We recently visited The Oceanic at Gillman Barracks, a collaboration with NTU CCA which presented artworks inspired by the complexities of the Pacific Ocean. During my visit there, I saw installations that made use of various approaches to get their message across, and will talk about the 3 that inspired me the most in this post.
Strategy 1: Space
In this particular installation, artist Newell Harry presents his research of the traditions of the Kula Ring with the use of anagrams, photo series, and objects. The placement of the above components are clean and well done, with the anagrams places on the wall opposite the photo series. The main space is saved for display of the objects, which were well lit with spotlights and seated on a raised platform. This arrangement of elements in the installation allowed for the focus to be evenly spread across the artworks and highlighted each piece adequately. My main takeaway from this installation is the even division and use of the given space. As I forsee myself possibly extending my work beyond the video format, I could take notes from this installation and it’s even distribution of space.
Strategy 2: Lighting & Projection Method
In this installation, Tue Greenfort presents his view of technology and it’s relationship with sustaining life in the ocean. He makes use of a projection of a video about the ocean floor on a piece of frosted glass, coupled with a circular aquarium with jellyfish, submerged in a never ending rotation of water. What first drew me to this installation was the intense coloured lighting which was shined into the tank.
However, what really caught my attention was the video projection. I loved that it was projected onto a non-conventional screen, the frosted glass panel. The use of the glass material ties in with the glass aquarium and gives the entire installation a visual cohesiveness. As I would be doing a video-based installation, the projection method would be something crucial to think about as it can add meaning and aesthetic value to the artwork.
Strategy 3: Sound & Moving Image
In this installation, viewers are presented with a single screen and a set of headphones. It is a very minimalistic and simple installation, but it was really effective in delivering it’s message. I was able to focus on the video and the headphones helped to isolate the sound. The one takeaway from this installation is the possibility of translating my message through a single linear channel. Screening through a TV set is also another organic way of projection.