MIQUITA: The image in the function of listening.

The role of images in listening as a point of reflection, investigating the efficiency and inefficiency of listening in today's world.

Miquita is a visual essay, using the image in the listening function as a point of reflection, investigating the efficiency and inefficiency of listening in today's world.

We live in a time of abundant noise. The dynamics of social networks and our interpersonal communications mediated by technology encourage us to speak, write and give our opinions at all times, simply by participating in the conversation. And although it seems like there is a dialogue, this is a time when we hardly listen to each other attentively. In this scenario, more than ever, people need to develop the ability to listen.

This set of images is an ongoing production, which starts from the memory of my grandmother Miquita, already elderly, having hearing difficulties. Even with hearing aids, it was difficult, not even on the phone could she hear anything anymore. So, my aunt found the alternative of having a notepad available in which, based on what she asked, we could respond by writing what was happening, and then make it available for her to read. It worked well!

The notebook that remains from the family's belongings, as well as the symbolic objects from Grandma's private environment, such as letters, photographs, magnifying glasses, needles and threads, are Grandma Miquita's auditory memorial. Captures of these objects constitute this visual essay, bringing the image into the listening function as a point of reflection, investigating the efficiency and inefficiency of listening.

Listening often goes beyond the senses, and is done through reading, a look, a gesture, a body expression and so on. After all, listening can be perceived and visualized in many ways, not only with the ears and hearing objects.

"Listening is different from hearing." Hearing is capturing sounds, while listening is listening attentively and understanding what is heard.

Grandma Miquita wanted both. She wanted to participate in everything, understand, share and, of course, be heard. She listened and listened through reading.

Even with the advances in therapies and mental health approaches, many people still face difficulties in feeling heard. Active listening is a skill that not everyone develops, and this can impact the quality of interactions and the emotional support they receive.

And remembering the psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan: “You can know what you said, but never what the other person heard.”