Subproject 2: Engaging with Events

Engaging with events

I see the quality of Events in many things around me. In this case it usually starts by something I see in public space that triggers a response in me. It can be anything, but often it is one or multiple objects that have no function (at that moment in time and in that particular context) that I pass on the street. However, despite their seemingly uselessness (think about a construction side abandoned for the night), there can be something about the constellation as a whole, or the place or positioning that I find an object in, that can make it somehow seem relevant. If that is the case, the observing starts to turn into a sensation. I interpret this as a type of ‘thinking-feeling’ that Brian Massumi has put into words[1]. ‘’It seems to convey to me that I am in an encounter and that this encounter is worthwhile. So I stop, and perceive.

As I allow my senses to get drenched with whatever it is that made me stand still to see and experience, a response seems to be called into being inside of me, although it never quite forms. It remains on the cusp of becoming. As I ‘tune into’ this Event even more, I feel like I understand why. There is no need for clear-cut questions to be asked and answers to be given. All that is required is to be aware. As my alertness turns into such awareness, the situation changes into a metastable equilibrium (Simondon). It holds everything, all potential becomings, yet the slightest interruption can disrupt the situation entirely and make the Event evaporate. So I wait.

This Event was probably existing in a (possibly different) dynamic balance within the world before, but it opened up by being so unmistakeably present before me, by which I could notice it, and through recognising it as such I feel like I am now a part of everything this Event can turn into. I could for example singlehandedly disrupt it. I could shrug the sensation off and walk on. Or I could try to give words to what I see: ‘’Well, this is just a chair propped up in a nook of a wall, nothing more, nothing less.’’ I have done so at times when I simply did not have the time or energy to engage. And there were probably also times when I did not manage to perceive the openness of the situation and only saw what I already knew. However, most of the time when I found myself in a situation like this, I find myself smiling. I realised that I appreciate having this experience. I am thankful that it, whatever ‘it’ is, is asking me for my attention and by doing so, is being attentive to me as well.

In these moments I feel in tune with something fundamental, which can only be temporary, because there is no start or finish in this place. I am the one creating the start, by engaging, and the finish, by walking away again. This is why it feels so worthwhile to experience this, for as long as it lasts. I have been addressed, although I do not know by what and why. But one thing is clear: it is not to give me a clear-cut question or answer. Instead it does so much more: it gives the potential for many questions and insights to come.

So in response, as a statement of recognition and appreciation, I take a picture.