States of Being is a series of five layered, translucent video panels that present short visual poems. Each piece addresses aspects of human experience through metaphors offered by natural images. They reference the human condition using the titles: Reflect, Fall, Search, Surround, Float.
These fragmented images appear almost “holographic” and three-dimensional as they engage the conflict between vision and insight. Degrees of focus, contrast and movement change with the viewer’s position.This experiment in depth perception is yet another in a long history of filmmakers seeking a three-dimensional experience. From early stereography to laser holography, representing physical space has been elusive. States of Being is constructed with disembodied LCD screens typically used for computer monitors and televisions. They have been taken apart to reveal their transparency, layered, and filtered. These hacked sources are thus “mediated” a step away from their traditional purpose. The unpredictability of the looping video interactions adds a layer of collaboration between maker and material, ceding control to chance occurance.
The imperfections of these experiments offer a charming visual vocabulary of their own. Rather than fully expecting realism, it is far more interesting to embrace the visual oddities of these translucent images rubbing against each other and to celebrate the resultant imagery as a bit of “magic realism.”
Imagery and construction Claudia Esslinger, Tom Giblin programed the Raspberry Pi micro computers that power this piece. He is the Harvey F. Lodish Development Professor of Natural Science and Assistant Professor of Physics at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. His research in theoretical and computational particle physics and cosmology is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Reflect
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Fall
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Search
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Surround
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Float
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
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These fragmented images appear almost “holographic” and three-dimensional as they engage the conflict between vision and insight. Degrees of focus, contrast and movement change with the viewer’s position.This experiment in depth perception is yet another in a long history of filmmakers seeking a three-dimensional experience. From early stereography to laser holography, representing physical space has been elusive. States of Being is constructed with disembodied LCD screens typically used for computer monitors and televisions. They have been taken apart to reveal their transparency, layered, and filtered. These hacked sources are thus “mediated” a step away from their traditional purpose. The unpredictability of the looping video interactions adds a layer of collaboration between maker and material, ceding control to chance occurance.
The imperfections of these experiments offer a charming visual vocabulary of their own. Rather than fully expecting realism, it is far more interesting to embrace the visual oddities of these translucent images rubbing against each other and to celebrate the resultant imagery as a bit of “magic realism.”
Imagery and construction Claudia Esslinger, Tom Giblin programed the Raspberry Pi micro computers that power this piece. He is the Harvey F. Lodish Development Professor of Natural Science and Assistant Professor of Physics at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. His research in theoretical and computational particle physics and cosmology is funded by the National Science Foundation.
Reflect
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Fall
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Search
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Surround
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Float
20”x24” 2013
Dual channel layered video monitors, custom electronics
Return to Home Page