Sensory expression aims to be a digital space, with no anchorage in any specific space or time, dedicated to discussions about the senses and their expressions. It is a paradox to try to express a sensory world digitally; to question sensory expression in this way is undoubtedly a challenge, but the constraint of the digital can offer at the same time a useful critical distance from the sensory domain. This tension between the apparent immediacy felt through the senses and their mediated formulations calls into question this double articulation between the experienced and perceived senses on the one hand and the mediated and translated senses on the other. What kind of adequation exists between them, or rather, what kind of inadequacy is generated by such a tension?
The expression of the sensory world is varied and gradable as illustrated by different modes of sensory expression such as a painting, a sound file or a molecular description of an odour:
Besides the existence of various modes of sensory expression, the notion of “expression” itself needs to be accounted for. From its origin as “extraction” (an act or product of pressing out) the term refers to the process of representing via a medium (e.g. words) or the use of significant representation or symbolism (Merriam Webster):
1 a : an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (such as words) : UTTERANCE // freedom of expression
b (1) : something that manifests, embodies, or symbolizes something else
// this gift is an expression of my admiration for you
(2) : a significant word or phrase
(3) : a mathematical or logical symbol or a meaningful combination of symbols
(4) : the detectable effect of a gene
2 a : a mode, means, or use of significant representation or symbolism
especially : felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment // read the poem with expression
b (1) : the quality or fact of being expressive
(2) : facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3 : an act or product of pressing out
The account of such definitions shall allow a thorough insight into sensory expressions, whether it be an act of pressing out, a mode of significant representation close to symbolism or an act of representing in a medium such as words.