1 Kilometer Project
For the one kilometer project, I chose to record the audio of running for 1 kilometer on the treadmill at my local gym. I decided to name this project ‘EXP. 1K Interlude’ as it is the first work of many in This Experimental I class I will create. It represents the beginning of an album of works that will be recorded, filmed, built and completed in this class.
Gestures Discussion
- In the attempt to recreate the movements and in inputs gestures of another person it is almost impossible because of our physiology, so even if it looks almost identical there are slight differences in one’s body that is required to replicate the movement. I think it is a unique gift as this replication is from one’s personal perception of a human being to another, there are also intimate replications like hugging or snuggling which symbolize the human connection, by replicating this, it’s possible that the dancers could feel the same.
- Some of the movements in the article like the woman pulling her hair behind her ear and the man rubbing his eyes, I feel that there is a sense of awareness of perception by the camera. I perceive them differently than the one where there are two separate videos one of the dancer and one of the other person where she is imitating him, it seems a bit more natural in the relationship between the person and the camera
- When I speak to my mom, she is very communicative with her hands, little movements she does to emphasize the words that she’s saying or sometimes in a way to illustrate characteristics in a story. If the story is more intense or there is frustration behind her words the hand movements become quick and short, in a more calm, or dramatic story her hand movements become elongated and slow. When I have a conversation with my father, he is more expressive with his facial expressions, brows raised or furrowed, slight squint or pout are typically indicators of emphasis in a story or conversation with him. My best friend when she talks emphasizes her voice more than anything but, she still shows micro expressions with her face most typically with her eyebrows, such as a slightly furrowed brow or a single raised brow – expressing interest, frustration, joy or whatever she may be feeling in the moment.
Field Trip Blog
My favourite art piece in the hip-hop exhibit was ‘ Z E L L A’ by Murjoni Merriweather – I have been following her artwork on social media since 2017 so seeing a work of hers for the first time in person was very special for me. She creates portrait like sculptures of people of colour, specifically Black people, normalizing and highlighting the beauty of Afrocentric features in art using mixed media such as hair weave, jewelry and clay. She also highlights aspects of black culture such as hair, grill and nail culture.
In Dionne Alexander’s work at the exhibit – Lil’ Kim’s Magazines and remakes of her Wigs, showcases the creativity and versatility of hair as a form of expression and its impact on popular culture, particularly hip hop.
Throughout the last five years, I have been creating videos, prints, zines, photos and sculptures that have similar aspects of highlighting aspects of black culture, particularly hair. This has been a topic that has informed my practice for a long time and by seeing the work artists (one I have been following for such a long time) in the AGO, it is encouraging to me to continue to explore this kind of artistic expression in a multitude of mediums.
Audio Art – Shedding
For this project I chose to emulate the experience of overstimulation in the process of grooming ones hair. Through layering audio of brushing, cutting, plucking and shaving this work intends to evoke hyperawareness, exhaustion and self awareness of daily, weekly and/or monthly grooming activities. Having an emotional resolution to the audio intends to evoke liberation of sensory overload.
Self Portrait