Exhibition Research
Turbine Hall - Tate Modern
Here are 3 pictures (more below) featuring the of the "Turbine Hall" in the Tate Modern Museum/Exhibition space of London.
All the pictures show the same area (different angles) but show how the space is changed and used according to the exhibition. The image on the left shows an area as an empty floor and it's typical non exhibited phase. Being such a clean large room I found it a good comparison for our exhibition space. The advantage that this particular room has over our exhibition room is the space. The large floor space allows for larger 3D structures. The two images to the side can show how the room can be transformed and by using "path ways" allow the visitors to walk through certain sections. The pictures below show the "TH.2058" in the Turbine Hall. Here the visitors can walk through a maze and see the exhibition from different perspectives, as they can walk underneath the structure giving it a dynamic feel. The metal racks (which are bunk beds) create paths ways but no real directions. |
Here is a video of the artist talking about her exhibition further explaining the ideology behind it and what it means as well as the atmosphere and how she envisioned the room.
On the Wall!
The exhibition by Jon Burgerman "On the Wall" is an exhibition that shows off how you can do much more with the walls in the room and not just hang up pictures in frames. It uses the entire room as a canvas. An interesting factor is the space of this room is similar to the one we shall have for our exhibition.
In this combination of illustration and graffiti the boring white walls are turned into a world of characters and doodles. He also filled up some space with boxes that also had the same illustrations (see slide show below).
Further studying the small exhibition it has no real sense of way finding as it is just a small rectangular room, but one could easily implement a navigational system by taking similar assets of using the walls as a way of path finding by having characters pointing in a direction or even having designing flowing into a direction to help guide the viewer.
In this combination of illustration and graffiti the boring white walls are turned into a world of characters and doodles. He also filled up some space with boxes that also had the same illustrations (see slide show below).
Further studying the small exhibition it has no real sense of way finding as it is just a small rectangular room, but one could easily implement a navigational system by taking similar assets of using the walls as a way of path finding by having characters pointing in a direction or even having designing flowing into a direction to help guide the viewer.
Even though a small scale exhibition it still had it's own theme and branding. Apart from the obvious black and white paint the exhibition also had merchandise such as these printed T-Shirts. Not only does something like this help create a strong brand theme but also a great way to promote the work going on and also help fund the exhibition. Having such an interesting style and having on something that allows you to take it home is great way to promote the brand and even give a more professional impression. What it lacks in navigation it makes up for in branding and promotion.
Uncoated - Graduation Show
An interesting find is the work of Charlotte Miller. Her branding solution produced for the College End of Year Show exhibition was delivered across a range of print and digital outcomes.
The work shows a use of colour coded sections and theme to help identify a brand as well as make a way finding system that works with colour codes. Such as red for Graphic Design and Purple for Illustrated sections. Regarding the branding, the theme was colours and the use of simple shapes, mostly squares. The exhibition had a very modern appeal and reminded me a bit of MCAST current hallways with the geometric coloured shapes in the hall ways. This leads me to think if we could use the already existing colours and pattern and incorporate them with-in our branding. The exhibition used stickers both on the floors and walls to help the guests navigate through out the area. Not only do the lines them-self help guide but with the colour coding it's easy to find the specific area you want. It also makes use of colour coded slabs on the walls. Although one can see an array of colours the main ones are Purple, Blue, Red & Black. Overall the branding and system itself is clear and colourful, making it bold and vibrant but still keeping it clean and edgy. With good way-finding and sleek branding I found "Uncoated" exhibition to be a great source of ideas and inspiration. |
Extra Research & Ideas
Here I put a few extra finding and ideas I wanted to display and ideas that could be considered. Focusing mainly on motifs in the actual exhibition like, shelves, lighting etc.
Albert Docks
The Albert Docks, are not an exhibition but a Waterfront similar to the one of Valletta only done with great branding and way finding. It has a strong visual identity that can be applied to all their marketing materials.
The waterfront setting showcases the best of the city with many attractions, including Tate Liverpool. The maps for Liverpool’s Albert Dock works as a ‘You are here’ sign. Fixed in poster cases at all key decision-making points around the site, it uses colour coding to explain the overall offer to visitors, highlighting all the facilities and visitor attractions. Even though it is not an exhibition, the way it is laid out and treated is the same way we as a class need to threat our school building. Incorporating several aspects under one brand and making a clear way finding system. The waterfront has shops and markets, we have different art sections, both inside and out side so seeing how the Albert Docks was branded and mapped out feels very similar to what we have to work with. |
Shelves
Through out my years at MCAST I noticed a lot of the time books, portfolios etc are always displayed on cubes. I think that shelves could be an interesting way to use the walls, have less clutter on the floor and also add to the design of the rooms.
Resources like wood and paint are not to hard to find and are with-in budget or even made out of recyclable material and not only could they display books but also small decorations for the exhibition and be personalized by the student for his/her section. |
Signs & ArrowsOne issue with our final exhibition is things tend to be all over the place and there's no real form of way finding. One advantage is our school is relatively small so visitors can't get lost but it rather the other way around. Often there are pieces of the exhibition which get lost in the crowd and unnoticed. With a good system of way finding visitors will know where to go and what they'll find.
Signs don't have to be simple and boring but can be dynamic with shapes and colours as well as made part of the brand. Here are a few images of interesting signs which help navigation but are interestingly designed. |
Alternative to Projection Mapping
Light Shows: |
Lighting can and does make a big difference within exhibition spaces which can really effect the mood and atmosphere of the area. This Light Show exhibition includes works by more than 20 artists. It displays various light features that are more abstract and new. It doesn't have to be the usual story telling projections we see. Light shows can be a beautiful and fun alternative show that could be looked into as an alternative.
Although the video here shows quite advanced technology compared to what we have access to at MCAST (perhaps with sponsors some things could be done) it is an interesting alternative to a typical projection mapping is using lights. Lights can be used in many aspects such as colour, duration of light, shadows, natural and artificial illumination and projection. |
Interactive Shows:
In Order to Control
It’s one thing to stand in font of a projector to create shadow puppets, but it’s an entirely different experience to block a text-based floor projection and see your typographic silhouette on an adjacent wall. The interactive typographic installation titled In Order to Control features a constant loop of selected text.
The most interesting thing about the project is the interactivity and its reliance on audience participation. As spectators step into the installation to read the projected content, their blackened silhouette covers the words on the floor and transfers them to the proximate wall. One could marvel at this technological magic trick for a very long time, especially since there’s still scrolling text to be read. In order to actually read the text, one could technically run back and forth across the screen but it seems far more convenient to form an assembly of people, standing in tandem, eliminating spaces in which words can get lost. This interactive element also alludes to the idea of interconnectivity and how we can all help each other, sharing information. As I continued researching about the projection I was unable to find a real description on how the technology works, either way it is an interesting piece. |
Firewall
Taken from the site itself a quote to better explain the feature an how it works:
"Firewall is an interactive media installation created in collaboration with Mike Allison. A stretched sheet of spandex acts as a membrane interface sensitive to depth that people can push into and create fire-like visuals as well as expressively play music. The piece was made using Processing, Max/MSP, Arduino and a Kinect. The Kinect measures the average depth of the spandex from the frame it is mounted on. If the spandex is not being pressed into nothing happens. When someone presses into it the visuals react around where the person presses, and the music is triggered. An algorithm created with Max allows the music to speed up and slow down and get louder and softer, based on the depth. This provides a very expressive musical playing experience, even for people who have never played music before. A switch is built into the frame which toggles between two modes. The second mode is a little more aggressive than the first." Basically the Firewall feature is a small scale interactive piece that offers a different solution to the usual projections. Also the fact it uses sound (music) is an interesting twist as when it comes to Art Exhibitions sound seems to be over looked. Combined with visual, touch and sound this piece is a very interactive and enjoyable. |
Projecting on Statues
We've seen, architectural and interactive projections and story telling through projections, but an other option is to project on a object such as the animal statues we see here. These statues were well thought out. They are made of wooden panels and can be dismantled so they are easier to pack away and also reconstruct else were.
Also the projection is interactive as the spectators were able to control the visuals projected by a custom made cubicle with motion sensors and buttons. By tilting the cubicle the colour of the visuals changed and the buttons were used to skip through the visuals and to create other effects like blending and scratching. I personally really like the idea of having statues with a projection on them all around. A 360 degree view with colourful and vibrant patterns upon artistic designed statues could be an other alternative. |
Projection Mapping
Ralph LaurenIn celebration of 10 years of digital innovation, "Ralph Lauren" presents the ultimate fusion of art, fashion & technology in a visual feast for the 5 senses. This is probably one of the better projections I've seen whilst doing research.
The video was very influential when it came to writing a script & creating a story board. Ralph Lauren made very good use of the architecture. It wasn't just a projection on a building, it was like a projection within a building. The use of windows & layering of buildings & had great visuals that later came into play. |
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Tokyo Train StationThis projection was an other great example. It makes use of the entire building & really sticks to the theme of trains & locomotion.When it comes to colour and form, there was a wide range of different schemes, shapes and themes used. It uses a vast array of lights that shimmer & play along on the building façade, cheerful music & great sound effects of engines and machines to really bring out the show & wow the audience.
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Projection on Disney BuildingSurprisingly the projection on the Disney Building is quite different then one would expect. Moving away from the usual projection mapping, the one seen here is more abstract then the straight forward ones that have a sense of story telling we've seen in other projections. It uses an array of shapes that move in a rhythm and have quite a harmonious flow.
The projection is similar to what you would see in a kaleidoscope. A projection with these images, shapes and patterns could be used. It would be less time consuming and could be kept up for a while and treated as an installation in itself. |
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Photographic Survey
Studio 4 & Degree 3D Studio
Both rooms are relatively similar in regards to interior. They both posses a large amount of plus and along it plenty of plastic encasing them. Although the Degree 3D Studio room does however posses more wire encasing and "pipes".
Apart from all the clutter in this rooms the main issues are the large amount of plugs and the plastic encasing of the wires all around the rooms. This is both a pro and a con. This allows us to have several electronics but at the same time the plugs not being used and all the encasing is a bit of an eye sore and needs a fresh coat of paint. Comparing the two rooms, Degree 3D studio has more barrings on the ceiling but apart from they carry on the walls. So this room has more depth because of these pillars that go up to the ceiling. The windows are large and let in a lot of natural light which is good but they also have metal bars which are visually unappealing and also take away from having flat wall surface to work on. |
The ceiling has barrings about two feet long in length so that is something that needs to be taken into consideration if any of us need to have hanging fixtures. Apart that there is the ventilation ducks that need retouching with paint as too look better. The air-conditioners can also get in the way of any large scale pieces that be put on display.
The room also posses a large white board next to one of the doors. This needs to either be removed or hidden if not some how included in the exhibition. A large screen television can also be found in both rooms which I'm sure it will be put to use. One thing specific about Studio 4 is the "hole". It has an inward gap (or depression) is found. It has a shelf in it also. I wouldn't classify it as an obstacle because it could be used to feature a students work as long as we use it to our advantage. If worse comes to worse it will have to be covered but that would be a bigger issue as it is so close to the tv monitor. |
Studio 4
Degree 3D Studio
The Hallway
Here are some photographs of the corridor we will be working in as well. The most obvious thing is the colour. Personally I like the shades of purple but looking at it makes me question if it will get in the way of our branding or if perhaps we could use it as a form navigation (colour coded way finding perhaps). As well as the geometric shapes on the wall are also prominent. The hall way posses good lighting so that is in our favour.
Since we are not allowed to repaint the walls we should use the shapes and colour to our advantage. Instead of thinking how to work around it we should figure out how to work with it. Perhaps build frames that are similar in shape to those on the wall.
Since we are not allowed to repaint the walls we should use the shapes and colour to our advantage. Instead of thinking how to work around it we should figure out how to work with it. Perhaps build frames that are similar in shape to those on the wall.
Group Work & Exhibition Teams
The group & I decided to to split up into sub groups to better tackle each section of the exhibition such as way finding, branding & so on. Along with Andre' I was placed in Projection Mapping section of the group.
We wanted to come up with something different then the typical projection. We wanted to avoid the aspect of having a character and telling a story. Our aim was to use abstract visuals in a series of sequences that would still be appealing to the audience with out the typical narratives. Projection mappings usually are made up mostly of 2D or 3D so to make things more interesting we
looked into ways to incorporate footage and photography.
We wanted to come up with something different then the typical projection. We wanted to avoid the aspect of having a character and telling a story. Our aim was to use abstract visuals in a series of sequences that would still be appealing to the audience with out the typical narratives. Projection mappings usually are made up mostly of 2D or 3D so to make things more interesting we
looked into ways to incorporate footage and photography.
One of the biggest influences in terms of visuals was this projection on the Sydney Opera house. It used various patterns and materials such as wood as well as interesting use of human figure. An other influential aspect was the shape of the building. One of the main aspects of our concept was to add a backdrop to the stage. The backdrop could be used as an extension of the stage. After finding visual references & videos we began sketching and creating mock ups I drew some sketches to help better visualise the set up.
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A factor we took into consideration was the special performance by the choir Voices. Having a large amount of people on stage at once required planning for space and positioning of the singers as well as also keeping in mind the cat walk for the fashion show, hence the red carpet.
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After refining the idea of the back drop Andre' modeled the Tower & stage as a 3D version. This served as a template when it came to creating the visuals. At this point we branded our selves as "Paper to Screen: & everything in-between" and had a logo designed. The visuals I made were quick concepts to show how the back drop could be used.
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An advantage of the back drop was the segments which could display individual pieces of art work. The images below were also shown during the group presentation of "Paper to Screen" for which I spoke and explained the ideas and possibilities of the projection mapping section.
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The Real Deal: Story Boarding & Plotting
Footage - Paint & Zippers
Some aspects of the projection were filmed. Using footage of paint & filming the zippers was easier then having them in 3D. It saved time and allowed the interactive students to work on other parts of the projection whilst the filming went on. I helped Kurt (he did the actual editing of the footage I just helped out with the filming) with the filming by pulling the zippers with a string to get the motion we wanted as well as throwing paint and experimenting with the paint splatters. Because we got a little wild with the paint I ended up having to wash the roof with the help of Chiara and Denise.
Concept Art
Finally after all the planning and tweaking the narrative was finalized and I was able to begin creating concept art. The bulk of my work was in the "Portrait" section. In which we decided to use different art movements along with portraits and figures. The idea behind this was to have a sort of "photoshoot" and that each character would appear after a flash and camera sounds so this way we could add aspects of photography. I handled Pop Art, Surrealism and did a bit of adjustments to Psychedelic. For Pop Art I was inspired by Roy Lichtenstein, Surrealism was a combination of Salvador Dali and Max Ernst.
I also created the steam-punk projector. It's a combination of photomanipulated images and basic shapes along with lighting effects using gradients and brushes for shadows and high light.
I also created the steam-punk projector. It's a combination of photomanipulated images and basic shapes along with lighting effects using gradients and brushes for shadows and high light.
Art for Interactive Game
I did a few art pieces to help Redeemer with the interactive gaming section at the end. These little critters I made featured on top of the tower during the interactive game and an avatar to represent the player interacting with the kinect. Sadly the avatar couldn't be used because of some sort of technical issues with the program. By request I also tweaked the "star gate" slightly to match the tower and brand better. I made it black and white and adjusted the energy beam.
Video Research & Suggestions
Although I didn't directly do anything for the Fashion Show segment or the Voices segment (besides the green screen) before the story boarding I did find a few references which I though could be of good use, which in fact we did end up doing.
I recommended we do something similar to the closing credits of "Marvels: The Avenger's" in regards to the fashion show. The idea is to take close up footage of the clothing and show important and artistic aspects of the clothing. Before we knew the play list of Voices I found the music video of Arctic Monkeys to be very inspirational and a great style that maybe we could emulate in our own way. Also, talking with Toni he reminded me of a website which creates sounds and visuals according to the buttons you press on your keyboard. I found it to be an interesting idea for the interactive part: http://www.patatap.com/
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Buy a doughnut or my dog will die!
As most classes do we held a fundraiser to get some money in order to buy supplies for our exhibition. The bake sale went really well and it was an interesting experience especially screaming at people to go buy a cupcake (specifically saying my dog will die if they don't buy). I was tasked with Promotion. This had us running around telling people all about the sale and the goodies you could get. Along with bright picket signs and our screaming chants we managed to get people to notice us and the sale.
Getting Dirty!
Whenever I had some sort of free time from projection duties (especially towards the last few days) I joined the construction team to help get the rooms ready. I mainly hammered in nails into the wooden frames and helped paint the stripes in the 3D degree room. Being short has its advantages as it allowed me to squeeze under the actual surfaces and continue hammering nails and even do weaving from inside the structure.
Freebies!
A small idea I had was to to talk to the Print team to use one of the art pieces of the projection as a freebie. I found it to be a shame that after all that work the typography was to be removed from the art piece because of the projection was my idea was in hopes to salvage the interesting type face done by Desiree. Once given the go ahead by Mr. C. Mahoney I made changes so the freebie came in 2 trippy colour variations and passed it on to Michela Mifsud to be ready for print. People like free stuff.
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All good things must come to an end...
I feel as if I managed to get a lot of work done over a short time frame. Staying at school till late hours and even staying over night helped me from getting distracted at home so it helped my work flow and this way I was available to help out in any way I could. Even though my skills are limited to 2D I stuck around the interactive students just in case there was anything I could do, whether it was for moral support, literally making them breakfast or even fixing any 2D illustrations.
Over all I think the Exhibition was a huge success. The opening ceremony was great. It's a bit of a shock that my 4 years of MCAST are coming to end. Through all the ups and downs I must admit I will miss the institute, the people and everything MCAST Art & Design related.