Exposition

Spirit and the Machine, the Curious Case of Spider's Transformation into a Digital Ghost* (2025)

Jeroen Zwaap

About this exposition

*Thesis is written in Dutch! "Spirit and the Machine, the Curious Case of Spider's Transformation into a Digital Ghost" is a research paper that explores themes of technology, voyeurism, and identity through the experiences of the characters Spider and Nachtdonker. Using a fictional story as its medium, the paper follows the journey of the voyeur Spider, who becomes trapped in their own desires and seeks the help of retired psychoanalyst Nachtdonker. Through a dialogue of monologues between the two, the paper explores the impact of technology on human consciousness and relations, the system of networked cameras as an extension of the Self, the power dynamics of voyeurism between observer / observed, and the desire to look without being seen in the 'face of ubiquitous surveillance and control. The paper's experimental structure employs fragmented timelines and various text types to convey Spider's and Nachtdonker's experiences and perspectives. The nonlinear stream of consciousness and poetic language invites readers to engage with the text on multiple levels, allowing a more nuanced exploration of the themes. Through its approach, "Spirit and Machine" challenges blurs the boundaries between fiction and nonfiction. It offers a fresh perspective on the complex interconnectedness between desire, intimacy, technology, power dynamics between observer / observed, surveillance, and voyeurism. This adds a layer of depth and complexity to the exploration of the themes, highlighting the psychological and emotional aspects of technology use that are often overlooked in discussions of surveillance and voyeurism.
typeresearch exposition
keywordstechnology, PHOTOGRAPHY, voyeurism, surveillance cameras, psychoanalysis, desire, stream-of-consciousness, power structures, psychology of perception, Bachelor Photography
date07/06/2023
published21/05/2025
last modified21/05/2025
statuspublished
share statusshared with registered RC users
affiliationRoyal Academy of Art, The Hague
copyrightJeroen Zwaap
licenseAll rights reserved
languageDutch
urlhttps://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/2190519/2190518
published inRoyal Academy of Art, The Hague
portal issue1. Publications 2023


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