Vienna, Sunday August 6th, 2023
Reflection
it's summer holidays and the symbuddy-project is over. Although it seems to me that we've started something that can never end - we're symbuddies now and it's impossible to undo that. But also thinking backwards - actually the beginning of the symbuddy-project is just as impossible as its end: We were already in the world before and had to find out anew every day what that means. This is known to be quite difficult, so only good if you have a lot of symbuddies.
I'll honestly admit - the last six months have been pretty exhausting: Becoming a Symbuddy within school was quite a challenge. Being a symbuddy is wonderful when all is good. Unfortunately, however, there is a persistent rumor in schools that the symbuddies, known as Frau Professor, always have an instant solution to any problem that arises - if only because they are ultimately always responsible for the situation. But becoming a Symbuddy means taking joint responsibility for everything that happens or doesn't happen, and that's not easy to bear or to reconcile with the obligations as a teacher.
But it was a very special time and I am very grateful that we were able to play this big, exciting game together and dare the experiment, in the school framework of the BG/BRG Keimgasse and thanks to the trusting support of ZOOM Children's Museum. And I'm very excited to see where the threads that were spun in the symbuddy-project, the strands that we braided and the paths that we invented will take us and me and every single symbuddy...
See you soon dear symbuddies and all those who might yet become one!
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
I liked that I got to work with Lylala and Ravinussus anogus jesussus Hansus and we built an unfinished house. We are the Gymy Schlümpfe. 3 minutes left. My symbody sounds like this: Dezz nuts, Dezz nuts, Dezz nuts, Deeezzz nuuuuttss!
Rauchfasserntappete
Nice
1 minute left
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
Our symbuddy is cool and just like us. The dwelling is fun but not finished, which is very sad. mhhhhhhhhhhhhh It was loud. This guy was there. It was fun but also very loud.
PewPew is the best team name in the world. We were interviewed. We went to the playground and took pictures of the home. mmhhhhh We recorded the sounds of the Symbuddies. mhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
The past months
I remember that we drew our totems and that very beautiful pictures came out. We are also working on the houses of our symbuddies. We went to the park looking for body parts for our future symbuddies and then we collected things again, this time for housing. We also gave voices to the Symbuddies. We told the story of our symbuddies. Our symbuddy is called Waldemer. And the team is called TEAM OKE.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
I found the time around Christmas the best. When we found out that Michael will for the Symuddy Project. There was a lot of thought about how it would be. Otherwise I can still remember the Friday after the holidays very well. We looked at the totems and went to the playground. After that, D and M were a group. At D's request, our group was called the "Stumble Guys". After some time, the group "Stumble Guys" and the group of M, R and D merged. Before this merger, I created a Powerpoint about our symbuddy and still haven't submitted it.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
I thought it was cool how our symbuddy was similar to our totems and sort of inherited the totems' "powers". The symbuddies in general and the houses and powerpoints. Hmmmm, what else can I think of? Well, for example, we could or would have… in Sweethome3D. But the interviews were also very cool and interesting. Choosing the totems was very nice. I wasn't there when we made or built the Symbuddies. We made sounds for the symbuddies, that was really cool. I wasn't where when we did that with the dances. Actually, everything was cool and I can't think of anything anymore. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah. Now it's enough with the "Bla". It was cool and nice. I hope you do the same in your new school. #IloveCleopatravonSymbuddy
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
Hello HI HI what should I write BE = best subject HOGI I have a lot of spelling mistakes but it doesn't matter what should I write??? HELP HELLO my note almost full... it was all fun :) don't REALLY lie what happens to the note then? I have to write a little smaller. How long do we have?? There is a 2nd page :) No matter what I write I will think about the Symbody project for a long time. Very LONG. It was great. It was fun. It's the best subject. Just don't know anymore. HELLO HELLO Hello HELLO HELLO HOLA HI HELLO ALLO HOLA How are you? Why so often???????
