ABSENCE / PRESENCE
Absence is the state of being away or not present in a place where one is expected to be. It commonly refers to situations where someone does not attend an event, class, meeting, or workplace. Absence can be temporary or prolonged, excused or unexcused, and it may carry different implications depending on the context. For example, in a school or work setting, repeated absences might affect performance or attendance records. In a more abstract sense, absence can also refer to the lack or nonexistence of something, such as the absence of light, sound, or emotion. Regardless of the setting, absence generally implies that something or someone that should be present is missing.
Presence is the state of being present or existing in a particular place or situation. It often refers to someone’s physical attendance or participation, such as being present at a meeting, event, or classroom. Presence can also extend beyond the physical, encompassing the impact or influence a person or thing has in a given environment. For example, a leader may have a strong presence that affects the mood or direction of a group. In more abstract terms, presence can refer to the existence or recognition of something, such as the presence of love, danger, or tension in a particular setting. Overall, presence signifies that someone or something is actively there and capable of being noticed, felt, or acknowledged.
ANGEL / NUMBERS
Angel numbers are sequences of repeating numbers believed to carry spiritual messages from the divine or guardian angels. Each pattern, like 111 or 444, is thought to offer guidance, reassurance, or insight, with specific meanings tied to each number, such as new beginnings or protection. Popular in numerology and New Age spirituality, angel numbers are seen as signs to trust intuition and stay aligned with one’s path.
BLACK / WHITE
The term Black refers to people of African descent, though it encompasses a diverse range of ethnicities, cultures, and histories. It emerged through systems of racial classification, colonialism, and the slave trade, and today it includes individuals from sub-Saharan Africa and the African diaspora across the Americas, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond. While people within the black community share a history of oppression and marginalisation, their experiences and identities can differ greatly depending on their region or background. Black identity is not just about skin colour, but also about shared cultural heritage, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. Despite the diversity within Black communities, there is a common thread of solidarity rooted in a collective history of resistance and pride. Black also refers to the colour that symbolises darkness, the absence of light, or the deepest shade in the colour spectrum. It is often associated with mystery, elegance, and power, as well as negative connotations like grief, mourning, or the unknown, seen in phrases such as "black hole" or "black mood."
The term White often refers to people of European descent, particularly those with lighter skin tones. It has historically been used to categorise and separate people based on race, often tied to systems of privilege and power in many societies. White identity has been shaped by cultural, social, and historical factors, with different groups within the "white" category, such as those from Northern or Southern Europe, having distinct backgrounds. Outside of race, white refers to the color associated with light, purity, and cleanliness. It’s often linked to ideas of innocence, peace, and simplicity, as seen in symbols like white doves or wedding dresses. In design, white is used for its clarity, brightness, and minimalism, offering a sense of space and calm.
BLAK
Blak is a reimagining of the word "black," with the "c" deliberately removed. It was coined by artist and activist Destiny Deacon as a way to challenge the traditional, colonial understandings of race and to emphasise the cultural identity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The removal of the "c" serves to separate Indigenous identity from the ongoing project of colonisation. The word Blak is a powerful tool for reclaiming and redefining Indigenous experiences, histories, and narratives that have long been marginalised or distorted. It’s a statement of resistance, pride, and survival, aiming to break free from the racial categories imposed by colonisation by fostering a sense of empowerment, encouraging Indigenous peoples to define their own identity on their own terms.
CIRCULAR / LINEAR / TIME
In Te Ao Māori time is cyclical; both the beginning and end are part of the same phenomenon. The past, present and future are experienced simultaneously. The whakatauki ‘Ka mua, ka muri’ is the idea that we walk backwards into the future. It tells us that we must look to the past to inform the future. Circular time in Te Ao Māori reflects the belief that events and experiences recur in cycles. In contrast, time in Western culture is a progression from past to present to future, with events unfolding in a linear sequence. This perspective often focuses on progress, development and the pursuit of individual goals
over time.
EBONY AND IVORY
Ebony and ivory refer to two different materials—one dark and one light—that are often used to represent contrast, especially in terms of race and unity. Ebony is a dark, almost black wood prized for its smooth texture and used in fine furniture and instruments. Ivory, on the other hand, is a white substance from elephant tusks, historically used for carvings and luxury items, and represents the colour white. The phrase ebony and ivory is famously used in the song "Ebony and Ivory" by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder.
FATE / SYNCHRONICITY
Fate refers to the idea that events or outcomes in life are predetermined and inevitable, beyond the control of individuals. It suggests that certain occurrences are destined to happen, regardless of human effort, and that the course of one’s life is guided by an overarching, often mysterious force. In many philosophical, religious, and literary contexts, fate is seen as an unavoidable power that shapes the future, often contrasted with free will, which emphasises personal choice and autonomy.
Synchronicity is a concept introduced by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, referring to the meaningful coincidence of events that seem unrelated but occur together in a way that is not due to chance. These events are connected by meaning rather than by cause and effect, suggesting that there is a deeper underlying order in the universe. Synchronicity highlights how personal experiences or external events align in a way that feels significant, often providing insight, guidance, or a sense of connection to something greater.
