I'm Not Here: Embodied Methods for Ecological Selfhood

The aim of this research project is to develop and articulate methods for triggering first-hand, somatic experiences of ecological selfhood. My methodology is Practice as Research, employing Butoh dance and phenomenological methods of self-reflection and interviews with audiences, workshop participants and other artists. The research context encompasses Anthropocene cultural theory, Butoh, and sociological theory on the dynamics of neoliberal consumer capitalism as it pertains to models of selfhood. The consumer model will be contrasted with ecologically astute practices found in Buddhism and animistic practices to show the contingency of consumer selfhood and its poor fit for times of ecological crisis.