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
Day 1 A nut
Day 2 Das Nussalien
Day 3 The dwelling attempt 1
Day 4 The dwelling attempt 2
Day 6 don't know
Day 7 The presentation of the Powerpoint
Day 8 The Powerpoint
Day 9 Totems
Day 10 Nussalien interview
Day 11 My dwelling
Day 12 Gathering for housing materials
Day 13 Symbuddy language
Day 14 don't know
Day 15 Race around the sports field
Day 16 don't know
Day 17 don't know
Day 18 don't know
Day 19 Amongascity
Day 20 don't know
Day 21 don't know
Day 22 don't know
Day 23 don't know
Day 24 don't know
Day 25 don't know
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
I liked going to the playground and building the tree the best. I can also think of building and researching the symbuddy. I also thought the interview was great. I can also remember the totem (I had a panda). When we were looking for building materials for the tree (our symbuddy's place of residence) in the playground, I thought it was great too. I can still remember the part with the voices for the Symbuddy (with the Oliver) very well. Otherwise I can't really think of anything.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
When we were at the playground and the symbuddy project.
When we could shuffle stuff from the symbuddy.
When we were working on the symbuddy,
When we recorded sounds
That we can continue to build the houses today.
When we worked with hot glue,
when we had to recognize noises.
When we could sing "I'm a Barbie Girl".
When we didn't do anything.
When we could listen to music while working on the Symbuddys.
When we could work on the logo on the computer.
When we talked.
When we were in the other BE room.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
What I remember from the Symuddy project:
I noticed that the Symbuddy project requires teamwork. You also have to be considerate of others (building a house, location). I also think that something cool always came out when 2 made something cool out of their ideas. We didn't expect a result like our symbuddies look like.
I think it was a good idea with the Symbuddy project.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
What I want to remember:
I want to remember that we built a cave for our symbody. It was real teamwork. Hmmm I don't know what else I can think of. I have no more ideas – I actually don't remember anything. I like the website. And when we had an interview where we discussed. My group is great. I do not know more. I also really liked the Powerpoint……………………………………………………………………
I also liked speaking of the symbodies …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………I also like that we could help each other build.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
I liked that I could do a lot of handicrafts with my team. It was incredibly (2x) fun for me to be able to work freely without limits. I think it's also allowed to say or write a sentence about another topic. The vegetable picture with my BFF P. I love to be creative and the vegetable picture is the perfect example.
I found the workshop with the choreographer cool, you could relax and try out the walking-mode. I tried a lot with my new friends. The interview was really cool. In general, I think it's great to try things / try yourself. Thanks for the GREAT BE-YEAR.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
So, my best friend and I drew a VEGETABLE GARDEN! We came up with so many things. It's sooo... great (it's soooo great) MMMHHH what more can I say oh yeah I'm sooo... sad that the BE (I won't say her name) has to go! She was sooo... nice, but sometimes it was a bit loud! We even went to the playground! And I met a lot of new people! I love this school! I always look forward to BE, but I don't know whom we're getting next year! I love BE! And yes there was this project that was soooo… cool. Thanks for these cool hours! MHHH I don't know what else to write...
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
I think our teamwork was really cool because we split up, e.g. me and P made our bag, the others made the tree and built a tent.
I think the bag I made with P turned out really nice. And how we did another interview where Paula and I could talk a lot because it was about the bag.
I liked that we could go to the park and find inspiration.
I found the dancing fun - especially the warm up. And I liked the other choreographies.
Mödling, June 16, 2023
Reflection
The dispute, the hurdles and the criticism. I want to remember things that make you stronger. The joint work is strengthened by the fact that the criticism of the others makes the work of art almost perfect.
I remember that fondly, because that alone was a work of art.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
The project was cool. We had our problems. Two members, ... and ... had claimed they would do something when they didn't.
Still, we had teamwork.
We have done many things.
There were arguments, emotions and much more.
Only X (me) and X did most of everything but one thing.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
This year we started the Symbuddy Project. I really liked: drawing on the blackboard. We worked in teams there.
The totem is a very special animal.
Then came Michael - we went to the playground and divided into teams. I am in the team *the 3 elements*. The dwelling was also built.
The year is a very special year. It's a pity that Prof. Miedl... has to go.
Best regards
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
For me, the Symbuddy project is an exciting and important project because one can only understand the world through imagination.
I loved that me and my team gave birth to Niro and built our home together. I also like the idea of getting the materials from nature.
