Kyle's ADAD1001 Blog

Semester 1 2018

[emilyadad1002-blog]

Planning and Progress

Most of our planning and progress was done in the following google doc. There is a lot to transfer to tumblr so it is simpler to just leave the document link here.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EWk-z1IIea69i69Wo4eFbzx5rG5TDLj_EWqC6sBNHYk/edit

[kyl-zhg]

Final Artwork (Perception)

My artwork depicts an exploration into the psychedelic and surreal nature of human consciousness. More specifically, I was fascinated by dreams. I wanted to convey how the human mind can seemlessly manifest incredibly detailed and chaotic perceptions of reality. These experiences can have the potential to influence our own reality by showing our deepest fears and desires.

Using black ballpoint pens, I drew this work based on some of my own dreams. Through detailed symbols and an erratic composition, I wanted to replicate the endless streams of imagery within these experiences. It is interesting that depending on the type of dream, they can be vague or highly detailed in memory.

Aesthetically, I drew inspiration from artists such as James Jean and Miles Johnston for their highly detailed and bizarre illistrations. Both of these artists often explore similar themes relating to dreams and the human perception of reality. Initially, I tried exploring different compositional and conceptual ideas surrounding dreams. Through my experiments, I decided to combine selected visual elements from all of them. I explored the use of bright colours from pens and pencils in one experiment to reveal the psychedelic aspect of dreams but I found that black ink produced a much more awe inspiring effect. I wanted my final work to appear chaotic but also sublime in detail and the use of a ballpoint pen was perfect to achieve this because of its fine line.

[kyl-zhg]

Experiment 3

I used pens of various colours for my third experiment. I tried to emphasise the psychedelic aspect of dreaming by exploring colour. I used the same visual element of the multifaceted figure from my previous experiment.

[kyl-zhg]

Experiment 2

My second experiment was made using a drawing tablet. I explored the idea of multifaceted perceptions within dreams. I liked the idea of drawing a figure with multiple faces to represent the idea of the infinite sense of consciousness in dreams but compositionally, it did not work as I expected.

[kyl-zhg]

Artist Research: James Jean

James Jean draws with highly refined accuracy and detail with many of his artworks being surreal in nature. Visually, his drawings are often chaotic but beautiful and immersive. They have inspired me to create my final work.

[kyl-zhg]

Experiment 1

I used a black felt tip pen and marker for my first experiment. I wanted to explore the morbid aspect of nightmares. They can often be confusing with many aspects of these dreams being out of place. I emphasised the macabre atmosphere using refined details and stark contrast. I am still playing around with the composition and visual elements.

This is another drawing I made before. Although not part of an experiment for this assessment, it has still informed my art making practice. I am interested in detailed linework.

[sethmcmurray]

Comic Book Redaction [Documentation and Editing Concept]

Our original work that we responded to was “Lose/Lose” by Zach Gage (2009), a video game with real life consequences.

As you play the game and destroy aliens, the program deletes random files from your hard drive. This engages with the concept of documentation and editing by literally weeding out random files from your computer

You feel like you’re in control as you play the game, but at the same time the game is ‘playing you’, and you don’t know what it’s editing out of the files you have stored on your computer.

The artist has used a classic game style but with real world consequences for the player.

It forms a new type of relationship with the player and the game (real risk involved)

Questions the moral integrity of the mission; the player immediately assumes the object of the game (looks and feels like Space Invaders)

You shoot something and you get points, but in this case instead of winning, it actually destroys your files.

Forces the audience to rethink the classic style of games they’re used to and their consequences

Comic books are a classic form of storytelling; they usually follow a set structure (good vs. evil, good wins, peace is restored)

But if we remix this idea by taking out the all the text and dialogue, we force the reader to think and interpret for themselves what the story could actually be, based only on what they can observe the characters doing.

Who is the hero/villain?

Who should win?

What’s going on?

In contrast with the original work, by editing out the text from comic books, the book then forces you to interpret it and respond in your own way rather than it telling you what to think about the story.

Our final work also draws inspiration from the Erasure-themed work of Simryn Gill, cited below:

Gill, Simryn & Palmer, Daniel & Carter, Jenni & Centre for Contemporary Photography (Fitzroy, Vic.) 2006, Simryn Gill : 32 volumes, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Fitzroy, Vic

Group Members: Shiyao (@shiyaoc), Kyle (@kyl-zhg), Remy (@remyd27) and Seth (@sethmcmurray)

[sethmcmurray]

Responding to Marjolijn Dijckman’s work at the MCA with @shiyaoc, @kyl-zhg and @remyd27.

https://youtu.be/gawI0rth26w

We were intrigued by the study of magnetism and polarity shown in the hemispherical projection of the work, and decided to reenact the actions of magnets (attracting/repelling). 

