Transforming into my avatar

In my final project, I sought to exist in the first space and the third space at the same time and interact with both the first and third space at the same time. I also encouraged the participation of both spaces in changing my appearances in real life.

IMG-20151113-WA0002

The work that really inspired me was  Grand Theft avatar.

ezgif-295420478

I was really amazed by how the third space encouraged creativity and pushing boundaries. At one time, people went a bit crazy and started to request that I wear two wigs instead of one and also to put black lipstick instead of the usual colors. They also felt that it was fun to choose difficult colors for me to try on my eye.

In addition, JenniCam also allowed me to think about what the internet was interested to see, which is why I decided to do make up in public. It was making something private public and also showing people the process and allowing participation.

Doing rehearsals on my own also did help shape a lot of what I wanted to do.

Initially, I wanted to do it in a room in school where the webcam and my phone will be facing me.

hgj unnamed

However, I realised that the work had the potential to be better.

“The artist studio has traditionally been a finite space, defined by its physical walls, flat file cabinets, table surfaces, portfolio cases, and print racks.”- Randall Packer (2015). “Collective Narrative“.

The third space could really allow me to push the boundaries of where I could do my performance. In addition, I could also explore how audiences can be included. The shift in power from the artist to the audience did make the work have more layers I felt. It was a constant conversation and reaction between me and the audience.

I did my work in the lounge but did not expect so many other people to join in even though it was a thursday night in school. It was also interesting to note that my audiences felt as if they were watching a show. Many of them were eating and drinking. It was quite interesting to note that they were very comfortable being part of the performance.

IMG-20151113-WA0001

Screenshot 2015-11-12 23.15.10

Screenshot 2015-11-12 23.15.38

It is interesting that from what I observed, when people only see a small camera and a lap top, they are not so afraid of approaching the artist as they do not see where the footage goes to or could understand the totality of what was going on. Even if they see themselves on YouTube Live. They would only see that the audience is themselves. It sort of become a private public show which is perhaps how our social media has become.

Doing a live performance has also taught me how to do improvisation. Like for example when my phone internet was lagging, I decided to go to the other side of the webcam and it turned out to be one of the glitches that I really loved.

Screenshot 2015-11-12 23.15.30

I don’t think I can ever replicate this but I was glad it happened.

Doing OSS has really helped me document the process and also track the maturity of my thinking. From not really knowing about the origin of the internet and its culture to now doing an art performance over the internet.

Project Hyperessay #2 – Technical Realization

I went to try having both YouTube Live and Periscope on at the same time. As periscope had more people watching, it was more interactive on periscope.

unnamed

 

It was also quite different having to broadcast on two different platforms and also have my friends in front of me.

People could hear what I was doing in the room over the internet together with my friends.

 

hgj

Some  of my friends were curious and even asked me what I was doing. At some points I was so comfortable being online that I was talking to people who were watching me like they were my friends. I also asked the internet what kind of eyeliner I should use today and someone replied.

I was on Youtube Live also and also learnt to use the basics of Livecast on my computer.

 

Untitled

 

Overall, I realised that it was very interesting to broadcast at the same time on two platforms. At some point I felt like I was on Jennicam.

For the final showcase, I would like to go live on both periscope on my phone and Youtube from livecast  and I was wondering if I could do it in an open space like the lounge in school where I can have people talking to me in the first space and also interacting with people in the third space. I find it a lot more spontaneous when I have people talking to me in the first space and also the third space.

In addition, I would first ask the third space on eg. what color of eye shadow I should use etc. Then, if I do not get a response I would ask the first space. In addition, I would also like to have random conversations with people in the first space while I do my make up.