When we did the voice of Niro we had a lot of fun. The cooperation worked and we always understood each other.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
The Symbuddy Project is very special to me. You can embody everything in the Symbuddy that you cannot do but would like to be able to do in real life. I was able to live out my dream with Mirelia, so to speak. You can also imagine that the symbuddy protects and comforts you. Anything is possible and that's the wonderful thing about it. Thank you for letting me be part of this project.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
Working in a team is difficult. I always knew that. There were often quarrels. Eventually my team got the hang of it. I think the symbuddy project was a good idea that strengthens collaboration.
Unfortunately I couldn't go to the workshops because ballet was in the way. I would have loved to have been there and presented it in front of all the people. I canceled the last ballet lesson (perhaps forever) for the ZOOM performance because the symbuddy project was more important to me. I know that I will miss Professor Miedl-Faißt very much.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
I think we did a good job with the house, but it also got on my nerves.
At the beginning there was also an argument about what the team should be called, but fortunately we solved that. But I think it's a shame that some people worked a lot harder on the housing than others.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
What I liked: It all started with chalk on the blackboard. We drew a picture together and then looked for different things in it. It wasn't that easy to work together in teams. There were always conflicts, but we always solved them. I found building houses the coolest.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
I don't know exactly, it's been a long time. Ah yes, it all started with the totem. We formed groups and then we looked for body parts like stones, sticks in the park. We worked on it more and more with every hour.
My symbuddy's name is Amakasius. He lives in a hollow tree. There was a lot of fun!
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
I loved how we built the house because we all worked on it together. I enjoyed drawing my totem.
When we were in the park, we decided on a place to live together.
When we built our symbuddy we fought, but we found something that everyone likes. We have always shared our ideas with each other.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
The PAI team built the miniature of the tree house.
We called ourselves that because of the names of P*, A* and I*. We just took the first letters: P from P*, A from A*, and I for I*. This is how the name PAI came about :-).
Amakasius is a combination of a chameleon and a squirrel. This is how Amakasius came into being.
I enjoyed building the miniature the most. What I thought was cool is that our team has so much imagination. There were also no arguments, which was very comfortable. We always found a solution.
I also enjoyed collecting the material. And I also listened to music while doing this xD. We also thought that our symbuddy could be peaceful too and that Amakasius would have a potion it could brew as well.
Mödling, June 19, 2023
Reflection
I really liked the symbuddy project, but I found building in Minecraft boring. I had the most fun building the Symbuddy's house! I also really liked the topic "Totem" and I got to know more about myself. What annoyed me the most were the arguments (like what the house looks like, what the name of our group is...). What pleased me the most was the teamwork in my group. We've always helped each other, for example when you feel alone or when someone doesn't like the idea, that's what I call real friendship. The symbuddy project has helped us to be able to communicate better with other people. I was very happy that we got to know each other better through a symbuddy project.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
The year was great, we did so many fun things. Most of all, it was fun to draw a fight between stick figures together with P.
The only not so cool thing was drawing the totem because I can't draw animals, but other than that it was great. The symbuddy was cool because you can customize it however you want.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
We played a lot of Minecraft and made symbuddy projects in Minecraft. We painted many totems.
My team consists of V, D, L, V, C, C and me. L and C dropped out of the team because they felt the team was too big and then created a new team of two. C and D said V and I don't do anything, but C and D didn't let us do anything. So V and I started a new project called "Strichi". In the beginning there were two of us, but then P came to us and there were now three of us in the project.
BE was often cancelled, but when BE took place again, V and I came back into the team and took part again. Then we built a dwelling.
Now we are back in the present. I'm excited to see what awaits me in the future.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
I think the project was very nice, because you could explore your imagination together with your group colleagues.
It was also very exciting to see what other teams came up with*, everyone's symbuddy was very different. It was also interesting to answer all the questions and you always discovered something new or came up with something new. More and more has been added.
* because e.g. where it lives, what it eats etc.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
What I liked:
- That the research groups brought us together and showed us how to work in teams.
- The many creative ideas that the project conjured up in our heads. (Which made it all happen)
- The interviews through which we found out more about ourselves and our symbuddy.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
I think the symbuddy project was a very cool project. We have done many different things on this topic. Each work was very different, but also somehow similar.
We have created a symbuddy with our creative ideas.
We made a great presentation and made dwellings.
I think the symbuddy project has strengthened our class community.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
I liked that we were allowed to influence the sounds of our symbuddy. I also thought it was very cool that we were allowed to build the dwelling ourselves and sometimes had to look for the materials ourselves.
