The Immortal’s Palm

Teammate:

Leah Bian

Instructor:

Kent Larson, Gabriela Bìlá, Luis Alonso

Type:

3D animation

Science fiction

Time:

2023

On a cacti island, scientists conducted the VitaCacti Project to enhance the human body by having participants consume cactus products. As some unexpectedly reported hearing sounds from the universe, the experiments shifted toward building cactus-human cyborgs through various methods. The brand new SpaceSpine Project now aims to culminate in the largest experiment during a solar eclipse…

Premise

In the year 2055, humans are attempting to enhanced human body’s capability through consuming cacti. Cactus, thus, becomes a new subject of mysticism, in reminiscent of shamanism, seeking to transcend human’s bodily boundaries.

Synopsis

Stage 1

In 2053, amid stalled scientific progress, escalating environmental challenges, and unusual astronomical signs, scientists studied various resilient species for survival insights. Cacti, renowned for their heat and drought resistance, became a focal point. On an island abundant with ancient cacti, researchers set up a base and had participants consume cactus-based products like gummies to augment their physical capabilities.

Stage 2

During an interview in January 2055, as experiments progressed, four participants noted altered mental states, including insomnia and perceiving extraterrestrial messages. Scientists saw this as a milestone in advancing science and human spirituality. Over the next six months, they explored various methods, both “scientific” and “anti-science”, to develop human-cactus cyborgs for augmented spiritual senses. These included cactus patches, injections, masks, tie-dye clothing, meditation, and inhaling cactus vapor, etc. Meanwhile, the island’s cacti sustained damage.

Stage 3

In June 2055, during another solar eclipse, participants gathered at the island’s core. As the eclipse shadowed the cactus field, they closed their eyes, tuning into cosmic energy. When they looked again after darkness lifted, the weathered cacti stood silently.

Preliminary Research

Mysticism is the pursuit of communion with, identity with, or conscious awareness of an ultimate reality, divinity, spiritual truth, or God through direct experience, intuition, or insight. Mysticism share overlaps with shamanism – mediating between the human and spirit worlds.

World Building Scales

Individual

The participants voluntarily live in the cactus experiment field with the cacti science group. In each experiment phase, they are assigned to a certain method of cactus fusion. The methods include injecting, consuming, applying on skin, etc. Each participant has a test period ranging from a week to a month. They need to perform the cactus fusion experiment twice each day, as well as meticulously record their physical and mental performance during each experiment phase.

But their journey went beyond just operating the experimental procedures. The participants also actively engaged in administrative tasks, ensuring the smooth functioning of the experiment. They embraced the challenges and responsibilities that came with their role, becoming an integral part of the cacti science community. Some of the participants also raise various pots of cacti in their rooms, they believe that they may receive the optimal experiment performance by surrounding themselves with the cactus aura. They witnessed the transformative powers of the cacti, their properties unlocking new realms of scientific exploration.

Community

The cacti experiment group holds the belief in finding the transcendental power in human-cactus fusion. Scholars and scientists from different corners of the world flocked to the town, eager to witness the groundbreaking research taking place. The participants can choose to live on the team alone or bring their family to the field. Besides their daily experiment, people also hold workshops and social events about cactus well-being, scientific development, or group meditation. Some of them have field trips to the cities outside of the experiment field, and hold lectures and seminars in governmental institutions, companies, and universities. The next generations of scientists and participants are raised among the cacti fields, which is a strategical pedagogy method in order to keep the children in close contact with the cactus aura.

Worldview

In 2053, the world found itself at a critical juncture. Decades of relentless technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs seemed to have reached an impasse. The world bore witness to not only severe environmental degradation, with the scars of global warming, pollution, and rampant urbanization, but also to a series of inexplicable astronomical events. Skies lit up with colors never before seen, celestial bodies danced in patterns unfamiliar to astronomers, and meteorological anomalies became commonplace. Such phenomena sparked both awe and anxiety, as humankind grappled with understanding their origins and implications.

In response, the global scientific community took an introspective turn. Recognizing that solutions may not lie in forging ahead, but in looking back and around at the world that existed naturally, they initiated a series of pioneering experiments. The objective was to delve deep into the intricacies of the natural world, hoping to glean insights into resilience and survival from the myriad species that had thrived for millennia against all odds.