Thinking from within nature. Visual research on ecocentric storytelling

Abstract

By exploring the world of inspirational storytelling and futuristic concepts related to our relationship with the natural environment, this thesis attempts to imagine a world where humans live in a more harmonious relationship with nature. The focus of this work is to investigate ideas of a positive and sustainable human-nature interconnection and to find visualization, capable of supporting these ideas and principles. This work is inspired by the ideological principles of Solarpunk, a climate fiction literature and art movement. In general, the genre is speculative, activist-oriented, utopian and futuristic. The focus of the genre is to address sustainability and environmental justice. Narratives emerging from the genre revolve around imaginations of societies which deeply care about their natural surroundings. By creating an explorative visual representation of Solarpunk stories, this work aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion on sustainability and inspire new perspectives. The stories we choose to tell ourselves, on how we should live together on this planet, matter by influencing our beliefs and behavior. Research on positive narratives is therefore essential as it enables us to imagine a sustainable future. Therefore, a fundamental hypothesis of this work is that in order to remain capable of acting in the present, it is important to create positive visions and narratives about the future. Questions such as “How will we relate to nature in the future?” and “How could this relationship be improved in a sustainable manner?” were the starting points from which the thought process for this thesis was initiated. The research began with the intention of creating a positive, inspirational concept that could visually express a message to encourage the recipient to feel a sense of empowerment and optimism rather than feelings of resignation or pessimism. Four short stories were conceptualized and processed visually. Altogether they intend to communicate four important values of the Solarpunk movement which have been extracted from the literature. The visual output of the research consists of four animations focusing on different aspects of the natural world. The four elements – fire, earth, water and air – are used as protagonists and metaphors to explain the basic principles of the Solarpunk movement. Through the use of 3D animation, this project explores alternative strategies to communicate these futuristic ideas and attempts to stimulate the imagination of the recipient. The approach of this work is ecocentric or nature-centric, attempting to highlight the importance of valuing all entities in our ecosphere equally. By focusing on the four elements, it is shown that many cultural and environmental developments can be traced back to these overlapping geospheres. By exploring and visualizing a more sustainable future, this work seeks to re-narrate the relationship between humans and nature. Stories about a different way of re-connecting with nature may trigger our dreams and hopes, while also revealing the power to inspire us by taking a glimpse through a window into a better future.