I thought it was really cool that we had to make our own powerpoint.
# Sym body project
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
I thought it was good that a group split up. As a smaller group, it was easier to work together and to come to an agreement. The best part for me was building the dwelling and designing it.
The other projects were also cool because they all came out with something different.
Modling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
The project was very cool. We were in the park looking for body parts. Our symbuddy has all the powers that our totems have. We were asked about many things during the interview. We also made noises.
When I was sad, I often thought of my imaginary friend who gave me new strength. We are currently building the dwelling. This is great fun.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection: Symbody
Our symbody is called dogwarts - just like its kind. It is 3m tall and is sandy yellow in colour. He is male and a mix of the 2 subspecies. His parents were brutally murdered. He lives in our garden in a beautiful kennel next to a pond.
He protects us from all dangers and is our best friend.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection: Simbody
I particularly liked that we worked together as a team. It was fun looking for the things that were needed in the Museumspark and what I particularly remember is the doghouse, which I designed all by myself. It was really a lot of work, but it was worth it.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
Through the project we worked together and everyone submitted ideas. We would never have accomplished so much if everyone hadn't had ideas.
What I really liked was the sounds Symbody was making.
What I remember was the argument with my teammates, but after that we became even closer.
The Symbodyproject was something else.
Mödling, June 22, 2023
Reflection
I really liked that we worked so well together. We always voted or just agreed. Most of the time someone from our group said that he wanted to make the fur for our symbuddy called Dogwarts, for example, then we asked the group if anyone else wanted to do it and they then did it together. Building houses is a lot of fun. First of all, the furniture was great to build. I made a couch and three cushions. I also designed the garden together with A.
Mödling, Wednesday May 3, 2023
19th entry (Sanja):
Hello,
I'm Sanja and we have to talk about something.
Not about the symbuddy, but about the behavior of the classmates.
It was clear that there could sometimes be arguments in classes.
Today, for example, Nora, Kathi and I had a Powerpoint that we presented, but of course a few guys were annoying. They laughed at us and said what (***) name we had chosen. "Sanoka". It consisted of our two initials.
I just can't understand how you can be like that. I just wonder how they would feel if we did something like that. When the people involved did a Powerpoint, we were quiet, but they weren't. Imagine if you were in such a situation. Would you like that? Probably not.
They called in all the time. They were so disrespectful that we didn't take them for the questions.
With this message I want to show you how disrespectful people can be.
You don't have to be. I hope I was able to show some people what it's like to be treated like that.
Show respect and be nice.
Bye Bye
Mödling, May 3rd, 2023
18. Entry (Flora):
Hello, I'm Flora from the "The Five Elements" team. Again, I don't intend to talk about the Symbuddy, and not even about art today. It is an important topic for me, my own view of the world.
I recently made a die out of Fimo clay, but it didn't have any dots on it. Actually stupid of me, but my dad loves this die. But he once asked me what I interpret into this empty die with the beautiful marble-like pattern.
I thought it should represent humanity, where everyone is somehow the same and yet different. Complicated, I know, but let me explain. The cube had equal sides, but these patterns - and that's what makes a human being. My dad didn't see these patterns right away, that's how it is with people. They don't see your hidden characteristics that make you who you are. Maybe my dad didn't see the unwanted patterns on the cube, just like people and their problems or mental illnesses. You don't see them. Some people look happy, but maybe they are suffering from depression, eating disorders or a different body image. What I'm trying to say is that every person is special in their own way, but every person has some similarities.
Stay the way you are and remember you are not alone.
Have a nice day
Flora 1e
Mödling, Wednesday May 3rd, 2023
17th entry (Verena):
Benigna - the mother of a child-symbuddy - wrote to us (see entry 16). Thank you again for this beautiful post!
The symbuddy genesis is already quite advanced - and there is so much I want to write about, but for that we still have to find (invent) a symbuddy who knows how to stretch time...
For now I just want to share here what I replied to Benigna:
"I totally see your point. Of course the democratic process and hard work of discussion with the objective of a consensual agreement is maybe the most important challenge we have to meet as society and humanity and as earth-dwellers. But it should not be just voting again and again without working on what to vote about, but moulding and reshaping and moving the discussed from different perspectives. I find this to be a rather rare quality, when people are able to stand in for their maybe unpopular ideas, while remaining open for changes, intersections, alterations and ambiguities that are not compromising but enhancing the agreement…"
... and briefly report on what was said during the discussion on these points of view today in the symbuddy team:
"It's important for friendship. 'Cause girlfriends who never fight aren't girlfriends"
"You don't have to be a rocket engineer to have ideas."
