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FRACTURED

Date

Jan 2023 - Present

Project type

Projection Mapping Based Instillation

Tools

MadMapper
Davinci Resolve 18

My project builds upon the ongoing exploration of the concept of how one may perceive and understands their proximity to their cultural identity. Engaging in this conversation can be further understood as an effort to visualize a skewed and fractured perspective of one’s identity, which is manifested as an abstraction of a face. The project takes the form of a projection mapping-based installation, which incorporates multimedia elements, such as images and videos.

My work serves as an attempt to address individuals of cultural diaspora, which can be defined as communities that maintain a culture different from their residing countries and often strive to retain strong ties to their culture and country of origin. As a second-generation immigrant and Asian-American, my personal experiences of cultural diaspora have become more evident throughout my life as I have experienced the growing distance between me and my heritage. With this being said, the installation prompts the viewer to engage with their own sense of identity and belonging. Through the lens of technology, this installation reflects my efforts to merge these distant spheres that comprise my cultural identity in an attempt to find a sense of comfort throughout this journey.

Concept Design

The beginning stages initially centralized a computer-based interactive installation, in which a camera records a video or feedback a live streams capturing specific facial features of the viewer. Certain features are projected onto a canvas and arranged in a distorted manner to construct an obscured image of an individual’s face. It could be seen as a collage of different images and videos to compose a skewed perspective of one’s “identity”.

Midterm Progress

  • Removed user interaction and live footage, making the work more of a personal portrait. Using found footage at the moment, and plan on eventually filming more curated videos.

  • Learned how to use projection mapping program called MadMapper. Constructed some trial runs and mock set up using paper poster boards and foam core. Learned how to mask and create timed transitions and rotations within the program.

  • Experimented with the composition and arrangement of the videos. 

Final Progress

  • Adjusted my initial approach towards the construction of the composition. Began to simplify elements and shifted the focus more towards the abstraction and obscuring of the face in an attempt to convey the concept more clearly.

  • The collage of two or more videos quickly becomes visually confusing and chaotic. Will further explore once being able to film desired footage.

  • Experimented different electronic motors for the rotation mechanism. Currently dealing with issues of inefficient power sources and figuring out how to mount on the walls. Might continue to work with larger motors that can sustain the weight of canvas and run long term.

  • Questioning if I want to continue with the original design proposal concerning the rotating elements. 

Updated Timeline

  • Wk 9 (Finals): Refine the composition to provide greater clarity and to facilitate the message/concept. Continue working with Arduino-motor controlled pieces and finalize all conceptual and physical elements.

  • Wk 10 (Finals) : Address any issues regarding the mechanic motors and present a basic demonstration of the motors with the projectors. 

  • ------------------------

  • Wk 11 to 13: Film any necessary footage to create a more cohesive appearance and edit footage material. Continue working with motors (possibly different motors) and 3D print mounts for installation. Buy  any materials needed for installation.

  • Wk 14: Debug. Debug. Debug.

  • Wk 15  Midterm crit: Any code regarding the mechanics should be completed and all elements/components should work together. Create a rough setup of the installation. 

  • Wk 16-Wk 17: Testing with peers and receiving feedback. Have installation essentially completed outside the gallery for easy installation.

  • Wk 17-18: Debugging if necessary.

  • Wk 19 (Finals) : Present Finished Piece in Crit. 

  • Wk 20: Gallery install and exhibition. 

Midterm Progress (VIS160B)

  • Filmed the final media. Utilized Davinci Resolve 18 to conduct any necessary editing and color grading to achieve desired visual aesthetics (old East Asian Cinema, Wong Kar Wai). 

    • More footage will have to be filmed to provide further distinction between traditional and modern outfits (different jewelry, head piece). Possibly incorporate full body shots.

    • Transitions will be worked upon further.

  • Created a mock instillation out of paper poster boards and tape. Attempted to construct a instillation similar to a scrapbook collage.

  • Continuing to use MadMapper to projection map media onto instillation. Difficulties with running large number of videos.​

Final Progress (VIS160B)

  • Filmed more footage with an emphasize on the clothing/body shots and any necessary media. Continued to use DaVinci Resolve 18 to perform editing and color grading.​

  • All videos were rendered at 740 x 480 resolution and ​H264 codec in order to run the multiple videos on MadMapper. Will attempt to run with higher resolution

  • Created the physical instillation.

    • Made recycled paper to serve as canvas with the intention of creating a scrapbook/vintage look. ​

    • Constructed with wooden dowels and clear elastic string.

    • Multiple layers to create depth, layered upon one another and suspended from the celling.

Final Exhibition 

  • Physical instillation was constructed as two separate layers, suspended in air and framed the paper canvas.

    • Four wooden dowels painted black and the paper were held by clear fishing line. ​

  • Mapping was adjusted to the final instillation and placement of the projector.

  • Micca Speck G2 was used to present the projection mapping without executing the program in real time.

    • Encountered a problem with being unable to run the video through the Micca Speck G2 without lagging due to the video file and resolution being too large. Thanks to a wonderful classmate (Kris!), they reduced the resolution and allowed the program to run and loop smoothly.​

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