Subsymbolic
Subsymbolic is a multimedia installation exploring the intertwined themes of childhood, memory, and music.
In psychology and cognitive science, subsymbolic refers to a mode of understanding cognition that emphasises patterns, associations, and relationships rather than explicit symbols or structured rules. I chose this title because it reflects how these intangible forces have shaped my sense of self.
At the heart of the installation is a central figure – my alter ego – placed within a world constructed from fragments of sound and symbolic elements drawn from my childhood. This character acts as a visual anchor, embodying my inner world and the emotional landscape of growing up immersed in music.
Rather than telling a literal story, the work evokes nostalgia and emotional resonance through playful, abstract forms: pops of colour, textured surfaces, rhythmic patterns, and layered audio. These symbols of sound and childhood aren’t meant to be decoded like language but felt – mirroring how the mind processes memory and emotion: through rhythm, sensation, and connection.
Subsymbolic captures that quiet complexity – how meaning can arise not from what is clearly said, but from what is deeply felt.
Subsymbolic (Video Piece 1)
This video, shown on the central monitor, is a refined, minimal animation of my alter ego sculpture. Its rhythmic flow offers a visual pause between the more intense surrounding videos, creating balance and space for reflection. This digital piece reinterprets my physical sculpture, exploring how virtual and tangible forms interact within the same space.I'm drawn to the tension and harmony that emerge when digital and real worlds converge, offering immersive, unexpected experiences.
Subsymoblic (Video Piece 2)
This video, displayed on the left monitor brings together all of my key visual symbols in a deliberately overstimulating aesthetic. Designed to echo the fast-paced, high-energy atmosphere of club visuals, this piece immerses the viewer in a chaotic yet carefully constructed rhythm. My aim was to create a sensory experience that feels almost hypnotic - where the rapid visual pulses draw the viewer in and encourage them to engage. The layered, fast-moving imagery is intentionally overwhelming, reflecting the intensity of sound and movement often found in nightclub environments.
Subsymbolic (Video Piece 3)
The video on the right monitor features childhood footage of me dancing, making music, and engaging with sound - early moments that reveal my deep connection to rhythm and melody. These clips are layered with distorted symbols from my visual language, blurring past and present as memory evolves into meaning. This footage felt essential, capturing the roots of my relationship with sound. The accompanying audio is built entirely from these recordings, creating a sonic archive that deepens the visual experience. Together, image and sound form an immersive feedback loop where memory, symbol, and sound intertwine.