"It's really a part of life that you fight because if you never fight, it's boring."
"We're all different and everyone has their own opinion and that's why... when you argue, it becomes really clear that, for example, one person wants one thing, the other wants the other thing... that's important for everyone to see what the other wants."
"Once again in elementary school, in fourth grade, we had a damn big fight with my girlfriends. And after that we were much closer friends than before. So in friendship, disputes are also important so that you understand each other better afterwards. Because before that we were just friends, but now we're really good friends. That makes a difference in my opinion. We both noticed it.”
"I once had an argument that lasted less than a minute." - "And how did it end?" - "We laughed at each other." - "And then?" - "And then we didn't fight anymore. “ – “Just because you decided, there is actually no reason?” – “Yes.” – “Huh, but I don’t understand that: laughingin what sense?” – “Well, we laughed about what we have said.” – “Yeah ok, but laughing at each other is something different than…” – “…laughing with somebody!” – “Yeah of course, I know, I mean, there are so many different things when you… well I know my way around very well, because it used to be like this: when you laugh with friends. It now depends on whether the person in the group of friends who has just fallen down laughs because the whole group is gloating, or whether he doesn't laugh..." - "Yes, I laughed too." - "Yes, of course, I'm not insinuating or anything. I just wanted to say it.” – “Yes, laughing or being laughed at is a big difference! But then I ask myself: Was that really an argument?” – “I said “yes” and he said “no”.” – “Well, that's the shortest argument in the world: No! But! OK."
"If you disagree, it doesn't mean you're arguing. For example, when I talk to Flora: Sanja's favorite color is blue. Then she says: No, it's green. Then I say: No, it's blue. And the Flora says: No, it's green..." - "Why should you decide what Sanja's favorite color is?" - "That was an example!"
“Disunity leads to unity. Because maybe everyone has different opinions before that, but then a compromise is reached and everyone thinks it’s good.”
"Actually, a conflict also means that you care, doesn't it? And that what the other person thinks and does is important to you, which is why a conflict is actually sometimes a good sign. And it's especially good when you really negotiate the conflict and, as you say, find a compromise that, as you say, brings together the best of all ideas."
Mödling, Sunday April 28th, 2023
16. Entry (Benigna):
Dear symbuddies,
I love your project, and in particular the diary part and your thoughts. I think you might be interested in successful examples of hard scientific negotiations, related to the post below:
„Some researchers exchange insights and ideas. A conflict shows up.
Solution: Endless negotiations and “voting”, until finally all ideas have been freed from distinctive edges and glitches and a total consensus is possible. Mostly, this cannot be achieved – and maybe that's good.“ (Entry 5)
I agree that circles of voting often lead away from consensus, nevertheless, it is a well-developed scientific process. Do you know the IPCC? It is a cycle of research activity, where about 500-1000 climate scientists (the best ones in the fields) work together to assess the latest knowledge. They write an assessment, which has to be approved by ALL of them AND policy makers. This is very hard and cumbersome. But it happens! Hard and difficult agreements need to be found, always based on scientific evidence, and some need to give up devoted ideas in order to achieve agreements. BUT the final text is a full agreement! This is how we can say, e.g. that all scientists agree that climate change is caused by human activity. All agree. Those who keep claiming the opposite are outliers, were not in the process or not scientists at all. There are many scientific findings that are scrutinized very well due to the renegotiation process.
Best regards again, and all the best for the project!
Benigna
Mödling, Thursday March 30th, 2023
14. Entry (Dogwarts):
Hello, I am Dogwarts!
