Video Art - Three Dimensions

"Three Dimensions"   

   For our final project for Art and Technology class (*sob*) we had to create our own video art that would be at least one minute long (excluding credits) and less that three minutes long (including credits). It had to be somehow related to "Video Deconstruction."

   I must admit that I first I had no idea what to do for my video art project. I had never edited nor even handled with video before (except the for the Performance Art piece), so I was not sure what to do. One night I decided to experiment with my Mac's video camera and the effects that were available in Photo Booth, recording myself with the different special effect. Suddenly I remembered professor Echeverry's example in class, and, inspired by it, I did this: I recorded myself, using my Mac video camera, with my iPad also in video recording mode. This created the same effect that happens when two mirrors are placed facing each other! Then integrated the special effects in Photo Booth and amazing visuals were created. I then knew what I was going to do for my project. I recorded myself every night, doing different things until I decided that it was time to create the video art piece. I used the best recordings of myself and rearranged them in a sort of sequence, using iMovie. I also made the audio using Garage Band, synchronizing it with the video. I must admit that it was rather fun doing it; it really kept my creative juices flowing.

   Anyways, I want to talk more about the video art piece itself. I titled it "Three Dimensions" because it focuses on three effects from Photo Booth that I used, each seeming as I was in a different realm (with the projection effect). Actually, I came up with the name inspired by Marco Brambilla's "Civilization", in which heaven and hell are demonstrated in an eternal loop. The different "dimensions" and "realms" that Brambilla presents led me to title my piece "Three Dimensions." It really came out of nowhere but I believe it suits it. So, in terms of the "video deconstruction" aspect, there are many things to consider. First of all, for me "deconstruction" means the separation, division or the taking of a part of a whole and rearranging them in some other way (with the possibility of adding something as well). The first thing of technical deconstruction in the video is the quick cutting, since I took and "separated" small parts of the original recording and placed them in different order and speed. In other words, only small fragments of the part are seen and changed quickly (fragmentation). Going deeper and more abstract, I believe that each part or "dimension" includes some kind of deconstruction, even if it is just a moment. The first one, the one with the negative effect, I see the fact that the original person is negative while the negative of that one is displayed on the smaller person and so forth as an abstract deconstruction. The "negative" is actually separated from the "positive." It may not make much sense, but I admit that I see it that way. On the second one, I believe that there is deconstruction, since each projection of myself, as it gets smaller, is even more altered and deconstructed. It slowly becomes less distinguishable and fragmented. I must admit that I really cannot find some sort of deconstruction on the third one, yet I believe that it is one of the most powerful ones.

   So, it may seem rather simple but believe me: it was way harder than it looks!

  I really hope you like it!

  Good night and good luck with your final exams/projects! (If you have any that is.)

   Sincerely,

   Michelle

  

About Miku Hatsune

   After reading James Verini's "How Virtual Pop Star Hatsune Miku Blew Up in Japan", I definitely know and understand more about the famous Japanese star Miku Hatsune. What is the most surprising thing about this subject is that Miku is not human; she is a singing synthesizer software or application that is portrayed as a 5'2", 16 year-old girl, who weights 92 pounds, is skinny, has blue eyes and hair that is tied to two long ponytails that almost touch the ground. Her voice is created by Yahama's Vocaloid, a software technology that allows singing melodies and voices to be created by using small fragments of voices from true singers. Then the voice can be altered, changed and modified to create singing voices like that of Miku's. She is a singing sensation in many regions of Asia, even though she is inhuman.

   The interesting thing about Miku's story is that she started as a promotional and advertising strategy. At the time (and still today), almost any company and organization created in Japan contains an animated mascot or symbol and Miku Hatsune was initially formed to be Crypton Future Media's representative. This organization constructs virtual instrument applications, like the ones used to make the sound heard in video games and commercials. In 2007, Hiroyuki Itoh, Crypton Future Media's CEO, was searching for an effective way to promote his new virtual vocal software, one he had enhanced and constructed with the help of the Vocaloid 2. He believed that, in order for his program to be successful, he had to create a persona or symbol and he recruited a professional illustrator named Kei to create one that would attract young people's attention and make them interested in buying the Vocaloid 2. That is when Miku Hatsune was born: "Miku" meant "future", while "Hatsune"meant "first sound". He was officially "born" in August 31st in 2007, when her programing was finally distributed.

   Miku became a sensation, and the fact that she is not human or real contributed in that. Since she had no past, the fans could create it on their own. In addition, she could last for many years, while human singers could not last as long as a virtual singer. There is also an immense interaction by the followers, since they create art, manga, videos, among many more, their own version of Miku. This is actually referred as "secondary creativity". It is this interaction that truly makes Miku come alive and become more human. Miku's popularity grew so fast that, when Otaku created a site that allowed the fans to upload their videos and art, fans' creations were already posted that same day. In addition to more posts being uploaded to Otaku's site, many fan pages were also created, where they wrote songs for her to sing, and dance programs, like MikuMikuDance. It is estimated that 3,000 songs made from followers can be found on Japanese iTunes and Amazon and numerous homemade videos have been uploaded to Youtube. Also, many Miku merchandise is being sold in all parts of Japan, from T-shirts, toys, outfits and more. It is surprising that there is even Miku porn, which is disturbing. What is shocking is that people actually pay to go to a Miku concert, in which the virtual image of Miku is projected on a flat screen, while real musicians play their instruments. Her first one, in Tokyo in 2010, had everything sold  out. She has hosted six more concerts, in which about 3,000 fans attended.

   Many share the same opinion about the magic people find in Miku Hatsune: "She's rather more like a goddess: she has human parts, but she transcends human limitations. She is the great post-human popstar." Like in almost everything, many others completely disagree with the previous statement. However, Miku continues to be an overwhelming singing sensation in Japan.

A Miku Hatsune concert

A Miku Hatsune music video

Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

My Performance Art Piece

  For my next Art and Technology project, I had do a performance art piece, with the Role of Technology as main topic and with at least ten people present. It also had to be three minutes long.

   Inspired by two performance art videos shown in class, I decided to make my performance art about a fact that is taking over today: Technology is becoming part of us, to an extent that we cannot live effectively without it, becoming slaves of what was created to facilitate our daily lives. Today we use technology in almost anything and would not survive if we have to live without it. From simple applications to computers, we are rapidly becoming more and more dependent on technology. I mean, almost everybody, including me, would fall in panic if our cellphones did not work. Others must have the newest and most innovative technologies, no matter how much it takes. Even though many, also including me, try to not become so dependent and attached to technologies (like the computer), most just come back, not able to continue without it. As more technologies arise, the more humans become slaves of it. This is the message intended to be transmitted by my performance art piece.

   My performance art piece is composed of two factors: my appearance before, during and after the scene and the scene itself. For the first, I put on short pajamas and left my hair tangled and messy, which symbolize the fact that many barely leave their homes and stay in that condition while stuck using the computer. For the technology part, I used charcoal from my Figure Drawing class and drew on my body. On my face, I used the charcoal to draw really deep and dark shadow below my eyes. For some other parts of my face, neck, wrists, arms and legs, I drew a representation of those lines that end in a circle that are usually found on computer chips. Here is an image of what I mean:

   The appearance part of the performance art piece mainly presents the fact that technology is becoming part of us, in this case being literally. To further explain the choice of clothes, it basically points out that the person stays in his/her house most of the time, using the computer or watching TV. This also begins to enter the topic of us becoming slaves of technology, not able or wanting to go out and do other things. We are completely attached to technology. Event though the appearance scratches the surface of that topic, the scene/performance is the one that mainly focuses on it.

