Saudade

Abstract

I am a Japanese student studying in Portugal. One of the first experiences I had here fascinated me, intrigued me, and continues to do so. It is the complex emotional experience known as SAUDADE. I identified myself with that complex emotional state because it is in many ways similar to a Japanese concept, Mujo-kan. A few words would not be able to convey the meaning of the word but it could be translated as “Transience” and “Emptiness”. In my work I wanted to interpret and express the meaning and the experience of Saudade. I intended to create a work that would speak to that feeling, SAUDADE, as I experienced it. This work was composed by separate objects that were gathered together to form a designed interior space. I found a suitable space to do this, used the processes of glass blowing, cold working, torch working, and enamelling to create elements of my installation. I found two cognitive scientists working with the Gulbenkian Institute of Science who helped me understand how such a complex feeling as SAUDADE originates in the brain.