The Couch is the virtual platform of Het HEM art centre – a place for text, audio, video and newly commissioned digital artworks.
Under the Spell of the Sensuous: What David Abram’s Environmental Philosophy Can Teach Us
The Spell of the Sensuous: Perception and Language in a More-Than-Human World (1996) by David Abram is a defining text in ecological thought. Revisiting the seminal work nearly 30 years after its publication, Hannah Pezzack explores its themes of animism, entanglement, and sensorial encounters. Her analysis is accompanied by reflections on the Sonic Acts Biennial 2024: The Spell of the Sensuous, which borrows its title from the book. Navigating Biennial artworks and performances that emphasise bodily, tactile experiences, she examines emergent technologies that are remaking our relationship with nature, touching upon death and mourning in the era of climate catastrophe.
Talent Programmes: Entry Points and Ecosystems
A deep dive into the nuances of building a career within the cultural sector, investigating mentorship offered by European festivals, platforms, and institutions, including SHAPE+, CTM, Sonic Acts, and Het HEM. Researching in-place support structures, as well as speaking directly with established figures and emerging artists, Hannah Pezzack questions the endurance of care, generosity, and community in a post-pandemic world.