Energy Security

Energy Security is one of a series of pieces that deal with the phenomenology of our linguistic experience. Qualia (the plural of quale) are the phenomenal characteristics of our mental experiences. Normally qualia are discussed in relation to simple sensory experiences, like seeing red or tasting a lemon. In this series, I'm working with phrases whose component words relate strangely to the ideas they represent. The screens show randomly chosen synonyms of the words that make up the original phrases. Each phrase feels different to read, process, and understand; each phrase has its own quale. (See also Extraordinary Rendition and Manifest Destiny)

The phrase 'energy security' refers to our dependence on access to cheap energy for the functioning of our economic system, and the lengths to which we go, militarily, politically, etc., to protect that access.

The electronics driving the piece are housed in an empty, upside-down oil bottle, with its power cord coming out of the spout like a trickle of oil.

Many of the phrases created by synonyms of 'energy' and 'security' have strong sexual and religious connotations (or even denotations), connecting our need for cheap energy to other characteristic of American culture. A few of the generated phrases are: