Rachel Mayeri
Research project
Interactions with monkeys
Project summary
Résidence 2013
I plan to develop three projects while in residence. One is to continue work on an art installation/video game inviting participants to learn how to act like a chimpanzee through physical embodiment. A second project is to continue research on the enrichment of captive primates, and observe scientists’ interactions with monkeys in the region. The third project is to begin an animated video on the interaction of emotion and rationality in decision making processes.
Résidence 2010
Primate cognition in crisis : looking at the relationship between decision-making and emotions.Given the state of permanent crisis in regards to species extinction and the complex relationship between human and non-human primates, especially within the realm of scientific inquiry on primate cognition, I propose to work in an open-ended dialogue with researchers in the field of cognitive neuroscience on four related topics:(1) the creation of videos for the enrichment of lab animals,(2) cross-species neurocinematics : investigating how human and non-human minds read signs,(3) the formation of identity and affiliation between species, especially among scientists who work with animals,(4) primate cognition in crisis: looking at the relationship between decision-making and emotions.Depending on researchers’ desire to collaborate, I will either produce art project(s) described in further detail in my proposal, and/or a documentary about the dialogue itself.
