Welcome to the third issue of WON, with as subject: Virtual Reality & BodyArt. This subject was carefully selected for a very good reason, the intimate relation between human body and spiritual mind expansion through body manipulation. The main aspect of this link can be found in multiples Pre-Christian societies where the functions of the body was associated as a direct understanding of our bound with nature, a map at the intersection of our self and the multitude.
Pierre Jolivet
jolivet@wonpac.org
"Tattooing and piercing are basically forbidden by the bible in the book of Leviticus, and most of the world is ruled by Biblical religious beliefs -even Africa now. I want to encourage anything that's a statement against Christianity, because over the past 500 years Christian missionaries systematically destroyed virtually all of the world's diverse cultures, making the world a much less interesting place. No other religion -Buddhism, Islam, Confucianism, Paganism- did anywhere near the damage Christianity did. Bishop Landa burnt almost all of the one-of-a-kind Mayan codices -an incalculable historical loss. There have been so many atrocities (like the Inquisition and the Salem witch trials) in the name of Christianity that -it can't be too soon to be rid of that alien belief plague. In fact, aliens from Outer Space could hardly have devised a more crippling weapon against the people of the planet Earth than the Christian religion. The Christian religion, especially Catholicism with its unscientific, suicidally reckless birth control views, is responsible for the major unstated problem in the world today: overpopulation. In less than 25 years the world population has doubled, from 2.5 to over 5 billion. The populations that are breeding the fastest, yet have the fewest resources -Latin America and Africa- are mostly Christian, and usually Catholic."
V. Vale
We should consider this statement very carefully, the view of Christianity as a tool of destruction are not very far from reality. The negation of human life was the leitmotiv of the Christian during century, the eradication of BodyArt is a proof of the poor consideration Christian show for the Godfull HuMan.
"Tribal designs imply a cosmography and knowledge of the powers inherent in `nature' which those `primitive' peoples knew much more intimately than we do. Their knowledge wasn't written out in encyclopedia form, and we are left with the residue -the symbols of their understanding of the interrelationships, causes and effects in nature."
L. Zulueta
BodyArt can be represented in this particular form as a cultural memories -data management, the equivalent of our modern days computer systems as a extension of our capabilities to adapt ourself in our environment.
"The central, pivotal change in the world of the twentieth century -the wholesale de-individualization of man and society- has been accomplished by an inundation of millions of mass-produced images which, acting on humans, bypass any `logical' barriers of resistance, colonizing the memory cells of any receptive viewer within range. Almost unnoticed, first-hand `experience' and un-self-conscious creative activities (hobbies such as whittling or quiltmaking) have been shunted aside in favor of a passive intake of images which the brain finds `pleasurable' and `relaxing': watching TV. The results: people all over the world share a common image bank of spurious memories and experiences, gestures, role models -even nuances of various linguistic styles, ranging from that of Peewee Herman to JFK to the latest commercial."
V. Vale & A. Juno
Appearance of new technologies like VR, can put back in the eyes of the viewer, the first hand experience necessary to reach again is true identity.
"In the absence of truly unique, first-person experience in one's own RNA-coded memory cells, how can one feel confident about one's basic `identity'? And by extension, how can one, lacking unique experiences, create something truly eccentric? Virtually every experience possible in the world today -from touring Disneyland to trucking on photo safaris in Africa- has already been registered in the brain through images from a movie or TV program."
V. Vale & A. Juno
Identity, is the key word of body manipulation, by presenting a `different face' to us and to the others of our primal image. A way of liberation and comprehension, nearly a Zen -Nirvana attitude of freedom.
"Here we find a most conclusive argument for the truth that man is essentially a spiritual being. Matter cannot observe, reflect, remember, compare, reason, understand and love. It has no voluntary power. Consequently the human body cannot perform one of its functions, after man has left it, though its organization remains perfect. The eye cannot see, the ear hear, the brain think. Matter can perform material offices only. It follows, therefore, of necessity, that it must be some other substance that is the subject of mental and distinctly human qualities, and that substance must be spiritual... all those qualities which distinguish man from plant and animal, and are properly human, are due to his spiritual nature; or in other words, they are activities of a spiritual organization."
Rev. C. Giles
Here we have the anthropocentrism so particular of the Church as Human as some kind of center of the Universe, and at the same time his submission to some omnipotent entity, paradox than the `spiritual organization' doesn't even care to solve.
"The two perpetual hostilities of Christianity: hostility to life and hostility to art. In the Christian doctrine one finds eternally the hatred of the world, the anathema to the passions, the dread of beauty and pleasure, a `future beyond' which was invented the better to disparage the present, a desire of death and rest until the `sabbath of the sabbaths'. Religion, metaphysics and all dreams of the supernatural are therefore auxiliaries of death, enemies of life and beauty, and betrayal and degradation of the human race." F. Nietzsche
On the other side, this superhuman vision forget about the Soul, the soil of the being. A mix of old Pagan cultures can be a solution to the integration of Soul and Body, Nature and Form.
"The circle, being without end, has from ancient days been a symbol of eternity. In the form of the Ouroboros (a serpent, dragon or fish biting its own tail), `its meaning embraces all cyclic systems (unity, multiplicity, and the return to unity; evolution and involution; birth, growth, decrease, death, etc.' (J. E. Cirlot, A Dictionary of Symbols). The serpent with its tail in its mouth frequently appears in early Christian remains and has often been associated with Moses' serpent of brass that the Lord commanded to be set upon a pole:`and it shall come to pass that everyone that is bitten when he looketh upon it, shall live'. Wherever nature is revered, the serpent is revered as symbolic of its divine life. Christ is often considered to be an incarnation of the serpent. The basis of this is that the origin of evil coincided with the act of creation itself. The serpent in the Garden of Eden was sent to release entrapped spiritual forces voluntary and is also often associated with Eve. Many consider the serpent and Eve to be one and the same. Half of the mythic Ouroboros is dark and half light as in the Chinese Yin-Yang symbol. It is therefore positive and negative, constructive and destructive, active and passive. It is the male and female sexual symbolism; a dual image. The serpent's ability to slough its skin and so renew youth is interpreted as the mystery of rebirth. It is the lord of the waters; the moon waxing and waning. And, when imagined as biting its tail, it suggests the waters that in all archaic cosmologies surround as well as lie beneath and permeate the floating circular island, Earth. The Ouroboros was a basic Gnostic emblem that was later taken up by the alchemists who applied it to the processes of their symbolic opus of human destiny. Finally, because its form is such that it destroys free movement, the cross is the antithesis of the Ouroboros, the serpent or dragon denoting the primeval, anarchic dynamism which preceded the cosmos and the emergence of order."
J. Handel
We can see here, the importance of imageries as symbolism to a better understanding of the cosmic forces. A concept too often forgotten by mainstream spiritual believes, especially into the Christian family where Gnostic and Alchemist were exterminated.
To finish, Here is some informations about body piercings:
Body piercing is a long practised form of body adornment which is starting to gain popularity in North America. This pamphlet is intended to introduce you to the general practice of piercing, some of the motivations for piercing, the different piercings commonly practised, and the jewelry worn in piercings.
There is no wrong place for a piercing but it has been shown over the years that certain parts of the body can be pierced well and others that cannot. The general rule is, if it sticks out then put your needle through it. Flat surfaces cannot easily be pierced because the piercing has a tendency to heal out.
Nipple: This is a very popular piercing among both men and women and it is very often a first body piercing. Although nipples can take a long time to heal they are worth the effort because the nipple usually becomes more sensitive: a new erogenous zone for many people.
Navel: The navel is one of the most difficult piercings to heal; tending to take a long time and often healing out. It's best to have a deep navel for this one. This piercing takes a lot of dedication and clothing must be selected so that nothing rubs up against it for the first few weeks (no tight jeans!).
Nostril and Septum: The nostril has become a fairly common place to pierce in some communities in North America; while in the East, most notably India, it is as common as ear piercing. Piercing of the septum (the piece of cartilage that separates the two nostrils) is very common in many parts of Africa and Polynesia yet it is rarely seen in North America. Normally it is the small flap of skin at the end of the cartilage that is pierced and not the cartilage itself.
Lip and Tongue: Tongue and lip piercings require a special healing regimen but other than that are no different than other piercings. Both are much more functional than one would think (especially when it comes to oral sex!).
Eyebrow: The eyebrow and the bridge of the nose can both be pierced with little difficulty. Eyebrow piercings are not terribly common (even among piercing enthusiasts) which is probably a good reason to get one!
Ear: Ear piercing is something that most people are familiar and comfortable with. Although this piercing is the most socially accepted, it is one of the least functional piercings and is done only for adornment.
Ampallang and Apadravya: The ampallang and the apadravya are piercings of the glans of the penis (the head). The ampallang runs horizontally above the urethra and has origins in Borneo. The apadravya, which is mentioned in the Kama Sutra, is a vertical piercing through the glans, or sometimes through the shaft of the penis just behind the glans. Both piercings provide extra stimulation during intercourse (so much so that women in Borneo used to refuse to have sex with men that weren't pierced!). Video
Dydoe: The dydoe is a piercing through the ridge of the glans, usually done on the side of the head and often in pairs. This piercing was originally done by Jewish men who wished to enhance their sexual pleasure (which they thought had been diminished by circumcision).
Foreskin: The piercing of the foreskin is relatively straight-forward and heals quickly. Foreskin piercings were used in ancient Rome as a means of ensuring chastity (and still by some people today!).
Frenum: The frenum is a piercing through the skin of the penis, on the underside just behind the glans. Often a large ring that circles the penis under the ridge of the glans is worn through this piercing. This provides stimulation to both partners during intercourse and acts much like a cock ring.
Prince Albert: This piercing consists of a ring which goes through the urethra and out behind the glans. It is supposedly named after Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria. The ring that is worn in this piercing was used in Victorian days to secure the penis to one side of the very tight-fitting pants that were fashionable at the time. Video
Guiche: Originating in the islands of the South Pacific, the guiche is a piercing of the web of flesh that runs between the anus and the scrotum. A weight is often suspended from a guiche. This is not an easy piercing to heal and takes considerable care.
Hafada: The hafada is a piercing on the side of the scrotal sac originally done by Arab boys as a rite of passage. Originally, the piercing was probably done through the scrotum, which is not recommended. Today, only the outer skin of the sac is pierced.
Labia: Both inner and outer labia can be pierced; inner labia are generally less painful and heal faster. Both sets can be used for bondage, including closing off the vagina with rings or locks; weights can be used to stretch labia piercings so that they become loops.
Clitoris And Clitoris Hood: The piercing of the clitoris is not common and a bit controversial. Some say that it is risky to pierce something with such a great concentration of nerve endings but others (particularly those with them) say that they are the greatest thing on earth. The piercing of the small flap of skin that covers the clit is more widely practised (this piercing is sometimes called a Queen Kristina).
Fourchette: The fourchette is similar to the guiche for men and is of modern origins. The entry point is between the anus and end of the vagina, the exit point is through the vaginal wall. Healing time is approx. 3 months. Supposed to be best with a horseshoe type ring with balls at both ends.
While there is a great deal of jewelry made for pierced ears, it is generally not suitable for body piercings. This is because that jewelry for pierced ears is made from thin wires which can tear a piercing fairly easily if the jewelry catches on something. It is therefore necessary for body piercing jewelry to be made from thicker wires. Because body piercing is not all that popular, it is not very easy to get proper jewelry. There are a couple of places in the city, mail order from the States, or jewelry can be custom-made. All of these sources are expensive for one reason: the jewelry is handmade in small amounts for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts. You have to want to get pierced enough to pay the high price for jewelry.
