Jane suggested that Magritte’s painting described the nature of sleep as irresponsible. This interesting and contradictory idea contrasted with our view that bed is the safest place.
Since communication was almost exclusively virtual, the ‘pixilated portraits’ in the zoom screen convert the energy charge that we experience in the presence of another being. We work harder to pick up the signals from the body language on zoom, which is possibly why online communication is more tiring, as research has found.
Jane asks what happens to us when we can’t talk instinctively. She referred to Sigmund Freud (her great grandfather): "Emotions never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways." She found that the time element is condensed and the ‘later’ unexpressed emotions manifest simultaneously, leaving us feeling exhausted at the end of an online session.
The paintings explore this neurological tension, repressed energy manifested as unconscious actions that are not intended to be noticed. (Image 30). We deliver and translate spoken information cerebrally rather than instinctively. What comes naturally in real life has, in virtual life, to be processed. An example is the brushing of teeth with the non-preferred hand, which feels unnatural and requires concentration. In another image, Jane was thinking about the new life without hugs and the longing that can feel like an internal scream.
In the third and last section, Jane gave us a glimpse of her installations in eastern Europe. Descriptions of these can be found on her website: www.janemcadamfreud.com.
Our thanks go to Jane in giving us such a fascinating talk which explored the encounter between thoughts and feelings.
If any of the readers of this article would like to comment on Jane’s interpretations of the effect of the pandemic on her art, or would like to join in a zoom session on its effects on your art, please contact us.
Janet Morton
Education Coordinator
Email: [email protected]
Image 30
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