Workshop 1: A box within a box

( Syzergey model constructed from found items)

The first workshop was a 7 hour project to produce a box within a box from found items. 

We chose to take the idea of existence into this project, developing our ideas of memory and triggers. The box contained what appeared to be a random collection of fragments. However, when a light was shone through the box, at the correct alignment and position; a moment of clarity, the fragments aligned and formed a negative box of light on the surface behind the box. 

The technique is known as 'Syzergey',  creating a desired form at a certain point of alignment. This links back to the idea of a 'moment of clarity', the triggering of a memory and creating form and space from it. The piece was a great success and we were very happy with the results. 

The question this piece evokes is quite interesting: "does the box exist within the box, as it is only realised outside of the box? 

I believe the fact that the box is formed from within the box, it does in fact exist from within it, only to be realised outside it once a certain moment of clarity is triggered.

My Nottingham

(Layer taken from google maps, Finished in photoshop)

The above image represents my memories of Nottingham, or what exists of Nottingham in my mind. My memories form Nottingham's existence, forming what I understand and comprehend as Nottingham. Therefore the areas illuminated on the map are the areas that I am familiar with, the areas I remember and have formed strong memories of. 

The areas cast in darkness however do not exist in my memories of Nottingham, and consequently do not exist to me until a memory is formed. 

Project 1 - Boundaries, Borders, Thresholds

My Line of Enquiry :

- If something is no longer a memory, does it cease to exist in our lives?

if something isn’t noticed, it doesn't exist in our minds

if something is forgotton, it ceases to exist in our minds

however, once it is removed, one recognises, triggering existence once more

mind triggers existence

memories form space

memories form existence

do memories exist?

(Paris Peasant) what proves something exists? Physics? Does physics exist?

Pg 16  (Invisible Cities)

I too am returning from zirma> my memory…

… Memory is redundant: it repeats signs so that the city can begin to exist

Pg 29  (Invisible Cities)

Zoe is the place of indivisible existence. But why, then, does the city exist? What line seperates the inside from the outside, the rumble of wheels from the howl of wolves?

Pg 39 (Invisible Cities)

They dreamed of persuing  her, after the dream….

… thety decided to build a city like the one in the dream

Pg 68 (Paris Peasant)

housewife awakens furniture thsat was asleep! through polishing with fragrant wax.

The Repeating City

(Photographs taken in soft box, finished in photoshop)

The concept of the above project is taken from the repeating city of 'Zirma' in Italo Calvino's 'Invisible Cities'. Following the concept of memories forming existence, the city above repeats itself for eternity, forever strengthening the memories of it's residents so it may exist in their minds, never forgotten, forever.

The images were taken with the initial model surrounded by mirrors, with the reflections of said city repeating it in all directions.

Initial ideas - Tangible words on the theme of memory forming space/ existance

Paris Peasant

By Louis Aragon

Invisible cities

By Italo Calvino

A brilliant book written in the form of an explorer 'Marco Polo's' reports on the cities of a vast empire. When asked by the ruler of said empire if all the reports are true, and such accounts of the cities exist, Marco Polo suggests the fact that he has merely been describing his home city of Venice over and over again.

Some interesting ideas are formed when reading this book, and one is forced to think hard when faced with such accounts of silent conversations due to redundancy of verbal communication between Marco and the King. At times games of chess are used to communicate Marcos findings, or expressions and gestures are combined with artefacts and findings.

A fantastic read with copious descriptions of Venice, illustrating fascinating and sometimes complex concepts and ideas.