Siena’s Reflection on Mesmerize
The aspects of the immersive experience that captivated me the most were the vibrant lighting, colors, and the poems at each activation. The bright lights and vivid hues made me feel energized, filling me with a sense of playfulness and wonder. In contrast, the sound design was dynamic yet relaxing. This juxtaposition of vibrant visuals and calming music created a pleasant, harmonious atmosphere.
Another element I loved was the poetry on the Dreamologists' clipboards. Some of the field notes with poem were thought-provoking and nudged me to engage more deeply with the surrounding art pieces and structures. I found myself imagining how each poem fit into the “living dream” world, as well as reflecting on my personal experiences and dreams. The poems drew me in intellectually, prompting me to think about their broader meanings about the human experience, and connections to the exhibits.
I do wish I’d had more time to fully digest the poems. Standing in front of the clipboards re-reading them felt a bit time-consuming. I think it would be great if there were buttons at each installation that triggered an audio recording of the poems, making them more accessible for those who prefer listening rather than reading. This would also allow visitors to keep their eyes on the exhibits while absorbing the poem’s content. Overall, the clipboards left me craving more, and adding an audio option for the the dreamologist’s notes would enrich the immersive experience even further.
Connection - bridging cultures, merging old and new technologies, and ancient and new forms of storytelling (haikus), and linking people of all ages
Reflection - your environment reflects your behaviors; take ownership
Resilience - the ability to cope with and recover from setbacks
Each project reclaims “broken” things, such as wasted food, trash, or the changing climate. With themes of optimism and resiliency, we can empower people to believe that their actions repeated regularly will create a beautiful impact.
A Kintsugi ceramic bowl - a symbol of renewal
Maze walking enhances mindfulness and presence, aids in self-reflection and contemplation, deepens connection with oneself It can also