Henry Tan (Thailand)
I am based in Bangkok and I am a co-founder of Tentacles Art Space and a member of Freaklab, Thailand and metaPhorest, Japan. My work explores the concept of life and simulation through the investigation of technologies such as synthetic biology, mixed reality, brain stimulation and artificial intelligence. Among my previous works is the Young Eel project, in which I combined lab-grown meat, brainwave sound, and light to stimulate sleepers and transfer consciousness and memories into cloned bodies, raising questions about aging society and “environmental” concerns for human and eel populations.
During my residency, I will collaborate with Huang Ding Yun and be working on ‘Song of Naga Cave/Somatic Telepathy’, a ritual that tells the story of the ‘Naga’ a mythological creature under earth that has a power to modulate and regulate water inside our body. The Song of Naga/Somatic Telepathy will synchronise, transform and heal us into new life by using an herbal mixture to create heat and cold to the skin, aromatic stimulation, massage and physical stimulation, sound bed vibroacoustic and story stimulation, and flashing light stimulation. Can ritual stimulate brain or dream synchronisation?
In a few words, explain what drew you to this project.
Drowsiness.
Q & A
Why do you find sleep a compelling site for research?
I used to have chronic insomnia, and bad sleeping habits, I want to understand and improve my sleep and health. I’m also interested in dreams and memories.
Are you an early bird or night owl?
I used to be a vampire but downgraded to night owl.
Do you enjoy taking naps? Why / why not?
Yes but I’m always overslept (supposed to be 10-30mins but turn out to be 2hrs ) which makes it difficult to sleep at night.
What is the strangest place you have ever fallen asleep?
One night in Haeundae beach, South Korea, I dug up some beach mat from the trash and slept there. People were hanging out drinking and walking all night, and in the morning a group of volunteers would strain trash from sand while walking and singing.
Do you tend to remember your dreams?
Vaguely, easily forgotten if not noted down immediately after waking up.
What is your favourite podcast/video to fall asleep to?
Andrew Huberman, Karren Barrad, Roger Penrose.