Task 04 - Performance

Initial Ideas / Approaches

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• Collaborative brainstorming - Being partnered with Sarah W, we engaged in an initial brainstorming session centred around the prompt "Concentration". This collaborative process sparked a variety of associations, including concepts relating to eye contact, focus or focusing, staring contests, and even a lighthearted mention of orange juice, showcasing the breadth of interpretations possible with the word.

• Concept refinement - We decided to hone in on the themes of the eyes, creating a performance that engaged both the act of concentration between two individuals and extending that to the audience as they focus on the performance. We recognised the potential for exploring how concentration manifest physically, socially and emotionally.

• Incorporating video - Acknowledging our shared shyness about performing in front of an audience, we initially leaned towards capturing our ideas through video, upon learning that a physical performance was required, we saw an opportunity to layer our performance with video footage, enriching the overall impact of the piece.​

   

How We Developed This into My Final Work

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• Video recording - We began developing the work by using our phones to capture close-up videos of each person staring directly into the camera for exactly a minute. This focus on the eyes, recording the nuances of blinking and gazes, setting the stage for exploring concentration in a visual medium.

• Editing process -  After uploading the recording to video editing software on Sarah's computer, we imported both our videos into a new project, aligning them one above the other. This arrangement revealed a striking symmetry between our two sets of eye videos.

• Disorientation technique -  We experimented by cutting and swapping sections of each video, creating a disorientating effect that challenged viewers' perceptions of concentration and attention. This playful manipulation highlighted the intricacies of focusing on details in a unique way.

• Layering effects - Delving into the video editing software more, we explore various laying effects and filters to enhance moments of interest. We discovered that synchronising effects with blink present in the recordings created a rhythmic interplay, punctuating the act of concentration stopping and re-starting, adding a dynamic quality to the piece.

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What Went Well

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• Sarah and I collaborated effectively, fostering an open dialogue and flexible environment for exchanging ideas. Our individual strengths complimented each others, significantly contributing to the overall outcome and success of our work.

• The central concept and prompt "concentration" was consistently present throughout the multiple layers of our performance, allowing for a cohesive exploration of the theme.

• Given our limited time we had, we maximised our resources and utilised carious tools effectively, especially introducing the use of technology, resulting in a multi-layered performance that encapsulated our vision.

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What Could Be Improved

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• One area for improvement was our decision to make only a single recording of each of our eyes, leading to shaky footage that lacked the desired framing. 

• Multiple takes could have enhanced the quality and consistency of the final video.

• Additionally, while the filters were employed aimed to add interest, they did n to effectively reflect any clear intention or meaning. A more thoughtful selection of simpler, more impactful filters could have strengthened the overall message of the work.

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Where could We Go From Here

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• Revisiting the video -  My first step would be to revisit the video and making edits and alterations where necessary. This could also involve re-recording to ensure better quality and framing, allowing for a more polished final product.

• Expanding the scale - I envision expanding upon the initial idea by increasing the sc ale of the video and the number of eyes present in the video performance, creating an amplified sense of the previous iterations on the theme of "concentration."

• Public performance - I believe an iteration of this work would benefit from a longer performance presentation in a highly populated public area. Such a setting would heighten the relational aesthetic aspects of the work, inviting a broader audience to engage with the piece through interaction, ultimately transforming the work into a more immersive exploration of "concentration."