ABOUT NARCISSIST'S PRAYER FLAGS 

 

This auto-fictional project draws on narcissist relations. It entertains versions on the classic myth of Narcissus, the psychological DSM condition and family ties, and the contemporary societal level of 'collective narcissism' or the focus on unique individuals instead of the whole. 

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The flags are inspired by Buddhist Manidhar, tall white prayer flags found in the Himalaya, that are placed to commemorate the deceased and guide their souls. This specific type of prayer flag speaks of mourning, which spoke to me. The purity of the white flags, combined with the black ink, the black-on-white, marks a definite transition to something else. These flags often have mantra's printed on them, beautifully combining words and symbols, repeating them over and over. Working with this aspect allows me to play with repetition and readability, as well as work with the relation between words and images. Which words do I need, what symbols inspire the narrative?

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For example, the project includes a series of three flags across which a dialogue plays out. The text consists of me asking google Gemini to rewrite the original myth of Narcissus, to make it more true to the diagnosis of narcissism. These LLM's in a way function like an echo chamber, or some hall of mirrors, arguably strengthening ones own narcissist tendencies - merely repeating and giving what is asked (or prompted) and lacking true criticism or critical thought. This allows me to connect the use of this LLM (form) to Echo, the nymph in the myth (content). Moreover, deviating from the mantra's, this narrative is spread out across three flags, looking similar yet reading differently. The two columns allow for the texts to be cross-read, allowing for new associations within the general theme. Finally, these flags use an MRI of a cross-section of my skull, visualising the brain, a symbol for reason and thought. 

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Eventually, a group of flags that approach the theme of narcissism in a different yet similar way, will ideally be placed outside, temporarily, until they dissolve. The beauty of these original Buddhist prayer flags is that the wind quite literally spreads the prayers, thread by thread. Though my project is not religious, I do sympathise with how the Buddhist prayers are meant to wish well upon all living creatures. And actually, maybe we could use some prayers to counter narcissism in a multitude of ways. 

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