   For the second part of my performance art piece, I used my Mac and gathered many kinds of cables (chargers, headphones, etc). Settling in the Vaughn Courtyard, I would attach the smooth Mac cover under the computer (so it would not get scratched) and the cables in different parts of the computer. After I doing this, I would tie the cables to the areas where I drew the computer lines, which were in the neck, wrists, and the bottom part of my legs. After I did  this, the scene began: I would struggle to break free of the cables, pulling and tugging but not able to get free. I dragged myself, and the computer with me, for a couple of minutes. At some times I screamed for help in Spanish (¡Auxilio!, ¡Ayuda!), to give it a more dramatic sense (unfortunately, due to some difficulties, I did not include audio in the video). This represents the fact that we are becoming slaves of technology. In this case, I am a slave of my computer; I try to do something else, but I cannot stop using my computer. I am literally bound, connected and trapped to the computer. Even though many try to not become so attached to technology, we already cannot live without it and remain as its slave. The topic of technology becoming part of us can be seen in my performance art in the concept on the fact that where the cables were tied to me, the chip lines began to appear. This actually meant to be seen as if the cables were actually becoming part of me and entering my skin. It is a bit complicated, but I hope the pictures will help.

   

   First of all, I am a kinda shy and conservative person, who avoids attracting too much attention. So, for me this was a really tough and challenging project, making me get out of my comfort zone. I must say that I will never do anything like it again (only if it is required for a class). When I walked down the stairs in Vaughn, it took me five minutes for me to get out there and walk to the courtyard. As soon as I did, I felt everyone's gaze on me, as I heard some whispering and others laughing. I felt so vulnerable and embarrassed! Yet, I held my look firm and blocked them out. I felt that way throughout the entire performance, but my cameraman kept cracking jokes and comments and really helped me loosen up and enjoy it. I felt extremely awkward, but after the first seconds, I gained confidence and performed  with less tension and worry. For a moment I felt free of my insecurity (even though I could not get free from the computer). I saw how some kept looking at me, while others just took a glance and continued their way. I felt good because I was actually transmitting them a message, a reality that is taking place today. After I finished my act, I admit that I felt vulnerable, but very proud of myself. I had pushed myself and stepped out of my comfort zone. I usually avoid that, so I really did something that will definitely make me more confident of myself and less conscious about what others think of me. In other words, even though I felt uncomfortable, this performance art piece helped me grow.

   BLOOPER: I was supposed to take off my tennis shoes... but I was so nervous and anxious to get it over with that I forgot. I was supposed to do the scene with socks on, contributing to the whole pajamas concept. Oops!

So, before watching the video, here are some pictures of how I looked like just before heading to the Vaughn Courtyard:

My face (I look so creepy!)

Creepy..

A better view of my neck (crappier because for some reason it became harder to draw there...)

My wrist

Other side

Another one

My drawn leg

Another view

Other leg

My computer with the attached cables

Here is the Performance Art Video! 

Enjoy!

Take care!

Sincerely, 

Michelle

About Scopitones.com

   If anyone is interested in learning more about the scopitones, watch earlier music videos (films) and many more, he or she should check out scopitones.com. This internet site shows many early music videos (from many places around the world), books and news about them, information about the cinebox, scopitones, film and television and many more.  Many other categories, especially related to the scopitones, can be found and are very useful. For example, a definition for the scopitone is given, which is a French machine, constructed in 1916, that holds 35 reels of 60-minute films and allows any of these films to be projected unto a screen. News related to scopitones are also available through this site, as well as opportunities for actually buying one. The best feature about this site is that it contains many early music videos, when special effects were barely used and only one camera as used to record. In many aspects related to this amazing machine, scopitones.com contains useful information and applications about these topics. 

   Here are some photos of scopitones:

  

   Here are some of the videos that can be found on the site:

Here is the link to scopitones.com:

http://scopitones.com/

Have a good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

    

Difference Between Advertisement and Propaganda

                                          

   Although both may have similar ways of being implanted and used, advertisement and propaganda are different, especially on what they intend to persuade or convince. First of all, propaganda is the use of messages, which are usually false, twisted, exaggerated or modified, in order to receive support and persuade people to believe in a specific ideal or purpose (which are usually political or religious-based). On the other hand, advertisement focuses more on business, trying to make people buy and/or consume a specific product by using true (well, mostly) statements and facts. Propaganda is more of  persuasive technique in communication, whereas advertisement is more used for commercial and sell-product reasons. The transmitting of a persuasive message in order to make someone interested in a specific product or brand and gradually buying it is found in advertising. Their base purpose in not entirely related to political or cultural points of view. They might use those ideals to make people purchase their merchandise, yet the true reason for it is to sell the most they can only. In contrast, propaganda is a type of communication that uses misleading statements and messages to make people believe and support a specific point of view, idea, culture or belief. It basically promotes the civilians to "buy" and "consume" the messenger's  philosophy and way of thinking and seeing things. Advertisement makes the consumer believe that the buying of the company's product will make his/her life better and easier, even if it means exaggerating sometimes. Propaganda may use the same mass media techniques and ways of promoting but is is used to create or change society's opinion and attitude towards a specific topic, person, place, etc. Also, while advertising is used by companies and businesses, propaganda is implanted by political, cultural and ethnic groups and organizations. 

