Abstraction
Abstraction consisted of creating an AV installation using only abstract imagery and using a physical object along with having a relatively clear narrative or meaning. This was to be done individually.
I created an installation with the theme of growing up. I thought that a mixture of audio and colour was an interesting way to tell this narrative. I used these aspects to show how we as people feel during these periods of life while still leaving it slightly open ended due to the uncertainty that is life.
Process
Creative Research
I found this image on the right while researching abstract images and I thought to draw a random variation of lines with their own colours. For each stage of life I wanted to use different types of colour. Some that look full of life and others that look faded or "old".
This was to symbolise the younger years of life, being full of life, imagination and wonder. The colours I chose were bright and what I considered the most colourful.
This stage was to show adulthood. I reused the same colours as previous but with a less colourful look. It looks far more formal in appearance and not so full.
I originally chose to go completely bleak with black white and grey being the only present colours. But I was told that a lot of older people live very fulfilling lives and not bleak ones. I decided to add some colours to show not have such a linear perspective on this area of life.
This was the first draft of the visuals I created using those three drawings. I used effects inside after effects to create the abstract visuals which I felt best suited each individual stage. I made the music inside GarageBand and created a different feeling for each part respectively.
The next step I had was to include an object that made sense in terms of my installation. I thought that a flower would be a perfect object for my installation as its used metaphorically to represent life itself. Nils gave me some advice that I should attempt to mask the flower inside MadMapper and project onto the flower only. A difficult task yes due to its abstract shape but I wanted to challenge myself.
Before Masking
I received very positive feedback during my first showcase of my abstraction installation. People understood the concept very clearly which was great to hear. The feedback I received was ways in which I could improve the project and scale it up in some form. So this was my next goal in the project.
After Masking
My final version of the animation included the new drawing for the 'old' stage of life but I decided to include sounds at each specific part that suited that stage such as children playing during the first part. This aided me in getting my idea across to people.
I wanted to add a second projector that would be behind the flower itself and include an actual vase instead of a pint glass :). I once again had to mask the flower from a brand new angle which was much easier having the experience of doing it the first time. Below you will find a photo of the final version of my Abstraction Installation.
Final version
Synopsis
The story behind my project was to showcase an open ended view of life and growing up. It's something we don't often think long about and I believe there's a unique appreciation to have on each stage. They all have such different qualities and vary drastically from one another but as you grow it almost feels seamless in a way. Each stage flows to the next even with them being extremely different from one another. When you're young one thing you always so is "I cant wait to grow up to do grown up things" but you never even realise that you have reached that stage already. Once you do finally reach it you reminisce on your childhood and it gives you a large feeling of nostalgia and if you're like me to would love to go back to that time and having that freedom.
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What I wanted viewers to take home from this installation was an appreciation for their lives and to learn the ability to reflect on their journey throughout life to date no matter what stage you may currently be in. Growing up is a beautiful thing. Appreciate it.
What I Learned
I learned so much during this project. I was very proud of this installation as I worked very hard to showcase the idea of growing up and life itself as both are broad concepts. My Visual skills improved very well and I learned even more about both After Effects and MadMapper.
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In After Effects I learned quite a lot about effects and how they can be used effectively. It's quite a powerful tool. I learned to manipulate a still image like the ones above to create this encapsulating visual that becomes almost hypnotic while then blending it to merge with the other visuals which consisted of very different colours.
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In MadMapper I really got a good grasp on masking and how it has such a strong ability to create beautiful projections. I believe I used the feature very well. Although it's a tedious task the final product makes it worth it.
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