I N D U C T I 0 N
TransMedia: a crossing of cultural borders, a synthesis. As a general guide, holistic. The search for the relationships (or ratio) between all
perceived experience. TransMedia: an examination of constructed 'reality'. TransMediators: those who are able to act as catalysts to this
process. In this volume we explore the work of three TransMediators: Z'EV, Andrew McKenzie and Genesis P-Orridge.
Each one of us is generally capable of just about anything we really put our mind to, the limits being only those that we impose on ourselves.
The mechanism of limitation (which exists in varying degrees in each of us) is our tendency to conform to what others think is reasonable for
someone in our particular set of circumstances. It hardly needs be stated that the general rule of society is: 'Comply!' TransMedia says
'TransGress - break arbitrary bonds.' It goes on to encourage us to establish re-newed cognitive activity and an enquiring mental 'set', to remain
in a constant state of self-observed (not controlled) flux, to develop an openness to the nature of our TransPersonal existence. Thus can we
begin to see the new pictures of the possible that are formed. TransMedia is very precisely this open-ended process of enlightenment. It relies
neither on pre-conceived concepts about what we should believe, nor on a body of previous work to which we should conform. There are no
rules.
The material within this volume is extremely diverse. The first section, Wheels on Fire by Z'EV, is essentially a de-construction (or
TransLation) of King Lear, wherein the Mytho-Majikle elements have been given free rein, delivering two 'forgotten' classics of Occulture. In
these richly coloured theatrical works, Z'EV demonstrates that meaning is inextricably linked to context and point of perception. His work on
Wheels is part of a collaborative project undertaken with Gylan Kain, founder of The Last Poets. In Just Because A Cat Has Her Kittens In
The Oven Doesn't Make Them Biscuits Andrew McKenzie has created a film treatment in 31 scenes; one which expounds on the nature of
our consciousness and which deliberately incorporates rapid changes of focus and perception. We are left questioning the very nature of our
own existence. The density of the writing, both visually and stylistically is intentional; the process he describes is one of uncovering, removing
layers to see what lies beneath. The third part of this book is contributed by Genesis P-Orridge, and comprises writings taken from his work
with COUM Transmissions, the performance art group he founded in 1969. Through a series of statements, descriptions of performances. and
essays he sets out numerous practical guides to the process of self-initiation and the expansion of consciousness. These writings, collected
together under the title To Be Ex-Dream constitute a key period in the development of his work. It is worth remarking that the unusual
linguistic features he utilises have been taken up by many young writers and artists throughout the world as part of individual experiments and
explorations into the meaning of language, and the structural implications this has for the way that we understand and communicate our
thoughts.
With the development of TransMedia we can detect a sharpening of the human creative instinct, and a desire to unlock new levels and
formulations of consciousness. It is the same work that once went by the name of alchemy, but with new tools and in a new time. It is through
this continual exploration that we may discover what we as humans really are. The TransMediators are guides to this process which opens a
passage between the exteriorised world and the inner realms, allowing us to find that space where all dreams meet.
Words
With thanks to the TransMedia Foundation for making this volume possible.
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