ASMR, autonomous sensory meridian response. Exhibition in Stockholm
The author Clemens Setz described it thus: “A pleasant tension broke out on my scalp, travelling slowly down through my neck, combined with a consciousness of improved concentration.” The tingling associated with all manner of happy emotions – called a “tingling brain” by Setz – has been the subject of very little scientific exploration. The only thing certain is that the first-ever videos to feature the name ASMR – an abbreviation of autonomous sensory meridian response – emerged in 2010. The sensation involves a type of self-produced euphoria triggered by such things as sounds, making the phenomenon particularly interesting in a time of increasing digital interactions and reduced sensory experiences. Designers and artists are also increasingly looking to integrate ASMR into the digital world. ArkDes, Sweden’s national centre for architecture and design, based in Stockholm, has now planned an exhibition called Weird Sensation Feels Good on precisely this topic. Owing to the present situation, it can be experienced virtually rather than in person for the time being.
