Fish are aquatic creatures that swim underwater. Carp, in particular, tend to float close to the surface and often peek their head above the water's surface in search of food. Their enormous mouths seem capable of devouring anything.
The argument presented in "Tired of Counting Fish" calls for a more balanced view of the unconscious that gives more weight to conscious decision-making, social context, and critical thinking as part of our common understanding of human behavior.
Western culture often undervalues conscious reasoning and critical analysis, instead favoring the attribution of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to unconscious forces or instincts. Over time, like water dripping on a rock, this can erode personal responsibility and accountability for one's actions.
Further, many people point out that the emphasis on the unconscious in Western culture is not strongly supported by solid empirical evidence. While psychoanalytic theories have had considerable influence, they often rely on subjective interpretations rather than rigorous scientific experimentation.
In addition, Western culture's emphasis on the unconscious downplays the significant impact of social and cultural factors on individual behavior—ironically, in our time, one such cultural influence is the great sway assigned to the importance of the subconscious.
By attributing actions to unconscious processes, the role of societal power dynamics, values, and norms in shaping human behavior are underestimated.
The title of this artwork is a play on the Philip K. Dick novel "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" The piece features a sheep in the lower left inviting the viewer to consider what sheep might count when they struggle to find sleep. Do they count fish? And do they, like people, eventually find the task tedious?
The central square of the artwork, under which the fish swim, @rojects a strong tactile presence. This box represents the conscious mind and its will to maintain self-control and secure accountability.