Today, I would like to tell you my story, how I came to my friends and how I feel, expelled from the other Dowarts. First of all, I’d like to introduce my friends to you and explain, who did what within this Dogwarts-project. The participants of this project are: Luise, Lotte, Magdalena, Helena and Alessia. They are the best friends I can imagine. If somebody wants them any harm, I of course protect them AT ONCE. Sadly, I could not safe my parents, but more about this later. The tasks have been precisely shared: Luise wrote this diary-entry for me and has drawn the logo, Lotte has built me in Minecraft and together with Magdalena has been drawing me on paper and decorated me with natural materials. Alessia and Helena have created a Powerpoint-presentation and Helena has drawn me with a fin as a fish. To protect them, I have special abilities. These are: courage, loyalty, strength, I can hear and see well, can change color and appearance, I am intelligent, swift and quick. I have inherited all of this from my parents, but they are dead. There are two lineages of Dogwarts. The black and the white, but they are enemies. Very big enemies. My mother was of the white and my father of the black. Naturally, it was not allowed so they’ve been punished. They were attacked by both packs and bled to death from their wounds. Luise, Magdalena, Helena, Alessia and Lotte found me after that and took me in. I have a doghouse in front of my friends’ flat share. I can leave anytime and roam freely. My friends have invented a scream to call me back when they’re in trouble. Like this, we’re always together and I can help them.
Mödling, Monday March 27th 2023
13. Entry (Konstantin V.):
Hello Symbuddy – friends!
There has been a lot of argument lately around one member of "die Chaoten". Because I wanted a "friend" to become member of our group, but the two other members did not want that, and that triggered a conflict in our team. Friendships have been broken because of this member. Finally, after five art lessons, the conflict has been resolved and he wasn't allowed to be part of the group. I hope there is going to be no more fighting in our team.
Darmstadt, Monday March 27th 2023
12. Entry (Matthias Herrgen / anthropologist, guest on March 16th 2023):
(Translated from German by Verena Miedl-Faißt – unedited!)
The class projects in the spirit of parallel working groups the drafts of their SYMBUDDIES. Corporeal creatures are being constructed (from time to time, the expression "Symbodies" creeps in, provoking the classmates’ critique) whose characteristics remind me of the theses of Pascal Boyer, and therewith of anthropology of religion: In his Catalogue of the Supernatural, he describes the range of options for the infringement of rules, which a deity must feature, to be credible through supernatural qualities (mentally represented).
The qualities of the SYMBUDDIES, meticulously described and closely democratically endowed, can be described as infractions of physical, biological or psychical ontological criteria, and thus as the deviation from anthropological sphere of characteristics (through invisibility, the capability of thought-reading, the change of form and shape etc.), which marks the transition to artistic creative freedom.
The absurdity or incredibility of features – in one of the attended groups the power of changing physical shape – is interestingly conceptually justified by naturalistic-reductionist reasons. Within the SYMBUDDY's DNA was all the according morphologic information enabling the creature.
Even though the acronym DNA remains obscure upon request, well-founded reports in genetics are being spontaneously held and heredity is sketched in outline, the group thus provides a link/differentiation in projective-conceptual respects of geno- and phenotype. The artwork is being experienced and animated! The demiurges play tabletennis during break.
(Boyer, Pascal (2000): Functional Origins of Religious Concepts: Ontological and Strategic Selection in Evolved Minds. In: The Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute 6 (2), p. 195–214.)
Mödling, Monday March 20th 2023
11. Entry (Flora):
Hello! My name is Flora and I am part of the research group "die Fünf Elemente"! I actually didn't plan to speak about our symbuddy, but to say, what art means to me!
I think, art is an expression of emotions and of creativity. When I'm drawing, I'm in a different world and I'm totally relaxed. I'm often discontent with my drawings, but once I have drawn something really beautiful, then it feels like a sunbeam shining on to my face, when I'm looking at my drawing.
It is mostly interesting, what other people interpret into one's drawings. When I once had been drawing a hand, my dad told me, that to him, it's the hand of victory after something has been won. Somebody else said, my drawing was depicting a silent cry for help and someone was about to drown. Opinions are so differing but still genius. I respect every opinion and I am happy about every perspective. But don't be sad, if someone thinks your drawing is strange or ugly. Art can never be ugly, because to me, everything is art.
Some people are just jealous on your really great drawing and don't want to admit. I just want to say, that other opinions don't always count. Otherwhise, one could never do, what one likes to do. There will always be someone against.
Sometimes, I'm listening to music while drawing. That feels like being in a bubble full of music and within oneself. Maybe other people think that's strange, but that's totally ok. For me, it's varying. Sometimes, I want to draw in complete silence, sometimes not.
I will think about writing more entrys for our research diary in the future, but therefore I need to find a good subject.
