Archetypal sculpture in virtual space : confronting the Jungian shadow via symbolisation and telepresence

Abstract

This dissertation explores Carl Gustav Jung’s theory of the unconscious and how the shadow archetype may be visualised through symbolism as virtual sculpture, based on the subjective experience of the archetype. The shadow can be defined as the parts of the self that are hidden and difficult to face, and are therefore generally avoided by the self. This is researched through practice, by deconstructing text written in automatic writing and reconstructing it via symbolisation. The application of Virtual Reality in conjunction with therapeutic practices is also explored. Critical Readings on virtual reality, analytical psychology, deconstruction, symbolism and human perception include works by: John Vince, Carl Gustav Jung, Marie-Louise von Franz, Daryl Sharp, Jacques Derrida, Charles Sanders Peirce and Alva Noë. Primary research collected for the project consists predominantly of visual journaling in the mode of automatic writing and illustration.