The four elements in motion.
DESCRIPTION AND JUSTIFICATION FOR THE PROJECT.
"The senses are the first faculties to be developed. As such, they should be the first to be nurtured." Rousseau.
Sensorama is a space and a group of people dedicated to developing the powers of perception, through a sensual trip where the eyes are blindfolded and the participant is put through atmospheric spaces full of textures, flavors, smells and sounds.
We know the importance of the five senses for the human being. They are essential to our understanding and relationship with nature and reality. In this age of "virtual reality" the development of our senses has become paralyzed; for this reason we have created the sensitizing process of Sensorama.
Contemporary education and culture are wreaking because of the wight of our visual sense, damaging our other senses, our sense of smell, of taste, of hearing and of touch: by hiding our eyes we cause our other senses to heighten, establishing contact with the true elements. The effects directly glide to the central nervous system, enabling the connection between sense and reason, experience and information, fusing abstract and physical realities.
This project involves ecology as the participant experiences- the true nature of Nature, and not only at the informative level.
Aimed at the public as whole, with more than five years of experience, Sensorama has been visited by more than 3,000 people, including those who suffer a disability, such as the blind, the deaf, those with mental disabilities, cerebral paralysis and drug addiction, having wonderful experiences with them.
How it Works:
The proposed project involves the four elements: Earth, Water, Wind and Fire.
Before beginning the sensual voyage the participants are given a brief introduction of the project, assuring them the safety and cleanliness of the site. Next, they are asked to cover their eyes , to remove their sight, to remove their shoes and only then can they enter the first phase.
· EARTH: It is here that the voyage begins, crawling into a plaster cave with a stone texture ( 1m in diameter, 2 m in length and an initial height of 50cm. Expanding to 1.6m) Here the participants discover plaster stalagmites and in the crevices, textural forms of corn and other seeds. Upon exiting the cave, they are enveloped by plants, fragrant herbs, tree trunks, clay and rocks. The floor is strewn with earth and leaves, In the center there is a sculpture of a human being made from corn, clay, leaves, seeds and stones. The sounds are a mixture of live music (drums, tambourines and songs) with which the participants interact, and at the far end there is a spatially recorded mood of peace. They are given different fruits and vegetables from the earth to savor. In the transition from earth to water they come upon a small tank of water where they wash their feet, initiating them into the world of water.
· WATER: This initial section begins with a cement bridge in the open air, the floor and railings are covered with a plastic tube filled with water, giving the walk and aquatic feel. At the end of the bridge, the participant has two options
a) Here they glide down a slide into running water, plunging into frothy bubbles. The space is encompassed by acrylic walls over which water pours and the floor resembles a small pool. There is a fountain representing a watery eye, rimmed with river rocks and guiding the participants up a stairway to the second option.
b) This part is designed for those who cannot enjoy the water slide. Here they will find themselves immersed in rocks, sea creatures such as snails, starfish,, aquatic plants floating in water. A humidifier is continually operating. In one of the walls there is a small round opening of 1.2m in diameter, into which the participant can put his head and absorb the sounds of waves and the sea breeze. In each section the music is full of sounds of the sea.
· WIND: This phase begins by ascending a small ramp (40cm.), where the participants are met by a guide who simulates a flight, encouraging them to fall onto a mound of cushions. They next pass through a space covered with waving clothes and ringing bells. The floor is covered with a thick foam rubber which carries them to a plastic bed. Ten fans fill the area with air. New age music is playing. They are given mints to taste. They leave the area through a tubular slide through which air is rushing, coming out onto a passage covered with kraft paper and which guides them to the second floor. Texturized railings that radiate heat and wall torches guide their way.
· FIRE: They enter into this phase through a cushioned door, covered with dry corn leaves. The effect of heat is created by red bulbs and electric heaters. There are smells of incense. A maze carries the participants between candles until they arrive at the enter where they find a textured, model volcano made from clay and covered with wax, from which emanate vapor and heat. There is also a human sculpture with a hole in the heart that spews forth heat. The exit is through a tunnel , with unravelling hemp rope. Live music, ceremonial singing and drums, emanate from the far end of the space.
As they have arrived at the final phase they enter an atmosphere of peace and tranquility where they can relax before awaking. A guide sings soothingly, harmonizing the four elements, accompanied by a flute and guitars. The floor is strewn with petals. There is an altar bearing symbolic objects invoking the four elements. In its center is a round mirror rimmed with flowers, in front of which the participants must present themselves before departing. "Remember everything that you have lived and felt, when you feel ready to leave the blindfold behind, look at the horizon and you will see nature´s most beautiful creation". On opening their eyes they find themselves confronted with their own image, completing the journey.