This study aims to explore: 1) what new enlightenment humans can gain from a more-than-human perspective on rethinking epistemology and ontology, and 2) how this enlightenment can deepen our understanding of decolonization. Integrating posthumanism (Umbrello, 2018) with A/r/tography (Irwin, 2013), this research forms a framework named Posthuman-A/r/tography, challenging traditional anthropocentric views. The study begins with an examination of how birds perceive human-dominated spaces, specifically focusing on a public art, sʔi:ɬqəy̓ qeqən, at the University of British Columbia, symbolizing decolonization (Wilson, 2019). By studying the visual capabilities of seagulls, this paper reinterprets the relationship between public spaces, the more-than-human world, and humans, encouraging a shift from human-centered perspectives to a more inclusive view that recognizes the agency of the more-than-human world. Emphasizing interdisciplinary research under the Posthuman-A/r/tography (Springgay, Irwin, & Kind, 2005; Irwin, 2024; Umbrello, 2018), the study blends quantum physics and ecology, demonstrating the transformative power of combining artistic practice with posthumanist thought. Ultimately, this study underscores the importance of symbiosis between humans and the more-than-human world, highlighting the continuous necessity to explore and embrace diverse viewpoints for a deeper understanding of decolonization.

Authors:
Mengkai Zhang, the University of British Columbia, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Mengkai Zhang, Art Education graduate student and research assistant at UBC, who is interest in A/r/tography, Taoism, More-than-human, Art education for Sustainability.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Monday Schedule

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