Prompt: Each class meeting, you should be writing one page on the topic we covered in class. You can also use this as a time to do independent research, create photo essays, or similar. If you’re unsure, contact me about it. You should also use this space as an opportunity to write about inspirations for your own work, and to put your sketches, illustrations, etc. online.
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In this tenth reflection, I will be:
a/ Putting down and reacting to my highlights among the things covered in class
b/ Giving Updates on my independent research
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a/ My highlights among the things we covered in class
Today we covered the theme “physicality” in class. We watched a number of videos illustrating the material there was to cover. Like in every class, we went to the encounter of a number of artists making use of light in their works. We watched the video below of the Crown Fountain in Chicago. This was to me an evidence of the power of emissive light sources in terms of precision and clarity, compared to projected light.
Another video that struck me was one Student Patrick Reid recommended. It was on the Celebration in the Oaks of New Orleans. What impressed me in the content of the video (please see below) was not only the beautiful LED animations, but also the magnificent attraction they represent. I did further reading on this event and found out that it attracts nearly 150,000 people every single year, and that the organisers sold ticket from as fas as Australia. This was a perfect example of the limitless potential in the “light” business. Not only is light ubiquitous and can be used to influence human psychology in surprisingly positive ways, as I realised in my previous reflections, its market is also such a juicy one.
The third video I was amazed by was on the work of Leo Villareal, whom Professor Scott has actually worked with. The video below displays some of his art piece where he creates the illusion of depth thanks to animated LEDs. It was fascinating to learn in this class about how the illusion of depth is created differently in visual images, projections, as well as emissive light sources.
Last but not least, I was struck by the work of Jim Campbell: one of the artists that most definitely struck me the most during this January Term. Jim Campbell is the author of a work on the formula for computer art that I found very instructive (to someone who might be new to the art), and comprehensible. I thought I would do more research on the artist and his works.
b/ Updates on my independent research
Below is an interview of the artist:
He mentions in it his interest in primal perception meaning how with low resolution imagery people are not paying attention to details because there are none. People rather focus on movement, form and colour. He also mentions how when it comes to his works, people say that “you learn how to look at them by looking at them”. Jim Campbell’s work on perception is what impresses me most. I am personally very interested in perception, and could relate to all his works that included features because of which if one looked at them in different ways, one would perceive different figures. Please see example below: