Light and Movement: Artist Statement

I am going to make this statement a short one, because I realize I do not need to explain this project in greater details after receiving the feedback and comments from critics. People seem to understand it better than I do.

This video is an experimental shorts about light and movement. Please see the following supporting post for the types of light I had studied.

Different Forms of "Light"

http://monkeywtsketch.blogspot.ca/2012/03/different-forms-of-light.html

In genral it is inspired by music and rhythm, and it explores the relation and distinction between the real and the artificial. Furthermore, there is actually only one thing I would love to explain: the lack of sound.

In an earlier post I made, Light and Movement v1.0 in particular, I stated that there would involve a sound. However, as I was working on the project, I realized several upbeat songs actually matches the video very well, and therefore I decided to leave this part open-ended. In the end, I believed our imagination should be good enough.

Lightbox: Artist Statement

This artist statement comes with an important supporting document which is still in progress.

Generally, the lightbox project is a combination of the light, the box, and the back-lit image. The light and box work together and affect the image. To emphasize their significance, I have experimented with colors, in order to alter the light and to reinforce the existence of the box as a concrete artistic object.

The image itself serves as both a summary of an end and an introductory to a new beginning. For instance, the image is thematically connected to the Interior Drawing.  It explores and comments on the possibility to adapt traditional culture into everyday life, particularly to revive the traditional Han Chinese Clothing. Furthermore, the aesthetic aspects of the image was based on the two video works I have completed during the term, including "Flow" and the Light and Movement experimental shorts. I have used similar visual elements and technique to construct the image, such as by using layers and the integration of hybrid media. In addition, this work marks the beginning of a future series which will centers on the Hanfu Movement, and thus the key words of this project is "landing" and "lightening up."

Different Forms of "Light"

The following is a supporting document for the upcoming artist statement of Light and Movement. I list the variety of light I have been used in the video project.

• Light as a concrete man-made object
• Natural light illuminating object
• Florescent light illuminating water and pigments
• Man made light penetrating plastic and water
• Decomposition of natural light through camera lens
• Superimposition of sunlight and the reflection of florescent light
• Superimposition of direct streetlight and the reflection of florescent light at night
• Reflection created by light
• Shadows and light
• Digital alteration of light
• Light as a medium to display image and digital information

Artist Statement for "Flow"

The central theme of "Flow" is juxtaposition and paradox. By juxtaposing different visual and audio elements that I collected from different sources, I allow these contrasting elements to react together, in order to generate an emotional, mysterious atmosphere and immersion.

Furthermore, the title itself is referring to the way in which this work is constructed. In particular, I had started this work by brainstorming on a blank piece of paper, because I got nothing in mind when I received the topic. During the making of the video, I placed those elements on top of a feature footage according to the natural flow of ideas. As a result, narration is generally not important for the piece.

(a bibliography will be posted later)

Interior Drawing Statement

My work explores the relationship between everyday life and traditions. In particular, the space depicted in the drawing is a place used to store personal, everyday items, and thus it serves as the collector and the storage of memories, personal interests, and the fragments of daily life. Moreover, in the second section of the work, the rearrangement of objects reinforces the personal connection I have with the space. The replacement of particular objects denotes the notion of adapting traditions into everyday life. I believed that attitude is the key to achieve the authentic fusion between traditions and life. Specifically, we need to accept traditions as part of our life in our heart, and to find them appropriate positions in our life. On the other hand, the means of changing the appearance of tradition is temporary and superficial.

Part I

Part II

Works Cited:

(see the avatar of the author)

Chen, Eric Chengyang. Got to Remember. 2011.

Luo-meisheng. “a Standing Figurine”. Photograph. Baidu Tieba. N.p., 15 Nov. 2007. Web. 29 Jan, 2012.

(Note: this figurine is at least 2000 years old, and thus its author is unknown. The name shown above is the username of the contributor who posted the photograph.)