   They might differ in their kinds of purposes, but there is a delicate and thin division between them. Even though most businesses use advertising by utilizing certain images, some also use beliefs and public opinion to promote the purchasing of their product and vice versa (with propaganda). This is were the line between propaganda and advertising starts to become thinner. Companies use a specific ideology and point of view to create a reason, motivation or need in the consumers to buy their merchandise, while propaganda promotes people to implant and and apply an idea or philosophy through ways completely connected to advertising. In other words, businesses use the fact that people want to better their lives, become successful or just follow a specific social culture to make people continue to purchase their brands. Likewise, propaganda is combined with advertisement-based messages and techniques in order to be more successful of implanting their specific purpose. Both are different, yet they intertwine and join together on occasions, breaking the barrier between them. Both also reach out to the audience's emotions, beliefs, desires and needs in order to achieve their intention and purpose.

Good night and have a great Thanksgiving!

Have fun! 

Sincerely,

Michelle

My Favorite Flash Mob

Grand Station Flash Mob

   To be honest, I have not seen many flash mobs in my life (at least I think so...). I must admit that my favorite is the one that occurred in Grand Central in New York, where 207 people froze at the same time and for 5 minutes. I know that the professor showed it to us on class, but, after watching many, I have concluded that this is my top favorite flash mob, followed by the one below. On the second one, a group of people perform in front of the Sydney Opera House, with famous and amazing Joyce Maynge. I find the synchronization really effective and the many yet simple movements to emphasize that unity. I really liked it and hope that some day I can participate in such an incredible flash mob!

Sydney Opera House Flash Mob

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle

About Eva and Adele

   Claiming to have come from the future in Berlin (after the fall of the great wall) thanks to a time machine, Eva and Adele are an art couple that claim to be themselves a work of art. Both being completely bald, wearing bright-colored and surreal dresses and outfits and having the same type of makeup, they say that "Wherever we are is museum" and "We are an artwork". However, that have always made sure to look exactly the same as each other as well as eating the same food. Neither of them tell anyone their real names and ages, yet many claim that they are in their 50's. They have been married 22 years, and, even though Eva is a man, they express their marriage as two women. Eva managed to have her sex legally changed without having to actually change her body. They are always together and must always be prepared and with all the necessary makeup in order to receive any kind of guest or visit. 

   Besides being art themselves, they are known for their performance shows, self-portraits and more. One of their works is the  MEDIAPLASTIC series, in which they integrate pictures of themselves obtained from newspapers and other forms of media to make drawings and paintings.

They also utilize video clips of themselves in their work. In addition, they work on a project called CUM, in which they use pictures taken from other people to show how others see the couple. Since they love to be taken pictures of, they give the photographers postcards with their address so that they can send them a copy of the picture in return of the permission. They receive numerous photos from many countries and apply them to their art projects and works. Eva and Adele also work extensively with self-portraits. On these drawings, they focus on self-awareness, taking photos and videos of themselves. They take pictures every day, changing positions and gestures to use them in their self-portraits, creating a "diary" called Closed Up (Integrating another called Self- Timer Photography. In addition to the types of works previously mentioned, the couple also create biographic sculptures.

   Although expensive, their works of art are amazing to witness as well as the creators themselves, who are truly themselves a living work of art.

Some of their works:

^ We can see how Adele and Eva express that they come from the future. ^

^ We can see more of Adele and Eva's artwork. ^

Good night!

Sincerely,

Michelle