We live in a world where we are all addicted to something. From substances to behaviours, thoughts, ..
The cycle shown in this work stands for all addictions.
This work addresses the question:
Why do we choose substances or behaviors to numb rather than express our feelings and emotions?
Drawing from scientific research and personal experience,
I delved into addiction’s nature and how to break free from it.
In the original performance, October 2021 Zürich CH, addiction was personified by another performer,
with a table setting symbolizing the toxic relationship between the consumer and the substance of choice.
The performance, mute storytelling, is accompanied by an audio composition, lasting 44 minutes,
blending scientific facts with poetic storytelling. A repetitive bass soundtrack mirrors addiction’s cycle.
The sound from the video above is an extract of these 44 min.
from and with Carina A. Stiefel and Vera Heritier
Almost 2 years later, within the exhibition with the same title, the performance evolved:
an empty chair, with the same table setting, symbolized the absence of addiction as an external entity, inviting the audience to confront their own dependencies and place them symbolically on the empty plate.
holding space for the visitors to do the first step out of addiction; to admit that you have an addiction.
The performance, staged at both the vernissage and finissage, created contrasting atmospheres —one exposed, the other intimate— challenging the stigma surrounding addiction while fostering vulnerability and reflection.
Exhibition: TOXIC Loveletters to addiction
Performance: Addiction is Present
March 2023 Lisboa PT
EXHIBITIONCATALOGUE
https://prismalx.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/TOXIC-–-LOVELETTERS-TO-ADDICTION_catalog.pdf
Addiction is a state of periodic or chronic intoxication caused by the use of natural or synthetic drugs.
Psychological dependence is the indomitable urge to obtain and take the substance.
At first, there is a feeling of well-being, later it is often just a matter of eliminating the feelings of discomfort that occur during withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms, depression, restlessness, panic attacks, irritability, suicidal thoughts, etc.
The addictive substances activate various messenger substances in the reward system, the limbic system, which is responsible for our behaviour, suffering and well-being. This increased release, for example dopamine, triggers good feelings in us, such as happiness or euphoria. The body gets used to the increased hormone levels, the hormonal balance shifts. The body’s hormone production decreases, which leads to a deterioration in mood. The pressure to consume the addictive substance again increases.
Dependence runs in different stages and is based on the interaction of different factors. Social environment, stress, critical life events, addiction potential of the substance, etc.
The development of dependency is a gradual process and lasts months to years. Addiction always has serious consequences for the person concerned and the social environment. Psychological problems such as depression, social withdrawal, anxiety, trauma, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, neglect, etc.
The affected person often changes their entire personality.
Addiction is still taboo. Addiction is a serious mental illness. The addicted person will do anything to continue their addiction. The person trivializes their consumption and hides their dependency. This often leads to a double life. They tend towards manipulative behavior to satisfy the dependency.
Addiction is a self-healing attempt.