IRISIRIS is a set of looping online videos that correspond to the eight phases of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) treatment. EMDR focuses on reprogramming the brain's response to a traumatic event, changing how the event is stored, and reducing and eliminating problematic symptoms. By repetitively crossing the brain's hemisphere with sound and images, EMDR attempts to heal and reform neural pathways formed by the event.


The eight videos in IRISIRIS use sound and imagery that are symmetrical and hypnotic: the sound pans from ear to ear, and the mirrored imagery moves from eye to eye, crossing and recrossing the brain's center. Although the videos follow the eight phases of EMDR, they can be viewed in or out of order, with or without sound.


This project began in quarantine. In isolation, I started processing my father's sudden death anew, cut off from the coping strategies and routines that have allowed me to avoid processing the event. I sought to make space for myself, to invite healing by developing more positive self associations with the event. I hope that isolated viewers can use the videos to make space to examine their own traumatic events and the language and tools they use to process them.


 *Created with support from the Jack Straw New Media Gallery residency.

Phase 1: The Event (still-image from the video)
-re-account the traumatic event-
Materials: Iris bulbs from my dad’s garden
Sound: Chimes from Mother’s Day, wind, heart beating, eulogy song, recounting the event
Phase 2: Preparation (still-image from the video)
-develop grounding skills-
Materials: Balloon and breath
Sound: Cobalt mallet synth (Blue is the throat Chakra), breathing, binaural sound for relaxed breathing, G note (throat Chakra)
Phase 3: Assessment (still-image from the video)
-identify and assess cognitions, emotions and physical sensations-
Materials: Peony from the yard and ants
Sound: Positive and negative self messages, F note (heart Chakra), ripping up a drawing by Eris, binaural frequency for mental clarity and intelligence.
Phase 4: Desensitization (still-image from the video)
-process disturbing emotions and sensations-
Material: Rope
Sound: Braiding, singing "Suo Gân" notes from Empire of the Sun, binaural frequency for regeneration
Phase 5: Installation (still-image from the video)
-install a positive cognition-
Materials: My families hands
Sound: Synth played by Eris, sound machine in Eris’ bedroom, Eris’ first recorded heartbeat
Phase 6: Body Scan (still-image from the video)
-scan for lingering sensations-
Material: Processed placenta
Sound: Chakra tune up with crystal singing bowls
Phase 7: Closure (still-image from the video)
-self-calm and record-
Materials: Blooming iris from my father's iris bulb
Sound: Eris splashing in the bath