Also there’s Remy responding in his own special way at the end there…

[remyd27-blog]

[kyl-zhg]

Assessment 1: Final Box Transformation

Concept Statement

I decided to create a sculpture of an insect, the Hercules Beetle, as it reflected detail through its complex shapes and forms. Noting from experimentation, I was able to use the different properties of cardboard from various boxes to suit these desired forms such as using thin cardboard for details and regular cardboard for structural foundation. I used a glue gun and both scissors and razors to construct the sculpture and added colour with Gouache. My intention was to replicate the insect as realistically as possible. However, I found it was difficult to consistently make precise cuts and folds as the cardboard would often tear unexpectedly, resulting in a jagged edge.

In conclusion, I expected the transformation process to be relatively easy with some of my sculpting experience. This was not the case as it was difficult to work with the cardboard’s inconsistent properties as it would not produce forms that I expect. I learned that design is highly iterative, developed by experimentation and in depth research. If I had more time, I would be able to place more consideration on detail while further exploring the properties of cardboard through experimentation to improve my practice.

[kyl-zhg]

Documentation of Process

I created a template as a base for my sculpture. I traced over the image with a razor over a cardboard sheet to create indentations. The indentations allowed me to cut the shape out. The base was used as a rough guideline for size and proportions. 

The body was comprised of cereal box cardboard, cut and glued together in layers.

I created a frame that was put in the middle of the sculpture using regular cardboard. This frame acted as a guide for curves while also allowing the exterior cardboard to maintain its shape.

Careful cutting and gluing allowed me to create various curves and forms. At this point, I had removed the base as it was no longer needed. 

Using gouache and black markers, I painted the sculpture. 

I splattered black gouache onto the body by flicking the paint brush. Details such as its spikes were added with thin cardboard. 

Secondary Resources

References

- Entnemdept.ufl.edu. (2018). Hercules beetle - Dynastes hercules. [online] Available at: http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/BEETLES/Dynastes_hercules.htm [Accessed 15 Mar. 2018].

- Anon, (2018). [image] Available at: https://global.rakuten.com/en/store/hinomotojapan/item/urano00019-b/ [Accessed 16 Mar. 2018].

- The Escapist. (2018). Kai-Xiang Xhong: Cardboard Creations. [online] Available at: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/gallery/view/26/133712/2337.3#&gid=gallery_2337&pid=4 [Accessed 18 Mar. 2018].

[kyl-zhg]

Experiment 3

I made a pair of glasses using various cardboard types from different boxes. The frames were made with regular cardboard using a razor and glue. The attached decorations were made using cereal box cardboard pieces. I created cuts of varying lengths onto the pieces and rolled them tightly.

I discovered the various cardboard types can have different properties better suited for specific shapes and forms. Thin cardboard is easier to roll and fold (better for decorations or for small pieces) while regular cardboard is sturdier (can be used as a frame for a sculpture)

[kyl-zhg]

Experiment 2

Using a razor and glue, I tried to create a wall mounted artwork. The layering of cardboard created a visually appealing work. I also used a black marker around some of the edges to accentuate the edges and add to the illusion of the pieces “popping out” from the background.  

I discovered that a razor provided a much cleaner cut compared to scissors. However it is still not perfectly precise. I still need practice by cutting with more time and care.

[kyl-zhg]

Experiment 1

I attempted to create a silhouetted portrait from a box. I drew a portrait sketch onto a rectangular cardboard piece before I cut and glued it onto another piece. I made the base by peeling off the first layer of cardboard which revealed an interesting pattern consisting of horizontal lines. I drew between the indentations with a black marker to emphasize both the pattern and contrast.

I found that cardboard is extremely difficult to precisely cut and peel. I will have to experiment with different blades and cutting surfaces.

[adaxucofa]

Studio Exercise

TASK in pairs or groups of three: Discuss processes or ‘modes’ of interaction in your everyday life that you don’t normally pay attention to. Obvious ones include ‘sending a text message’, ‘scrolling social media’ - try to discuss processes that move beyond these obvious ones. Choose one to re-explore through vagueness. Vagueness as a methodology or a process. Discuss 4 things that comprise this method or process, what defines it normally and how can you subvert or change these.

Using the materials we brought to class for box transformation experiments, we explored the idea of a ‘forced interaction’, where our materials were placed in a commonly frequented area so that those passing by are forced to interact with the set in some form or another.

[sethmcmurray]

Our bodies were able to mimic some of the curves found in the art due to the falling and hanging of the canvas. At one point we could match the exact curve of the cloth, linking us further in with the work. We were able to experiment with different camera angles because there was a lot of room to move around the space, which let us explore using closeup and further away shots. We noticed that our white shirts and colour of our skin could mix in with the white & colour of the art, and tried this out in our series.