This is a split-screen shot of the opening thirty seconds of Jiang Wen’s Let the Bullets Fly, which I drew. I’m not very good at drawing so please forgive me.

I think the teacher gave us this assignment because he wanted us to understand how to achieve a smooth narrative style through camera transitions and cuts.
I bought a book on lenses to study. I learned that when two people are having a conversation, there is an axis in the middle. We can mark six points around this axis clockwise as 123456. It’s best if the transformation of the camera does not cross this axis during the conversation. That is to say, we can transform in 1, 3, 2 like this, but not 1, 4, 2 like this, which creates a sense of stripping. Of course, if we rotate 1,3, we can also say that it is a kind of “riding the axis” change, which is also very smooth.
Of course, it is not absolute, if you want to show some sense of confrontation, cross-axis shooting is also an option. It all depends on the effect you want.

I also felt this when I was drawing the split-screen, and none of the shots in Jiang Wen’s “Let the Bullets Fly” were off-axis. At the same time, he shifted from close-ups to distant shots to create a sense of slowly introducing the background.

 

 

 

Memory Soundscape Documentation

For this blog I’m going to document in detail how I made this sound memory, here’s a screenshot of my work and the artwork.
First of all, in my first draft, I already had a rough synopsis of the story: a middle-aged man runs away due to the stress of life, seeking a kind of spiritual relaxation and relief.

I began by first putting footsteps, a zipper sound, and a door opening, foreshadowing the middle-aged man leaving his home. Then I recorded the sound of a vending machine, and the sound of matches, symbolizing the man buying a cigarette to smoke. Then I added the sounds of a bicycle, luggage, and a speeding car at the end to emphasize the middle-aged man’s walk outside.

 

I then gave it to my friend to listen to, and I discussed it with him, and he gave some of his suggestions:

1. In order to be able to illustrate that the man is already outside at the beginning, there needs to be some obvious sound contrasts, such as wind, murmurs etc. Therefore, I followed the sound of the wind with some miscellaneous sounds immediately after lighting the cigarette to show that he was already in the outside world, and to show that the conditions outside were actually very cold.

2. After lighting the cigarette, the professor suggested that I show the character’s heartfelt emotions at that time through some sighing sounds, so I followed it with two more obvious sighs.

3. Before going out of the door, in order to make the story more natural, I made up for it by zipping up my zipper after In order to make the story more natural, I added the sound of organizing clothes after zipping up the zipper, to portray the man’s image of being neat and tidy even though he is under great pressure.

4. Also to portray the man’s great pressure, I added a lot of message reminders in the middle of the bike and the luggage, as well as the sound of the man typing back the message, to reflect that he is actually busy at work and under great pressure, and that it is now the rare time that he has to himself, and so he deleted the reply and turned off his phone.

5. Regarding the ending, I’ve been thinking about how to make the ending flow better because it’s based on a story I remember, a traffic accident where the man was hit by a car because he wasn’t paying attention, so I wanted to end my story with a car crash. But I didn’t want the process to be too cumbersome, so I only planned to use the sound of brakes to represent the impact of the car.6. Regarding the production of the brake sound, the original sound was rather short and not layered, so I used the Doppler Effect Enhancer through my study, and I set up the parameters to simulate the impact of the car’s action on the sound, so as to make the sound more realistic.

Of course, I have a lot of questions. As the professor commented to me, as a sound project rather than a movie project, the sound is more abstract. We need to use sound to make the audience imagine correctly, and the correct imagination needs to be proved and affirmed by them based on the clues provided to them by the sound. My article lacks this step, and the more linear narrative means that the piece is more suited to a movie than a sound project!

 

 

My Memory

        In the depths of my recollections, a vivid memory emerges, like a delicate bloom unfurling its petals. It transports me to a time when the world was ensnared in the grip of uncertainty, and life took on a new rhythm. Perhaps it was the sight of a star-studded sky on a moonlit night or a profound conversation shared under the cloak of darkness. Yet, amidst the tapestry of my reminiscences, one particular evening lingers with an unparalleled resonance—a night that unfolded with whispered secrets and tender connections.

        It was an event when the news of a sweeping outbreak had scattered us like autumn leaves, compelling us to retreat to the solace of our homes and continue our studies through the confines of virtual classrooms. As the sun relinquished its hold on the day, burdened by the weight of knowledge acquired, I found myself strolling the hallowed grounds of our campus in the company of a fellow student, yearning for the promise of reunion.

        While my classmates reveled in boisterous celebration, reveling in the liberation from the shackles of academia, this kindred spirit and I traversed the walkways in hushed communion. Our steps echoed softly, a symphony of silence, as we sought out secluded alcoves where solitude wrapped us in its embrace. The lamplight flickered, casting a gentle glow upon us, while the celestial heavens shimmered with a resplendence that mirrored our shared wonderment.

