Ted Talks Daily – What’s it like to be a giant sequoia tree? | Ersin Han Ersin

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, artist Urson Han Urson takes us on a journey exploring the connection between humans and the natural world through experiential art. He discusses his project, “In the Eyes of the Animal,” which aims to translate the sensory perception of different species. Through his work, he highlights the unique and unknowable experiences of reality that each species possesses. Specifically, he delves into the fascinating world of giant sequoia trees and how they serve as portals to something much larger than ourselves.

Main Takeaways

Unveiling the Hidden World of Trees

• Artist Urson Han Urson explores the link between the human and natural world through experiential art.
• In the Eyes of the Animal project aimed to translate sensory perception of different species.
• Each species has its own unique and unknowable experience of reality.
• Giant sequoia trees are portals through which one can embody something much larger and more than human.
• Trees host a vast wave of relationships that anchor an entire ecosystem.

Breaking the Myth of Separation

• Humans and trees are intimately connected through the air we breathe.
• The Wood White Web installation aims to dismantle the myth of human separation from the natural world.
• Indigenous knowledge and modern science are revealing that what is outside of us is not separate from us.
• Perceiving the world through the eyes and ears of other beings gives us a greater appreciation of what it is to be human.

Experiential Art and Technology

• Mesa Experiential Studio Marshmallow Laser Feast creates experiential pieces that resonate with people and make it more accessible.
• Unwellt is the self-centered world induced by an individual’s sensor-reception, meaning all species have their own completely different perception of reality.
• Tree Hugger is a physical structure and VR experience that visualizes the circulation of water through the inner systems of a sequoia tree.
• Tree Hugger uses subpeck, a rumble pack that vibrates with sound, and scent to enhance the experience and make the sculptural object something else.
• Using technology to showcase the world beyond human senses.

Overcoming Plant Blindness

• Creating memories of animism flowing through plants and trees.
• Overcoming plant blindness.
• Building intimate experiences using cutting-edge technologies and open-source tools.
• Encountering the work enables seeing inner systems in imagination.

Summary

Unveiling the Hidden World of Trees

Urson Han Urson’s work revolves around exploring the connection between humans and nature through experiential art. His project, “In the Eyes of the Animal,” delves into the unique sensory perception of different species. By embodying the experiences of other beings, he highlights the vast wave of relationships that trees host within ecosystems. Giant sequoia trees, in particular, serve as portals to something beyond human existence. They allow us to connect with a larger, more profound reality. Through his art, Han Urson invites us to recognize the intricate interdependence between humans and trees.

Breaking the Myth of Separation

One of the key aspects of Han Urson’s work is dismantling the myth of human separation from the natural world. The Wood White Web installation challenges the notion that humans exist separately from their surroundings. Indigenous knowledge and modern scientific discoveries reveal that what is outside of us is intricately connected to our own existence. By perceiving the world through the eyes and ears of other beings, we gain a deeper appreciation of our own humanity and our place within the larger ecosystem.

Experiential Art and Technology

Through his Mesa Experiential Studio, Marshmallow Laser Feast, Han Urson creates experiential art pieces that resonate with people and make the natural world more accessible. His project, “Unwellt,” explores the unique sensory experiences of different species, highlighting their diverse perceptions of reality. With the Tree Hugger installation, Han Urson visualizes the intricate inner systems of a sequoia tree through a physical structure and virtual reality experience. By incorporating technology such as subpeck, which vibrates with sound and scent, he enhances the immersive experience and transforms the sculptural object into something beyond our senses.

Overcoming Plant Blindness

One of the goals of Han Urson’s work is to overcome plant blindness and create intimate experiences that connect us with the animism flowing through plants and trees. By utilizing cutting-edge technologies and open-source tools, he builds immersive encounters that allow us to see the inner systems of trees in our imagination. These experiences not only deepen our understanding of the natural world but also foster a sense of interconnectedness and appreciation for the intricate beauty of plants and trees.

Conclusion

Urson Han Urson’s exploration of the connection between humans and the natural world through experiential art opens our eyes to the hidden wonders of trees and the intricate relationships that sustain entire ecosystems. By perceiving the world through the eyes and ears of other beings, we gain a greater appreciation of our own humanity and the interdependence between all living things. Through his innovative use of technology and art, Han Urson invites us to break free from the myth of separation and embrace a more profound connection with the natural world.