Rachael Padilla

Marina Abramovic Method

Added 2022-07-25 20:48:45 +0000 UTC

For this instruction from the Marina Abramovic Method: Blink your eyes rapidly, looking from side to side.

She elaborates on this instruction:

To change what you see, change how you see. Blink as quickly as you can and turn your head from side to side. Your surroundings will temporarily fragment. What will your mind strain to piece together first? Examine how you feel when a familiar vision is incomplete. Examine where your eyes wish to pause when you do not allow them rest. Do your eyes prefer to stay open or closed? Do you feel the circulation of air? How does the light affect you? Notice when your blinking begins to slow, then stop with your head facing directly forwards. Realign. Close your eyes and open them, as if for the first time. Keep your eyes wide open. Observe any new details that come into focus.

My observations of this instruction are below.

First, I noticed that I looked at no particular thing as I focused on blinking and turning my head. As I continued, the lamp I had in the room seemed to multiply. When looking directly at any light, the eyes continue to hold the shape of the bulb. In this case, I began to see the shape of the light in multiples, whether my eyes were opened or closed. As my eyes tired from the blinking, I would reset and begin again. I felt like I'd done a workout with my eyes by the time I'd finished.

I don't recommend this exercise for those prone to motion sickness. Nor would I recommend it for anyone with light sensitivities, such as those who have reactions to strobing lights.