Niloofar Taghipour

Etheric Body

2014-2015

In this collection, I explore the profound impact of the cityscape on its residents' lives, questioning its true essence and representation. The city, with its meticulously designed streets, buildings, and mechanisms, serves its intended purpose. However, modern life's emphasis on functionality, rationality, and strict zoning has overshadowed the spirit of urban space. This prompts me to ponder: How should the city be perceived? Should I focus on the internal polarized image or capture the cityscape as a seemingly empty and purposeless entity?

My perception of the city underwent a remarkable transformation during my tenure in the municipality. Immersed in public relations, my responsibilities revolved around documenting the ever-evolving dynamics of the urban environment. As I delved deeper into my work, I became acutely aware of the myriad challenges individuals face concerning their personal properties and the city as a whole.

Accompanying municipal managers on project visits, I embarked on solitary journeys through the districts, capturing the fleeting essence of the ever-changing urban landscape. The city seamlessly intertwined itself with my experiences, invigorating my spirits as I meandered through its vibrant streets and marveled at its architectural wonders. My camera became an indispensable companion, allowing me to immortalize the city's essence through captivating imagery.

Simultaneously, I found myself disengaged, avoiding personal troubles and undergoing an ultrasound check-up. The diagnosis revealed an issue in my left ovary, compelling me to face the daunting prospect of surgery and a biopsy. Overwhelmed and grappling with a sense of isolation, I confronted these challenges alone.

Amidst this personal journey, I began comprehending the perpetual cycle of cellular reproduction within my body. The birth of new cells closely paralleled the demise of old cells, presenting themselves through various manifestations. These involuntary processes sustained my deliberate presence in the city, where its inherent duality unfolded—a border between private and public space, a blend of intricate details and overarching generalities, an interplay of internal and external realms, the coexistence of old and new, and the delicate balance between permanence and transience.

Curiosity ignited as I encountered X-ray images of countless individuals while perusing shops. Gazing at these images, I couldn't help but contemplate the lives of those depicted. Where were they situated within the city? Were they even aware that their X-rays were being traded? The city housed numerous individuals grappling with physical ailments, their conditions a constant presence as they navigated the city's landmarks. The urban environment, entwined with the demands of modern life, played a significant role in exacerbating various ailments. The stresses and insecurities inherent in urban living manifested themselves physically, while accidents left lasting disabilities necessitating medical intervention. Moreover, air pollution casts a shadow over the respiratory health of city dwellers.

These contemplations consumed me as I meticulously developed X-ray images, earnestly documenting the city's essence. The common thread that unites the enigma of urban space and the intricate workings of my body weaves a unique tapestry of experience. This collection of photographs positions the city as the fundamental narrative, capturing the disordered geography of my internal space amidst the cityscape. Emphasizing the creation of a visual realm that transcends individual identity, these images offer solace—a soothing registration of urban identity through the camera's lens.

Place, an occupied segment of space, carries profound meaning and value. It represents the convergence of mental and visual awareness—a harmonious blend of disparate elements within a realm of boundless visual possibilities.

According to neo-Theosophy, the “Etheric Body” concept emerges as the subtlest layer within the human energy field or aura. This ethereal entity maintains direct contact with the physical body, serving as a conduit to higher spiritual realms. Composed of finer and purer substances than ordinary matter, the etheric body stands as the foundational essence of the human energy field.

- click to enlarge -