21st May 2004

Genetic information allows us to predict the likelihood of some future health problems. Armed by information, we may then take steps to avoid illness, however, these actions, in themselves, are not necessarily life affirming; they may become the source of generalised anxiety. This anxiety, an attempt to control natural events within the body, may become a generalised state that impairs quality of life for the subject.

I wonder, can this form of anxiety (an attempt to control nature/death) be channelled as a productive energy? An example of such energy translated into artistic form might be the Lascaux frescoes. I found myself thinking about these images after Steve Hughes gave an Egenis seminar on cave art and science. As Levebvre points out, it is difficult to imagine a reason for painting what could be considered as non-visual images; these were positioned in darkened spaces that would remain out of sight 'condemned to a purely nocturnal existence'. He suggests that 'The answer is that these paintings were made not to be seen, but merely to 'be' - and so that they might be known to 'be' there. These are magical images, condensing subterranean qualities, signs of death and traces of the struggle against death, whose aim is to turn death's forces against death itself.' ( The Production of Space , p.254)

Lefebvre's speculation about the motivation of the creators of cryptal/cave art may appear to position them a million miles away from the present day patient who sits front of a consultant, rationally confronting and responding to the genetic data related to his/her health. But is this really so? Humans may respond less logically/reasonably than is often suggested.