4 August 2009

Deprivation





the image of turning away, shadowing, blocking or in this last case the disappearance of the face all create a hole- it's not I think we should discuss void here but perhaps it is about the turning, shadowing and over exposure of the moment of FACING that could be something, this could be a deprivation that incites a willful instigation of a subjective protocol ie. this could be an appointment?

31 July 2009

face time

Although I like the simple idea of a face-to-face situation in front of an audience, I'm still a bit confused about my passive-aggressive role in the performance. It would help if we could discuss the conditions and situation more thoroughly, without getting too philosophical about it. I mean, such encounter implies some sort of primacy of relation; a condition for the beginning of language as dialogue. Our performance is properly speaking not a dialogue (perhaps the text that is read aloud could be written in the form of a dialogue).

The awkward experience me and other participants had during the tour was in my opinion caused by the (unintentional) demand that you make when you speak and look at one person particularly. For example I sometimes had to choose between reciprocating this address and forget about what you had to say or focus on the content of your talk. So even though a face-to-face encounter constitutes the beginning of dialogue, it is necessary to detach oneself from the face's expression; disconnect the voice from the face.

Interesting here is that this non-reciprocal relation of responsibility ('many ways to the notion': 'nodding/clapping/winking/turning one's back to responsibility' (Thesaurus under Special Social Volition)) was an important motive for my gestures in Video Class.

So what happens when we stage this situation? The setup with the table and lamp emphasizes the physical symmetry of the face-to-face opposition. Our presence is completely asymmetrical, it always is, but you speech/talk, have a microphone and I sit and don't speak. What distinguishes me from a bunny or a wall is that I intentionally (volitionally) focus on you. The decision whether you face or back (or leave it open) the audience, will have an effect to the extent in which your amplified voice will be experienced as disconnected from you.

It could be an appointment, but it might be experienced as a game, and is that a good thing? Am I a kind of continuous interruption by not responding verbally? Face time implies some kind of honesty or a confession, do you think we can keep a tension between this implication and alienation? Or do you think that my interruption ridicules me and/or you?

Of course there's the flickering light, but for now I let it stew a bit and see what you think.

9 July 2009

30 June 2009

I love the addition of the hole in the corner (blue panel), it very precisely indicates the nature of these boards as samples. I did the set ups with silver paper very quickly. Perhaps a silver band can run through the width of the space or a triangle in a corner.

congealed metaphor



Lets get physical! Making Appointments!


I think this is something to remember- the physicalness of all our discussion.
Simplicity
I think now that I look again the slide projector is way too much- we can ask if there is a possibility to get one incase. But I would rather say no to my to much suggestion. The lighting situation we can play with- but I would start with basic cold light (could also use timer on this- on a mirrored surface it has a good effect)

Elements of a scenario

1. Office table (black) with adapted top 
Biege/dark cream opaque perspex (at the RCA thing we used opaque cream it was very good- I think an opaque would be best anyway)

2. Box monitor under table with speakers playing VIDEO CLASS

3. Slide stand (black) with adapted shelf surface (mirror) OR shelf mounted on wall made with mirror, sitting on the mirror is a paper mache brocoli (muted bean green) out of which comes headphones playing BUILD A WALL OR BE A ROOM

4. thin board (2mm MDF?) approx 177cm x 80cm, painted hi-gloss mint green leaning against the wall created a slightly limp or curving surface. At the bottom of the slightly limp wood is a collage (yet to be defined) A4 size

5. Optional. Next to hi-gloss mint green a piece of 3mm aluminium 60cm x 150cm coated in hi-gloss paint (needs to be done professionally) in midnight blue. Top right hand side a hole is drilled through the plate, which depending on lighting conditions and how close it's placed to the wall casts a shadow on the wall behind. 

6. Performance- Ruth and Rachel sit opposite each other at the table and adjust the tube light to flicker at a slower speed, the use a microphone and speakers and Ruth speaks (text not defined yet- but mostly about disappearance?) looking in Rachels eyse. This could be called Appointment