http://james-camerons-avatar.wikia.com/wiki/Bioluminescence

I was fascinated by the Avatar clip here, and thought that this description of ‘Pandora’ was a really interesting way to think about ‘digital spaces’, thanks. The world of Pandora seems to be described in distinctly humanist and romanticist terms, and I wondered how this relates to perceptions of, or desires for, ‘good, or ‘ideal’ virtual spaces.

I was rather amazed at the whole description of the ‘bio-luminescent qualities’, that ‘set the night aglow’, and this seemed to frame Avatars sense of ‘nature’ in terms of very human-centric, aesthetic qualities. Do these coloured lights serve no other purpose than the entertainment of those creatures who happen to have suitable optical faculties? Perhaps the full film explains more. The whole sense of ‘nature’ portrayed here is truly riveting, and the notions of ‘nervous systems’ and ‘symbiotic relationships’ seemed to suggest notions of harmony, equilibrium, and homoeostasis that I thought were rather old fashioned in ecology studies. So, I wonder, does this view of idealised nature filter through into attitudes and desires for virtual spaces? Do ‘we’ think that digital spaces are capable of providing harmonious, ideal environments, where such things as conflict, selfishness and dissent are absent? A fascinating topic Austin, and you have inspired me to look up further critical writing on Avatar, thanks!