larval limbic is part of a new direction of work continuing from mantid hybrids,

looking at themes of morphing and evolutions, possibilities of gender(less) fluidity and forms of sentience.

 

Its main references come from science fiction author Octavia Butler and the orchid mantis, an insect which has adapted to resemble orchids in what is known as ‘aggressive mimicry’.

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Butler’s writing in her post-apocalyptic series Lilith’s Brood (composed of the three novels Dawn, Adulthood Rites, and Imago) describes a world where humanity struggles to adapt itself to its new environment by merging with alien species and taking on new forms. Intrigued by the drastic transformations insects such as the mantis undergo, I imagine it as a model for a possible hybrid being.

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The sound of larval-stage creatures transitioning into their proximate form becomes the base for sound, video, actions and objects.

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Presently, larval limbic  is taking form as a series of workshops/ events of gathering both presencial and online. Conceptualised as a ' tactile meditation ' , the artist leads a gathering of participants in sharing key thoughts, moods and references behind the mantid hybrids series, including literary excerpts and sound compositions. 

The session culminates in a meditation over a selection of material textures,

musing over the way touch is connected to both memory and emotion via the limbic system,

and exploring sensory recollections via tactile observation.

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Larval limbic  was first carried out in the Sala de Arte Joven, Madrid, with an in-person format.

It is currently actuating as a series of online gathering events platformed through A.I. Gallery, London. 

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