In the Library (Scene of the Crime)

Assigned:                  November. 10, 2010.

Open Studio:                  November. 17, 2010.

Due Date:                  December. 1, 2010 (3 weeks).

Description:

With In the Library (Scene of the Crime) you will respond to objects within a space. Consider the object as an index (ie. It “points to something”) and is taking part of a discourse with the viewer (ie. communication). The complexity of the communication will be factored by the environment and context in which it is represented. For example, an apple in a basket with other apples reads one way, and an apple in a raging fire means another. Another example may be an apple at it’s ripest compared to an apple rotting.

Select an object and environment for its symbolic, iconic, or mythic meanings. Blur, focus, or distort those possible meanings with formal concerns such as lighting, aperture, focal range, filters, or other objects and environments, contexts, etc…

Concept and Structure:

After reading The Exhaustion of Space at the Scene of the Crime by Anthony Vidler, you are asked to consider objects and space as being part of a larger narrative.This project was derived in part from location shoots for films, crime-scene documentation, photo-journalism, and filmic montages. Persons returned to a location to document an event in the past tense… the resulting images were equal parts documentary, (auto)-biographical, deadpan, humorous, and entirely serious.

Objectives:

·       To respond to primary conceptions of actual objects vs. final photographic work.

·       To consider blocking and staging of an image.

·       To select objects and environments that the subjects can interact with (lighting, colour, sound, textures, etc).

·       To challenge the possibilities of narrative.

Process:

·       We will be discussing the text, The Exhaustion of Space at the Scene of the Crime by Anthony Vidler, on November  10^th.

·       During the afternoon of November, 10^th you are to begin to visualize your shoot by brainstorming, sketching, researching, and planning your schedule. The instructor will be available to meet and discuss your ideas with you.

·       Studio time will be provided on November 17^th. You are required to work in the studios at ACAD on the 17^th unless you have prior approval from the instructor.

·       There will be additional expectations placed for the presentation of preliminary drawings and research. More information will be provided by the instructor before the second week.

·       Booking of equipment and studio times are the responsibility of the student.

·       You can work in groups to assist one another but each member of the group will have to produce one unique work for submission.