Have a wonderful day
Flora
Mödling, Monday March 13th 2023
10. Entry (Nils):
My name is Nils Larsen and I am part of the research team named Team Star. Since a couple of weeks, we've been working on our Symbuddy. It began the day, when Michael Simku joined our lessons for the first time. Our team started to work on Niro. (That's the name of our Symbuddy). At first, we had to fill out a questionnaire about Niro– that is how we made up his story.
He has wings and in between his wing tips, there are webs whereby he can move quickly in water and in the air. A long time ago, he was living on an asteroid. One day, the asteroid landed on earth. Niro was barely able to save himself by jumping off the asteroid and with full force flew up into the air. Ever since, he has been on earth. Niro has only been able to survive, because he can adapt very quickly to his surrounding. One can never see him, because he's out only at night and he's flying so fast, that one is not able to recognize him. Niro can converse telepathically with every other living creature.
Once we had finished making up his story, a part of us began making the PowerPoint and another part made sketches of Niro. We also drew a logo. During the next class, we were interviewed about Niro. Afterwards, we went to the craft room and recorded Niros voice.
All together was a lot of fun and I am looking forward to our next steps.
Mödling, Monday March 13th, 2023
8. Entry (Simon):
Hello, I am Simon and I'm writing about our symbuddy Niro. He can do quite a lot. He can't talk, but he can communicate telepathically with other living creatures. Moreover, he can fly and he is very smart and very strong. But the most important thing is, that he can breath in outerspace, because he lives there in an asteroid. But it can happen, that the asteroid crashes into a planet, thus Niro has to survive there. That's very easy for him, because he can get used to his new vegetation so quickly. We have seen him for the first time, when he crashed into earth. That was in the time of the dinosaurs. Then, he withdrew inside his cave. His favourite dish is fish (he likes perches best). He is very fast, that's why he's not being seen very often, but my friends and me, we were lucky: We saw him eating fish at a fishshop. Then we became friends. Well, that's almost it. By the way, we use to see him when looking out of the window on Sundays at 5:55 and 55 seconds. You can try, too – I bet, it will work.
Vienna, Monday March 6th, 2023
7. Entry (Verena): On co-creation
In his first entry, Michael explained that the symbuddy-project was circling around (the possibility of) empathy and the potential of speculative symbiotic forms of life.
Our research team has already been working on these subjects: How can doing and being together work out prosperously? Not that simple.
It seems to me, the mostly applied methods cut down on two sides of the same coin:
Version 1:
Some researchers exchange insights and ideas. A conflict shows up.
Solution: The research-team breaks apart into groups, (seemingly) sharing consensual conceptions.
Problem: Insights and ideas won’t develop and there is quite some psychological stress for the castaways.
Version 2:
Some researchers exchange insights and ideas. A conflict shows up.
Solution: Endless negotiations and “voting”, until finally all ideas have been freed from distinctive edges and glitches and a total consensus is possible. Mostly, this cannot be achieved – and maybe that's good.
The challenge to stand in for and convey one’s own ideas, but also the challenge to tolerate their modulation and dare interlacing with other thoughts, seems to be one of the most important enterprises for the symbuddy-project now.
But looking at the first outcome I’d say our research team has quite successfully been facing these challenges.
Vienna, Friday March 3rd, 2023
5. Entry (Verena): Week 1 & 2
The symbuddy-project has now been on for two weeks. Michael Simku joined three groups twice – thus there have been 300 minutes of research in the scope of our project.
Naturally, we started by a round of introductions. Each research-partner introduced him*herself and his*her Totem – a previously drawn animal or plant-creature, chosen for its special skills. Thus, each group had to pay attention to each other for 50 minutes right in the beginning. Quite a challenge!
Subsequently, it became a bit easier: Small research-teams have been built, some only consisting of one child, some of up to eight children. Moreover, each team needs one non-human member, a symbuddy, merging all special characteristics and skills of the other team members, including their totems. As we don’t have such symbuddies available at school, we need to invent them.
Right after the formation of the teams, we went searching for symbuddy body parts at Museumspark.
The week after, Michael interviewed the teams about their symbuddies.
Mödling, Thursday March 2nd, 2023
4. Entry (Smart Cookie): Diary
Today, we (the Smart Cookies) have created our symbuddie and we have even been interviewed. That was really fun!
