Artist: Ľudmila Jankovichova
Location: ssesi.space
Dates: spring 2024

As a classic quote from Socrates goes: “Knowing thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” One way of taking that knowledge into practice is to care for and accept oneself. While this topic is getting a lot of coverage in social media today, one essential act of care remains unchanged - a hug. Hugging indicates support and can create feelings of comfort and safety when words don’t suffice. When our bodies are pressured, oxytocin is released which makes us relieved and it boosts our immunity too.

But will we feel so even if the conforming pressure comes from a non-human agent?

Perhaps the most famous example is that of Temple Grandin - an academician and animal scientist who successfully copes with autism. She designed a hugging machine to conform herself when people are unable to do so. Ľudmila will elaborate on the concept of the hugging machine in the context of everyday self-care, (non)human relationships, and the use of technology today.