I've decided not to write an artist statement for the works tomorrow - last time, while what I wrote was relevant, I don't think it added any more than what viewers were able to describe themselves. I'm interested in what they take away from the work and hearing that in itself without me bringing ideas into the mix. I also think I've brought up enough on my blog over the past few weeks that describes what I'm doing and why, so if people have read that my hope is that will be enough to inform them of the work's themes and ideas... We'll see!
Below is the version of the video I'm present, which is an 8 minute loop. Each image plays for ~30 seconds, which is just enough time I think... If the works were presented statically on screen, I would be comfortable with them being simply stationary and without any transition (i.e. one per screen). However now that they exist in sequence, there's an element of impatience I find myself feeling with them - the expectation of the next image, and a sense of "ok, what comes next?". If I extend the time per image too much, that starts (for me) to override the enjoyment and time spent with each image. Whether or not this is universal, I'm not sure.
For presentation, I've turned the lights above my space in the studio off. I can't turn off the lights during the pre-critique wander as Elvis also needs light for their works in the space, but I indend on turning the lights off completely for my critique time. Seeing the works on a large screen instead of my computer is better, and by turning off the lights the detail of the images is brough out (though some is inevitably lost on the screen itself due to the TV resolution).
hybrid
2022
Digital image sequence
8 minute loop
Thinking about the term "hybrid"
I'm always cautious of using words, especially in this context, because they carry so much weight and meaning beyond the context they're appearing in. I chose the name 'hybrid' because I think it summarizes a lot of the themes I'm working with:
- the idea of expectation vs. reality (in the perception of nature, of meaning of nature, of scale and importance of the relationships we see within it)
- the meeting of virtual vs. 'real' (how digital media reinforce, challenge, or disrupt expectation; the language and function of digital as a tool; the facilitation of connection or encounter with an entity that would otherwise be unachievable)
- the content of the work itself: lichen forms on tree bark (lichen being formed from the a coexistence of two organisms, algae and bacteria, that only occurs under specific conditions)
- the form of the work (both in terms of the works being digital assemblages based on combined scans, and in terms of the work being reflective of a natural entity represented via a digital form)
These are not perfect definitions, but these are the core ideas
that are circling around in my head in regard to the work.
Things to do for tomorrow:
- sew curtain tonight if there's time (dimensions: 2600mm high x 1200mm wide, need to extend width for drape)
- bring fabric and pegs if no time/
- tidy studio space + sweep (in case people want to sit on the floor; remember chair)
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