recognition across various cognitive sciences. This materiality is not limited to what was previously discussed in this article but rather encompasses all aspects of human cognition and culture.


Archeology plays a unique role in understanding human cognition and culture by examining the material conditions of human life and discovering the principles and rules governing those situations. Through its hermeneutic approach, archeology provides a unique window into understanding human mentality and consciousness.


In conclusion, the concept of "material capture" offers a new perspective on understanding culture as a dynamic and constantly evolving process. By recognizing the importance of materiality in shaping human cognition and culture, we can gain a deeper understanding of human societies and their place in the world.


Model


My vision is to apply the concept of "material capture" to the context of intelligence-love-revolution. I aim to demonstrate how "material capture" can be a powerful tool for understanding the dynamic and constantly evolving nature of human societies.


1. To explore the role of materiality in shaping human intelligence. I will investigate how the concept of "material capture" can be applied to the study of human intelligence, examining how material objects and environments shape our cognitive processes and emotional experiences.

2. To examine the relationship between love and material culture: I will analyze how material culture, including artifacts and symbols, plays a crucial role in shaping our emotional experiences of love, exploring how these relationships are reflected in various cultural contexts.

3. To investigate the role of revolution in shaping human cognition and culture.I will examine how revolutions, as events that transform societal structures and norms, impact human cognition and culture, using the concept of "material capture" to understand the complex interactions between humans and their environment.

4. To develop a framework for applying "material capture" to intelligence-love-revolution: By combining insights from neurocognitive sciences, anthropology, art, and archaeology, I aim to develop a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex relationships between human cognition, emotions, and cultural development.


Objectives:


1. Conduct a review of existing literature on "material capture" and its applications across various disciplines.

2. Analyze case studies that illustrate the role of materiality in shaping human intelligence, love, and revolution.

3. Explore the relationship between material culture and emotional experiences of love in various cultural contexts.

4. Develop a framework for applying "material capture" to intelligence-love-revolution, outlining potential avenues for future research and investigation.


I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between human cognition, emotions, and cultural development, demonstrating the potential of "material capture" as a powerful tool for exploring the dynamics of intelligence-love-revolution.

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