In the fifth episode of “Ways of Listening,” artist Jody Wood discusses listening as a practice of care, emphasizing that caring does not necessarily entail curing. Jody promotes participatory “opt-in” structures for social practice art instead of co-creation, recognizing the complexity of human desires and the potential for conflicting agendas.
She raises questions about the pressure on artists to solve social issues, drawing on examples from projects involving social workers and homelessness shelters. Jody emphasizes the importance of resisting the spectacle and maintaining focus on the process and the power of relational practice.
Furthermore, she underscores the significance of listening to oneself as a spiritual practice of attunement.