FATHER / DAUGHTER
Father typically refers to a male parent, someone who contributes to the biological creation of a child and, in many cases, takes on the role of raising, nurturing, and providing for the child. The concept of a father goes beyond biological connection, however, and can include a figure who offers emotional support, guidance, and care, regardless of genetic relation. Fathers often play a crucial role in the development and upbringing of children, influencing their social, emotional, and intellectual growth. In broader cultural or societal contexts, the term "father" can also be used to describe a founding figure or a male leader, such as in the case of the "Founding Fathers" of a nation. Ultimately, the role of a father is shaped by both biological and social factors, and can vary significantly across different cultures and family structures.
A daughter is a female child in relation to her parents. She can be born to or adopted by a family and is part of the family unit. The role of a daughter often involves growing up with the care and guidance of her parents. The term can also refer to a female descendant or offspring in a family line. Expectations of a daughter can vary based on culture and family, but it generally represents a connection to one’s family and heritage. In a broader sense, "daughter" can also refer to something that comes from or is a result of something else, like a "daughter company" being owned by another.
FRAME / MEDIA
A frame is a structure that surrounds or supports something, often used to give shape or stability. It can refer to a physical object, such as the border around a picture, a window, or a door, or it can describe the framework of a building or a vehicle. In a broader sense, a frame can also refer to a structure in a more abstract way, like the framework of an idea or argument. The purpose of a frame is usually to provide support, protection, or context, helping to define the boundaries or limits of what is inside. In media and communication, "framing" refers to the way information is presented to shape how it is understood.
Media refers to the various channels or platforms used to communicate and share information, entertainment, or news with a wide audience. This includes traditional forms like television, radio, and newspapers, as well as digital platforms such as websites, social media, and podcasts. Media plays a key role in shaping public opinion, influencing culture, and providing a space for people to connect and share ideas. It can be used for entertainment, education, advertising, and even activism. Over time, the way we consume media has evolved, with digital technology enabling more interactive and immediate forms of communication. The term "media" can also refer to the collective industry or institutions involved in the creation and distribution of content.
GRIEF / DURATIONAL
Grief is the deep emotional response to loss, typically experienced after the death of a loved one, but it can also arise from other significant losses, such as the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or major life changes. Grief is a complex and multifaceted process that involves a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, and sometimes even relief. The experience of grief is highly individual and can vary in intensity and duration depending on the person and the nature of the loss.
Durational refers to something that is related to or characterised by a specific duration or length of time. In various contexts, it is used to describe events, actions, or phenomena that are defined by how long they last. For example, in music, "durational" can refer to the length of time a note or sound is sustained, such as in rhythm or tempo. In other fields like linguistics or philosophy, "durational" may describe the temporal extent of a particular process or event. Overall, the term emphasises the importance of time and duration in understanding the nature of the subject it describes
INTEGRATION*
Integration refers to the process of combining or bringing together different elements into a unified whole. It is often used to describe the blending of people, groups, or systems to work together harmoniously. For example, social integration involves the inclusion of people from different backgrounds or cultures into a society, promoting equality and interaction. In the context of technology or business, integration might refer to the combining of various systems or processes to improve efficiency and functionality. Integration can also apply to education, where students of different abilities or backgrounds are taught together in the same environment. Overall, it emphasises the idea of bringing separate parts together to create unity, cohesion, and cooperation.
LIBERATE*
Liberate means to set someone or something free from restriction, control, or oppression. It involves removing constraints or limitations, allowing for independence, freedom, and self-determination. For example, a nation can be liberated from colonial rule, or an individual can be liberated from unfair circumstances or social restrictions. The term can also apply to freeing people from mental or emotional barriers, helping them overcome fear, ignorance, or prejudice. Liberating something often involves effort, struggle, or resistance, as it is about breaking away from forces that keep it confined. In essence, to liberate is to empower by granting freedom or autonomy.
SEPARATION*
Separation refers to the act of dividing or keeping things apart. It can be used in various contexts, such as the physical or emotional distancing of people, objects, or ideas. For example, separation can describe the process of ending a relationship, dividing materials in a scientific process, or distinguishing different concepts in a discussion. It can also refer to the state of being apart, like the separation of countries or groups based on political, cultural, or social differences. In legal terms, separation often refers to the process where married couples live apart, either as a precursor to divorce or as a legal arrangement. Generally, separation involves creating or acknowledging a gap or division between two entities or states.
SUSPENDED / SCENE
A suspended scene refers to a moment where the action pauses to create a sense of anticipation or tension. It’s often used for dramatic effect or to build suspense. In such scenes, characters may be caught in a critical situation, facing a decision, or experiencing a significant revelation, leaving the observer in suspense as they await the resolution or continuation of the scene.
TRANSMISSION considers the role of text to expand on an experience of an exhibition while also existing within its own parameters. An Expanded Index was designed to fit in other formats and has been expanded for Arini Byng’s exhibition How we breathe. It is a navigation tool for the viewer and has space to add personal notes and annotations. It is the third iteration of an ongoing series.
* definitions and words sourced from EBONY vol. XXV no. 10, August 1970.
