Beyond.
Zeynep Elif Ergin
Advisor: Sarah Ibrahim
A participatory video installation that explores the presence of the unseen photographer and others behind the camera.
Abstract
"Beyond." is a participatory video installation exploring the presence of the unseen photographer. It reflects the artist's struggle with feeling absent in their own captured memories. Viewers are invited to reconsider the significance of those behind the camera and reflect on their relationship with memory and presence.
Technical Details
Software: Meta Spark AR filtering for Body Segmentation, OBS, MadMapper
Hardware: Optoma ML1080, 2 phone cameras, tripod, LED lights
Research/Context
Since I'm always behind the frame capturing memories, I'm rarely in the shots - almost as if I were a ghost. My experimentation initially revolved around static imagery and the recreation of someone's presence.
However, my approach shifted after drawing inspiration from the work of artist Nicole Cohen. Specifically, her pieces "Please Be Seated" and "How to Make Your Windows Beautiful" utilize live feeds and projections. Upon studying her use of moving images, I realized the potential for a more dynamic form in my project. I believe that the memories that we store in our minds are like moving images rather than static pictures - so, I decided to reintroduce the ghostly feeling by using projection with a live video feed.
I became intrigued by the interplay between the photographer and the subjects, and how this dynamic influenced the poses and expressions captured. This led me to explore the use of moving images to better convey this relationship and its impact on the final outcome of the photographs.
I identified three distinct phases: physical absence, fitting in (myself with others & others with me), and coexisting. With coexisting, I decided to focus on the "memory keeper" (aka. the photographer). I wanted to bring the interaction between those in front of the camera and those behind it into this physical and digital space. With Beyond, the audience actively engaged in the creative process and they became active participants in the installation.
Further Reading
@alien_lizzard for more information