During this workshop, we were given the introduction to projection, being shown artists who have used projection within their work. There is a big difference between showing something and experiencing something, whether the artist would like to create an experience or is a representation, something changes the dynamic of the film. We were given the opportunity to work with 16mm film, learning how to splice film and add in found footage to create new pieces. Stan Brakhage uses a mixture of medias in his projection which is evident in his piece Mothlight, using the wings of moths and foliage to create the experience of a moth drawn to the light. I found myself being completely drawn to this film, finding it quite exciting when I can see something that I recognize for the split second it appears. With the fast-paced imagery, it is a lot of information to take in, which drew me in more.
When experimenting with the film, I found it difficult to wrap my head around how long a second was in term of film and how if not given a long enough reel, that image could disappear without ever being seen. I also found it difficult to know whether or not the image was upside down or right side up. Using a projector with film creates more depth to the piece instead of using digital projection, and the sound created a whole new experience. With a black reel, you could scratch into it to let light through or even punch a hole (could it be used as an accent point in the film or a breathing point?).
I found some footage of a metronome and wanted to create almost a suspenseful and uncomfortable feeling by only using the footage where the pendulum is swung to one side (Figure 2). By projecting another layer on top, it created a different effect. Having the image of the metronome appear now and again by using your hand to block out the light was really interesting and is something I would like to explore more (Figure 3). This workshop was a great introduction to what I could explore in projection and projecting multiple films, either overlapped or side by side (Figure 4 and 5).
Figure 2 : Projection Experimentation Trial, 2020
Figure 3 : Projection Experimentation Trial Layered, 2020
Figure 4 : Two Projection Layered, 2020
Figure 5 : Two Projection side by side, 2020
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