From ancient times into the present, different acts of mediation have changed the bodies and cognition of humans and non-humans. Transformations are made, from body language to oral speech and writing into the digital media age. These transitions have their own distinct materiality, radically altering our perception.

Concepts of O invites us to re-engage in some of the forgotten concepts and research of the past. Kjersti Sundland brings attention to some of the inconvenient ties to mystical and occult traditions that have been removed to establish psychology as a scientific field. The exhibition explores whether former systems of healing and trance states can refresh our insight in a growing global economy capitalizing on our zealous attention.
 
Through the artist´s use of video, sculpture, print and hypnotic trance sessions, Concepts of O playfully connects the impact of terrestrial and human electromagnetic radiation with telepathic sensing and psychoanalytic practices. Sculptures made of copper take centre stage in the exhibition. This highly conductive mineral comments on the ongoing transition from analogue communication to the Internet connecting all things. Copper is the most extensively used component in communication technologies, but is currently being replaced with fibre optic cables in Norway.
 
What kind of relationships between humans and other living beings arise if we understand sense perception as distributed among human, animal, technical, inorganic and organic entities?
 
Therapeutic trance methods have been practiced all over the world throughout history. In the 18th century, German Anton Mesmer labelled therapeutic trance states in a system of interdependencies. He believed trance was induced by “animal magnetism”, a force moving through and affecting living organisms and inanimate objects. Concepts of O explores how these former occult systems of healing are hiding as ghosts, not only in modern science and technology, but in relational and sensory perceptions of our surroundings. The exhibition also draws inspiration from psychosociologist Jacob L Moreno’s concept of tele-encounters, defined as moments of true connection between people.
 
This project explores communication through tele, not only as acts of mediation through technology, but as transmissions and energy flows between humans and non-humans. Scheduled hypnotic trance sessions conducted by hypnotherapist Martin Mikkelsen will be announced prior the exhibition opening. These evening sessions, titled Magnetic sleep is the result of a two year long collaboration between Martin Mikkelsen and Kjersti Sundland.

Photo:
- Newgrange prehistoric monument. County Meath. Ireland. Wikimedia commons