The Tale of Stainyx Trace
Text, and visual inspiration for a video animation
A collaboration with eXMeLab, Arizona State University, and Toronto Metropolitan University.
I am part of the great Stainyx flock, currently engaged in a mission with some members of our group. We often operate collectively, rarely venturing alone. We move effortlessly, crawling on surfaces or flying through the air, unseen in the darkness, hidden from the eyes of most creatures. Composed of ink-like substances and partly made of water, we evaporate into a semi-gaseous state and condense back into liquid form. We navigate through the negative energy fields vibing in the town, and thanks to that, we thrive.
Stainyx reproduces through cell division in geometric sequences, creating both smaller and larger entities. The process is fascinating, occurring in a spiral manner. This method allows us to multiply efficiently, ensuring our presence endures.
It is true that we lack traditional features like ears, eyes, noses, mouths, arms, or legs. However, we rely on our highly sensitive nervous system and smart cells to sense our surroundings and understand human languages through their energy fields. We communicate with each other through whispering sounds, produced by the friction of our cells. These whispers are unintelligible to humans but serve as a vital means of communication among us.
Stainyx focuses solely on humans, ignoring other creatures. We are fiercely loyal to our kind and often victims of others; they hate us because we are special. Our objectives are clear: we feed on human words, both written and spoken, erasing and transforming them, leaving behind traces that are very hard to remove, marking our presence in the world.
However, we face challenges. Each trace we leave behind reduces our lifespan. Positive human energy fields weaken us. We need to absorb small amounts of water as food, but we must be cautious; large amounts of pure water can kill us, making these elements our greatest vulnerabilities.
While on a mission, I found a book titled “Stainxora Whispera” and read the following passage:
”In the heart of a densely populated town suffering from conflict, where the buzz of life never ceases, a mysterious entity known as Stainyx is born. Its creation is an enigmatic process, involving the blending of black dust and moist water in utter darkness. Negative human energy fields provide the vital spark for its existence, ensuring it comes to life on a night devoid of any moon or starlight. Stainyx’s appearance is both mesmerizing and terrifying. Black in color, with an irregular organic shape resembling a stain, it seems almost two-dimensional. The age of a stainyx is indicated not by size but by its shine; younger ones reflect light, while older ones are matte with a rough texture. It has a subtle, organic odor that becomes familiar and unnoticeable over time to those who encounter it.
As Stainyx grows, it manipulates its surroundings with ease and is hostile to outsiders. Its presence is elusive, almost like a stain on the fabric of reality.
Stainyx can live for thousands of years. Though not eternal, its long lifespan gives the impression that it travels through time, a timeless entity in a constantly changing world. Researchers name it ‘Stainxora Whispera’ and debate its nature and classification. Some acknowledge its capabilities, while others deny its existence due to its elusiveness.
In the annals of history and to this day, Stainyx remains a legend, whispered about in hushed tones. Those who have glimpsed it speak of a creature that transcends the boundaries of time, leaving behind a legacy as manipulative as its own ink-stained form.”
This encounter was compelling. But I began to doubt whether these words had already been manipulated in the past by my flock or not. I shared what I had read with the flock, and doubt began to spread among us.
Related exhibitions:
- 2025 eXMeLab, ArtSpace West Gallery, Arizona