“Solastalgic Cycles: Walking as a Tool for Reconnecting with the Living World” presented by D’Amours
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Amidst escalating global environmental challenges, narratives of resilience become essential. This research-creation delves into such resilient stories, examining the intricate dynamics of environmental identity through an auto-ethnographic approach, culminating in artworks steeped in the concept of solastalgia.
Defined by philosopher Glenn Albrecht, “solastalgia” encapsulates the emotional turmoil linked to widespread eco-anxiety manifestations. Within the artistic domain, the term “ecospheric art”, as referenced by Louise Boisclair, denotes creations intimately connected to Earth and its plethora of life forms. This research aims to highlight the nexus between solastalgia, environmental identity, and the transformative power of art in nurturing resilience.
Central to this exploration is the question: How can the act of walking serve as a catalyst for the artist’s personal transformation, subsequently influencing and reshaping their artistic practice?
Adopting an auto-ethnographic research-creation methodology provides a lens to trace the evolution of environmental identity. Drawing upon personal photographic archives, machine learning, and a range of technological tools, this study delves into the nuances of environmental identity. A standout piece in the research is a poetic audiovisual installation retracing the reconnection to the living world. The process of daily walks served as the foundational starting point for this artwork.
