Technologies of Intuition

Jennifer Fisher makes an interesting observation in her introduction to Technologies of Intuition. If we define intuition as knowing without a conscious understanding of how something is known, there are two fields of endeavor which value intuition: art and spiritualism. She also noticed that spiritualism increases in popularity at times that coincide with the popularity of suffrage or other feminist movements.

Fisher believes that mediums embody a cultural contradiction. They are simultaneously an ideal of the feminine, so passive, open and accepting that they can actually embody the spirit of another being. They are also able to speak bluntly about the welfare of women when in a trance because, of course, those were not their own words.

Many women also tried to catch their spiritual experiences in art. Some experiences cannot be captured in words, and the simplest way to share them is with images. This book is about women’s experiences with expressing intuition in their art and using the equipment invented to record spiritual events to create art.

I love anthologies. It’s like attending a conference and hearing several speakers, or joining a cocktail party with many conversations. A variety of works and viewpoints are represented here, giving just a glimpse of women’s experiences with art and intuition.

What will you find between the covers? Chrysanne Stathacos’ gorgeous aura photographs and an interview about taking them. Barbara Balfour’s visual poem “Belly Brain.” Linda Montano’s “Seven Paths to Reclaiming Our Intuition,” which would make a week’s worth of useful exercises for anyone seeking a more intuitive life. Carolee Schneemann on the way intuition impacts her work. Zoe Belhoff’s rumination on spirit photography, cinema and the perception of reality. Two dozen articles, interviews and examples of work - all fascinating.

This is a very interesting book not just for artists and spiritualists, but also for people seeking to increase access to intuition in their lives.

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