Tabula Rasa

Derived from philosophers such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau, David Hume & Immanuel Kant, Tabula Rasa is a Latin term that in English translates to “clean slate.” With this clean slate, we can create anything. That’s where the idea of exploring “Biocentrism” grew from. Biocentrism is the way our consciousness relates to our physical body. It claims nothing exists until and unless it is viewed by a conscious observer.

This project is an interactive installation that combines video, audio, crafts, and performance art to explore the question: How does biocentrism unify our thinking and existence? It explores themes of consciousness and collective experiences/thinking.

Tabula Rasa: shown at The Anderson gallery from September 1 to September 15 (2023) with a total number of 1,118 visitors (reported from the Anderson Gallery). The installation premeired three live dance performances on September 8. Funded by Virginia Commonwealth University Collaborative Research Grant. Facilitated by Teairrah Green (Creative Director/Producer/Filmmaker), Chynia Harris (Choreographer/Performance Coordinator/Social Media Manager), Lareina Allred (Graphic Designer/Sculptor), Pamela Green (Logistics/Marketing Coordinator).

Tabula Rasa - Live Performance

This is a 14 minute piece. The performers explore the stages of consciousness in relation to lived experiences and the five senses. They portray the growth, development, and interconnection between human consciousness.

Dance & Choreography by Chynia Harris @chyniathecreator

Performed by Anastasia Perrius, Eliza Seaton, Emma Wynkoop, Lucia Biondi, & Mars Dunston.

Filmed & Edited by Kylie Hall @histomedia23

Space - Tabula Rasa

This film was created as part of the installation Tabula Rasa. Rooted in stream-of-consciousness journal entries and inspired by the theory of Biocentrism, the work explores perception, memory, and existence through a nonlinear, sensory-driven lens. Designed for projection within an immersive environment, the piece invites viewers to experience the film not just as narrative, but as presence.

Press

The Commonwealth Times • 6th September 2023

A clean slate: Group art exhibition opens at The Anderson Gallery

Mackenzie Meleski, Contributing Writer
Tabula rasa translates from Latin to “an absence of preconceived ideas or predetermined goals; a clean slate.”
Fourteen VCUarts students presented “Tabula Rasa,” their interpretation of this Latin phrase through film, performance art and sculpture. Chynia Harris, Lareina Allred and Teairrah Green led the project after receiving a VCUarts Collaborative Research Grant during the fall of 2022, according to Allred and Harris. The exhibition opened on Sept. 1 at...