This semester, I aimed to continue with audiovisual media, specifically on sound and projection. My work from the last term involved audience participation, and I wanted to implement that interactive engagement element on into my new project.  

The initial idea originated from the Netflix show Bandersnatch, which is an interactive multiple-choice film which the viewer can influence the character’s behaviours, the plot and ending. My idea also took influence from Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue film, with its views of loss of identity and control. 

After considerable research and development, my exploration led to the idea of deconstructing internalised ideals and means of controlling identity. Using experimental filming techniques, I explore the illusion of control over one’s identity. I set out to reveal the complexity and internal struggle involved in controlling the complex perspectives that are within one body. Duality and opposing perspectives are demonstrated through two films, projected on the opposite sides of a translucent screen that divides the room.

The films portray a young woman who lives within a fixed, seemingly monotonous, routine of life. She begins to lose control and finds herself in battle with another side of herself that she had not realised existed. Her view of her own identity is distorted. She loses control and is overwhelmed, to a point where she doesn’t recognise herself anymore. 

Finally, we see the young woman as herself again beginning the same cycle. There is no indication in resolve to reveal the ambiguity of assumed identity. This suggests that identity cannot be controlled, having the ability to hold infinite potential and appropriated. In reality, there is no truth or single identity. In the end, the woman confronts herself. This question engages with the direct audience on their perspective of control and identity.

The projections begin in correspondence to each other, giving viewers on both sides of the screen the same experience. However, slight momentary deviations between the two reveal the loss of control and progress until both sides are in complete opposition. Each perspective being aware of their counterpart and thus, confrontation. There is purposely no audible dialogue. Instead, it is illustrated in texts, to represent a silent internal struggle. Subsequently, I had not explored audio as much as I had intended.

Some of the artists I researched into were Rimini Protokoll, Bill Viola, Michael Snow, John Smith and Bruce Nauman, the majority being video and film artists. Rimini Protokoll’s Win><Win (2020) I had experienced myself at the RA. While this work was not in any way similar to my concept, it inspired the physical form of the work. Win><Win divided the room into halves, directly engaged with the audience in terms of narration and included participation as well as confrontation. I was interested in both Michael Snow and John Smith’s experimental techniques that they applied to their work. They both played with perspective and how to challenge it further through the lens of a camera. Snow’s Sshtoorrty (2005) combined films to overlap while Smith’s The Girl Chewing Gum (1976) explored manipulating the audience’s perspective with the use of powerful narration. Bruce Nauman was also a critical artist that I studied. With the use of multi-media and incorporation of imagery of the body articulates psychological themes (usually confrontational and disturbing), Nauman challenges the pre-established beliefs of the audience through their perception.

Reflecting on my work, I believed that my concept was exciting and challenging to the audience. I also believed that the way I exhibited the work, with two opposing projections that correspond to each other strengthened the concept and shown much experimental potential. I want to explore this technique further, working more with projections. One thing I would like to improve on in my work is to examine the idea of doubling the audio, similarly to the projections. For the prospect, I would duplicate the audio and explore how the audio setup can affect the audience’s experience, as well as how it’s influence on the concept.

Another critique is the vagueness of my theme. Though identity and personality are extensive topics of discussion, I wished to have further explored a distinct aspect. I believe that more in-depth focus on a particular element of identity and behaviour that relate to me would result in a more meaningful and confrontational product of art. This could be a topic closer to my interest, such as culture or relationship, etc. I find it difficult to disclose personal subjects of matter into my works and want to continue to challenge myself in this regard.

(750 words)