Time is the 4th dimension, and it is this element that separates 4D works from others. A general definition of time is that time is a progression of events from the past through the present into the future. Time plays a large role in art, because time plays a large role in existence. There are various types of time, including measured time, experienced time, running time, biological time, and digital time. Each of these types of time could be the subject of experimentation within a 4D artwork.
Measured time is perhaps the most commonly thought of variety of time when time is mentioned. Measured time is simply the time on the clock, and how we divide up hours and minutes. Experienced time is quite the opposite. Experienced time is how long it feels like something lasts. This type of time can be manipulated by artists, as they create work that either causes time to feel fast (usually a very stimulating and engaging work) or slow (a "boring" work). Some other common types of time are running time (the length of a video screening or performance), biological time (things such as Circadian rhythm), and digital time (stopwatches and other technology that makes one hyper-aware of the passing seconds).
Ommah, Nam June Paik, 2005, one-channel video installation on 19-inch LCD monitor, silk robe, National Gallery of Art.
I enjoyed this work. One thing that was interesting to me was Paik's choice to place the clothing in front of the screen, flat. When first viewing the work, it seems as though the hanbok actually covers the entire TV and one can't view the TV unless through the filter of the silk, but actually the two parts of this installation work are rather far apart. Paik was one of the first artists to incorporate video and other time based media within his "video sculptures." Also, I feel this piece represents time in many aspects. Not only does it feature the running time of the video, but the traditional dress makes one's mind go back many years into Korea's history.
2) Sound
Sound is vibration perceived by the ear and interpreted by the brain. Sound is very important to communication and human activity, especially art. However, silence, sound's opposite, is just as important. True silence is not achievable to experience as a human, but perceived silence is.
There are three parts of a sound: an attack, sustain, and decay. The attack is the initial start of the sound up until it reaches the peak volume. The sound may then sustain at that volume for a short moment or a long time. The decay begins once the sound begins to fade out and eventually stop. The resonance of an environment impacts how long the decay of a sound may take.
There are many ways to group use of sound, but the main labels most applicable to 4-D Art making are synchronous, nonsynchronous, asynchronous, diegetic, and non-diegetic.
Synchronous sound is sound that matches with its source while that source is on screen or in a performance area. Nonsynchronous sound is sound that comes from a source that is not visible but has been previously. Asynchronous sound is sound that does not match the visuals. Diegetic sounds are "natural" sounds, or sounds that come from somewhere within the context of the work itself. Non-diegetic sounds are "commentary" or any other sound that cannot be traced to something within the piece.
Distant Trains, Bill Fontana, 1984, site-specific loudspeakers and microphones, Anhalter Banhof.
This work by Bill Fontana pumped audio from the Köln Hauptbahnhof into the speakers of the Anhalter Banhof, creating a ghostly sound within the ruins of a train station destroyed during WWII. I really enjoyed this piece, despite not being able to experience it in the actual location. The soundscape formed by the various train and crowd noises is captivating.
3) Movement
Movement is a shift or variation in the location of a subject. Movement is very important to the composition of a 4D work, and it can either direct the eye toward a certain point (successional movement) or lead the eye in different directions with clashing forces (oppositional movement). Just as important to a work is the use of stillness, which adds contrast.
Movement in time-based media could be observed, like a video being viewed in a gallery. It could also be participatory, such as an interactive work with a touchscreen.
Movement is divided into parts just like sound, with an attack, sustain, and decay. A figure will almost always squash and stretch throughout the duration of a movement, and this principle is very important in animation especially. Both the base of support during the attack of a movement and the figure's general center of gravity will impact how it moves through space and time.
Gestures are also an important aspect of movement in art. Gestures are movements by part of a whole figure, such as a man turning just his head but not his body. Gestures can direct attention of the eye to a specific area or body part in a work.
Apostasis, Museo Universitario de Arte Contemporáneo, Mexico City, México, 2008
This interactive installation consists of spotlights which move when viewers try to walk into them, and it is similar to a kitten chasing a laser pointer. This work uses the element of movement as a main component, as the audience can chose to move and participate, and then the spotlights will react accordingly. I really enjoy simple interactive pieces like this, where technology and artwork are combined to make a memorable experience for the viewer. Also, this work has multiple layers and can be enjoyed for both surface level and deeper meanings, which makes it even more interesting to me.
Comments
Post a Comment