Gil Arrocena: The Philosopher of Marionettes
Established in 2009, the Topic in Tolosa (Gipuzkoa) is a cultural center dedicated to puppetry arts, creation, research, and transmission. It explores puppetry as a living art form that prompts reflections on our humanity, as shown in the exhibition “Bambalina Teatre: the conscious puppet”, focusing on the theme of consciousness.
At first glance, the puppet seems to move without internal mystery. Its causal transparency is evident in the strings and hands that guide it, turning the puppet into a symbol of fate or manipulation. Watching a puppet show raises questions: are we also controlled by forces beyond us? And if so, who is pulling our strings?
The illusion of our freedom may stem from the invisible strings of our consciousness. Suggesting that humans are puppets of unseen forces implies that our decisions are not entirely our own, influenced by various factors like the unconscious, neurobiological factors, past experiences, habits, etc. Individuals believe they control their actions consciously, unaware that they are influenced by other forces.
Beyond the classic view of a puppet animated solely by the artist’s consciousness, a broader approach considers individuals never act alone but within a network of factors. Philosopher Bruno Latour describes a network of “actants” shaping our actions. Acting involves merging consciousness with the world, considering objects, institutions, and others who influence and realize our actions.
The image of an artist directing a puppet overlooks the puppet’s role in shaping the spectacle. The puppeteer’s manipulations demonstrate partial control rather than autonomous choices. Instead of showcasing complete consciousness mastery, puppeteers, like individuals, act within a complex reality.
The puppet show highlights that consciousness isn’t entirely self-owned; it’s entangled in the fabric of reality. Our fascination with puppets lies in unveiling the invisible threads of unconscious agents behind our actions, both personal and obscure. This blurred consciousness remains a mystery for each person.
