Month: September 2016

Link to Dan’s slide presentation

Depict a space by using only 2D photographs, taken at consistent intervals, to create a “flip-book” style montage that can be played as a series of gifs with text overlays in the same style as NYT’s Walking in War’s Path. One example workflow would be to set up the story in Photoshop using the “animation” feature, setting each frame to 1 second and pausing for 5 seconds on frames that have text, to give readers time to absorb. Another would be to create short videos containing a series of photos that are each 1 second long, and potentially sound.

The goal of the project is to experiment with the nature of the flipbook / stop motion aesthetic and what it can convey, to see how the 2D medium of photography can be used to explore 3D space. Consider how you would like to contextualize your chosen space and the images you use to represent it. What interests you about the space? What would you like the viewer to experience? What “information,” whether literal or aesthetic, do you provide to support this goal?

Complete the Image
Two people shake hands and freeze. The audience studies the pair and discusses what they see, all possible meanings. Is this at a party, business meeting, two friends parting for the last time. Everyone gets into pairs and begins with a frozen image of: a hand shake, a chosen gesture, a gesture based on a theme, free choice. One partner leaves the image, leaving their partner frozen. After considering for a moment what an alternative “meaning” or story for the original gesture might be, the person reenters the scene in a new way. The different position in relation to the partner changes the meaning of the image and projects a different emotion toward the other person. The second partner then leaves, and does the same. The partners alternate in dialog. Its impt that each partner only take a moment to complete the image, doing things spontaneously that feel natural, rather than thinking, to keep ideas flowing. The meaning of each image does not have to be literal. Afterwards, partners should discuss their experience and interpretation of the dialog.

Eco location
Also good for using other senses, exploring space
In pairs, one person as guide, other as guided. The guide makes a sound (abstract, animal, or based on theme), and repeats while partner listens. Then the guided close their eyes, and must follow the guide as they move around the room. When guide stops, guided also stops. In this way, guide can lead their partner around the room and avoid them bumping into things. If the guided can focus & follow well, the guide can move farther away. Switch roles. Discuss.

Silent Running
Good for using other senses, exploring space through sound and body awareness.
One person, the driver, stands behind a partner, who is the car. From behind, the driver guides the car’s movements by gently pressing a finger on the middle of the back to go straight, the left shoulder to go left, right shoulder to go right, or on the back of the neck to reverse. The nearer the shoulder, the sharper the corner. Speed is regulated by pressure. To stop, the driver removes their hand. Drivers should move slowly, to lead cars through a variety of interesting spaces, being mindful they don’t bump into anything.