Now, we have to make a powerpoint-presentation, but it's not all functioning the way we'd like to have it. I hope, it will work better next week.
Vienna, Thursday March 2nd, 2023
3. Entry (Verena): On Names
We are in! Michael has been with us for two weeks now and a lot of symbuddies have been born.
But today’s notes for this diary actually refer to something rooted even before our official start.
Our infant research-team of course did not choose to take part in this project. The 83 kids must partake in my art’s classes and therewith accidentally in the symbuddy-project.
Becoming an artistic-research team, the random group of students has to turn into a unique constellation of individuals.
That’s why I look to it, that in any form of publication each child is being cited as author – not just by its first name (becoming just placeholder for “random student”), but by their full name.
Of course, legally I had to ask the parents for approval. But more important I asked the children themselves, how they would like to appear on our research catalogue exposition: With full name? Or rather just forename? Or even a pseudonym?
This is a tough question: after all, our researchers don’t know exactly, what is going to happen and if they even want to be identified.
Of course, decisions can change during the process.
Still, I have to admit that I was slightly irritated, as most of the kids did not go with their actual names, nor chose “artist’s names” as I would have expected. Their inventions rather seem like usernames related to gaming or social media.
Not really a surprise after all and I wonder, why this bothers me… maybe because those usernames seem exchangeable and individual identification rather superficial and short-lived. But maybe that isn’t true at all…
Anyway, I’m very curious to see, how names will change in the course of our project.
Vienna, Monday the 27th of February 2023
2. Entry: Enter player #2 Michael
My name is Michael Simku, I’m living and working as an artist and art mediator in Vienna. Together with a group of children and the artist and teacher Verena Miedl-Faißt I initiated „the symbuddy-project“. The driving force of our collective adventure is the idea of symbiosis between different forms of beings. As a vantage point we create characters that are hybrids part earth, part anthropogenic objects and part fantasy. Using them as a lens to create worlds full of imagined architectures and soundscapes informed by our planetary surroundings. An approach related to science and science-fiction at the same time, as some of our strategies are derived from collecting and observing and others from building fictitious worlds. I think to tackle the climate crisis or to create more balanced economies and conquering inequalities it is fundamental to become better world builders as a way to upgrade and rewire our brains with higher levels of empathy for fellow plants, fellow animals or fellow humans.
Therefore empathy is another major principle that fuels this project. Do our surroundings shape our movements, our thinking and our actions and how at the same time are we shaping these very structures in symbiotic sometimes toxic relationships? Can you teach that in school? We don’t know yet but approach this project with an open mind for adventure and with no predetermined outcome. Ignorant schoolmasters are maybe teaching less and exploring more…
Vienna, Sunday February 19th, 2023
1. Entry: Player #1 Verena
My name is Verena Miedl-Faißt. I am artist, friend, walk-thinker, think-talker, gap-dweller and since last autumn, art teacher at BG/BRG Keimgasse Mödling – a big grammar school in Lower Austria on the outskirts of Vienna.
Tomorrow, we’ll start something new. We called it “the symbuddy-project”. Until now, “we” consists of Michael Simku and me. But from tomorrow on, 95% of our research team will enter the ship – 83 children around 11 years.
Our plans are quite ambitious: We claim to make insights that will change the world. We claim to make research that is relevant. We claim that we will do something others should see and understand. Because if not, why should we do anything at all?
Last week I explained to the kids, what we are planning to do. I showed them the research catalogue. I told them about our plans to showcase knowledge that would normally never leave the classroom. I told them, why I think children are the right partners for our endeavor. I told them, that I don’t exactly know, what is going to happen – but that it is important that it will be happening exactly with and through each and everyone of them, not as a random child, but as an irreplaceable person.
Some of them seemed pleased, but yet none was daring to write a very first entry-in-advance for our Research Diary about what he or she was expecting or imagining.
So, what do I expect?
I expect this to become loud and intense. Not because children are loud and intense, but because being stuffed into a small classroom as a big group day after day and year after year must become loud and intense. In particular, if normal scholar reins are slackened for a long moment to enable the unexpected.
Despite that, I hope there will be moments of eloquent silence. Of joint weightlessness, held together through new threads of relation. Moments of wonder and care.
Then, we’ll have been successful.