Delirium tremens

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Delirium tremens is a physical condition that can occur after prolonged alcohol abuse and subsequent withdrawal. The delirium is characterized by a racing pulse, uncontrollable sweating, trembling, fever, cramps, disorientation as well as hallucinations. Alcohol is one of the few substances of which the withdrawal can have fatal consequences, many alcoholics are advised not to detox without medical assistance.

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In Maria Kobylenko's video artwork, the voice of Jasper Leever tells the story of a person affected by psychosis caused by alcohol withdrawal and how he*she perceived it. While the viewer is taken in by the gloomy, raw music of Siamed Darwesh, he*she simultaneously sees the video animations of the artist Kobylenko and how these, similarly to a delirium, interlock, cross and become increasingly bizarre.

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The reason for such extreme withdrawal symptoms is that alcohol sedates the body; with long-term consumption, our bodies become accustomed to this artificial state of relaxation. To compensate for the sedation, the body induces hyperactivity – if the alcohol supply is then interrupted, the state of sedation fades away, but the neurotransmitters continue to work as if it hadn't. An alcohol-dependent-person can therefore possibly die from alcohol withdrawal because their body believes they need the substance in order to survive. Kobylenko's short but powerful video takes us through a rush of addiction, detox, abuse, fear, and compensation, and serves as a glimpse into the depths of alcoholism.

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⟶ Maria Kobylenko

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