Unit X

For my final project of third year I chose to expand upon the theme and concept that I was investigating in the practice unit. I want to further investigate how information can be communicated and alternatives to a written text. My starting point for this came about through an ancient Incan Quipu, which was used to communicate numerical data across the country. It is a series of knots within ropes, with the size of the knot corresponding to a number.

Incan Quipu

Knot experiments

I used this to address the issue of how in contemporary culture, numbers are assigned to us to define us. I have made a long list of all of the numbers that reference me and used this knot system to visually illustrate myself. I feel through material experiments and colour development, I can create a large-scale installation that is personal yet informative. I am going to make a pitch for the vertical gallery in the art school, as this is a large open space with plenty of windows that can cause shadows to create an environment that illustrates my concept.

https://vimeo.com/119456298

This installation by Swiss artist Zimoun using motors and wood that systematically move up and down. The sound created by the wood is surprisingly soothing and satisfying. I like how this can be walked around and absorbed by the viewer and the rhythm and sound creates an environment of repetition and interaction. I want to further investigate how installation can be used to show an idea and absorb and audience within it.

I have also been researching into alternative written texts and languages. Morse code is an interesting one as it is not only a visual but a sound. I illustrated my student number, phone number and ucas number using morse code. I like this printed surface and how it references sound. I would like to develop a way of linking sound and visuals together if it is necessary to at a later stage.