Jewelry for body piercing is a bit different than most jewelry that you've probably seen before. The workhorse of the piercing trade is the bead ring. This is a simple ring that is bent open for insertion and bent closed afterwards. The break in the ring is held closed by a bead. Sometimes a straight piece of jewelry is more suitable than a ring and a barbell is used. A barbell is a rod with a bead at each end, one of which screws off to allow insertion. Although the barbell and bead ring are the most common pieces of body jewelry, there are many others; some are variants on the bead ring or barbell, others are unique designs that fill the need of some specific piercing. Some examples are the captive bead ring which is very similar to the bead ring except that the bead is not actually attached to the ring but is held in place by the two ends of the ring (some people really swear by these); the nipple retainer, which is essentially a barbell except that instead of balls, it is encircled by a fine wire, is very comfortable for women to wear under bras; the circular barbell is a barbell that has been bent into a ring with a small gap between the two ends, this provides the function of a ring with the ease of removal of a barbell.
The size of the piece of jewelry you select is a function of your preference and of the functionality of the piercing. The thickness of body jewelry is often measured in the gauge (ga) system (which works backwards, higher the gauge the thinner the wire). For most piercings 14 gauge is a very good starting point but if you want to do some serious play with a piercing then moving up to 10 or 12 gauge is recommended. For those that want to know 14ga = 0.064" = 1.6mm, 12ga = 0.081" = 2.1mm, and 10ga = 0.102" = 2.6mm.
No matter what form a piece of jewelry might take, there is one thing that is certain: the jewelry should be made from either gold, niobium or stainless steel. There are very few materials that do not cause a negative reaction when in contact with a wound. Gold, niobium and stainless steel are the only appropriate materials to make piercing jewelry from. This rule can be broken somewhat after a piercing has fully healed, and jewelry from other metals may be okay (but it really depends on the individual's body's tolerance for various metals). The choice of either gold, steel or niobium for a new piercing is a personal one but steel or niobium is the choice of many for economic reasons: steel and niobium jewelry are about one-third the price of gold. Niobium has an additional feature in that it comes in a rainbow of colours.
"Ow! That must've really hurt." That's what everyone says the first time they see a body piercing. Getting a body piercing does hurt, but probably not nearly as much as you think it will. If the person who does your piercing is reasonably skilled it will be over before you even know it; most piercings take less than a second.
The piercing procedure is simple: everything is sterilized including the area to be pierced, the area to be pierced is clamped if possible, the needle and jewelry are lubricated, and the needle is inserted followed by the jewelry. The piercing is done.
Many people do their piercings themselves. This can be a very intense experience but it is not impossible. If you want to do your own piercing try and find out as much as you can and try and keep everything as clean and sterile as possible. It is best to use the right equipment, so get your needles, clamps, and jewelry from a piercing supplier. If you are unsure then don't do it yourself; piercing shouldn't be taken too lightly.
In a class to themselves are those that participate in 'play piercings'. Play piercings are piercings done with thin needles just for the sensation. A good source of needles for play piercings are acupuncture needles or syringe needles. Some piercing suppliers also carry play piercing needles.
The piercing will take anywhere from a week to months to heal and during this time it is very important to look after it properly. The first three days, the piercing should be washed with plain soap and water at least three times a day and Polysporin (an antibiotic ointment) should be applied. After that, just soap and water, three times a day, is necessary. Soaking the piercing in a hot bath (without perfumes or oils) is the best thing. If the piercing becomes infected, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol can be used to clean it (but only if it becomes infected). It is important to keep the new piercing clean and so oral contact is discouraged and the use of a condom for penis piercings is advised. If the piercing becomes really infected (with swelling and significant pus discharge) for more than a week then go and see a doctor (serious!).
rec.arts.bodyart, F.A.Q.
Sources: RE/Search #12: MODERN PRIMITIVES
March 20th 1994
Virtual Reality & Music
All Submission Welcome...