        Words danced like fireflies in the air, as we spoke of the ethereal qualities of the atmosphere and the timeless beauty of the earth. In this nocturnal reverie, we uncovered the essence of our beings, bared our souls, and forged a connection that defied the limits of time and place. Amidst the whispers and confessions, we unveiled a simple pleasure—a cake, unassuming in its appearance, yet an embodiment of divine decadence. With each delectable bite, its flavors melded with our laughter, creating a symphony of delight upon our tongues. It was, without a doubt, the most exquisite cream cake to have ever graced my palate.

        As the evening wore on, we ambled together, our steps unhurried, weaving through the tapestry of shadows and light. The moment of parting loomed, and she retreated into the sanctuary of her mother’s waiting car, while I retraced my steps homeward. The night, in all its splendor, had left an indelible mark upon my heart, and a yearning blossomed within me to recount its magic in my voice, to relive its ethereal enchantment.

        For it was a night that had transcended the ordinary, a night when the world stood still, and two souls found solace in the quietude of each other’s presence.

Photo Diptych

Exchanging Stories

        So，the title of my work is Exchanging Stories, and I’m excited to share my journey in bringing this creation to life through this post.

CONCEPT 

        Life is undeniably filled with romance, and I believe that infusing a touch of romance into my work is essential. Inspired by a conversation with Professor Zhang, who once shared that art involves perceiving life from unconventional perspectives, I found myself drawn to an unlikely source of inspiration—the garbage can. This often overlooked object holds a multitude of stories just waiting to be discovered. Within its depths lie discarded flowers from Valentine’s Day, beloved comic books abandoned by parents, and even homeless cats and dogs seeking refuge. The garbage can faithfully remains in its place, silently accepting the emotional residue of others, yet no one has ever taken the time to truly listen to its tales. Consequently, my work focuses on fostering a storytelling exchange with the garbage can through the simple act of discarding waste.

PROGRESS

        First Photo： Even before capturing the first photograph, I found myself reevaluating and refining my chosen theme. It became apparent to me that the two photos needed to be interconnected in some manner, and I found the concept of shifting perspectives to be a fascinating approach. Transitioning from the viewpoint of a garbage can to that of a human being symbolized an internal exchange, a profound shift in perception. Consequently, I endeavored to capture the first image from the perspective of the trash can itself. Naturally, photographing from within a trash can presented challenges, so I opted to zoom in and utilize the elliptical shape of the can as the focal point. By doing so, I aimed to centralize the action of discarding trash, emphasizing its significance within the composition.

        Second Photo：   While crafting the second chapter’s image, I contemplated how I could create a striking contrast with the first photograph. It occurred to me that I could transform the initial image into black and white, while rendering the exterior of the trash can in black and white as well, but preserving the colors on the inside. This would symbolize the captivating narratives hidden within the trash can’s confines.

However, I encountered challenges when deciding what elements to include within the colored photos placed inside the trash can. Striking a balance was crucial—I didn’t want the picture to appear cluttered, unfocused, or overly complex, yet I also wanted to convey that the trash can held compelling stories. After careful consideration, I opted to include two sunset photos—one capturing the beauty of a natural landscape and the other showcasing a human landscape during sunset. These images aimed to convey the overarching narrative within the trash can. However, I acknowledge that further refinement is needed to add more nuanced details and depth to the composition.

 

CONCLUSION

Certainly, continuous improvement is an essential part of any creative process. As I mentioned, refining the selection and design of the photos within the trash can is a crucial aspect. Careful consideration should be given to choose images that convey specific storytelling details, enhancing the narrative and capturing the viewer’s imagination.

In terms of composition, incorporating a sense of regularity can indeed strengthen the visual impact. Professor Zhang’s suggestion of utilizing an oval box in both pictures to emphasize their connection is thought-provoking. This idea opens up avenues for exploring further possibilities and incorporating cohesive elements that enhance the overall composition. It’s definitely worth contemplating and incorporating into your future assignments to create a more harmonious and visually engaging body of work.

——– Chenhan Xu

Reading Response—-In Our Own Image by Fred Ritchin

 

        To me, the term “fluidity of the digital” suggests a characteristic of the digital realm, which refers to the dynamic and malleable nature of digital technologies, which enable rapid transmission, editing, and distribution of content.

        So, I read some other passages of his books and have a further knowledge of his idea.In the context of photography,  Ritchin has discussed how digital tools and platforms have transformed the traditional notions of photographic truth and authenticity. Digital images can be easily altered, manipulated, or even generated entirely using software, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction. This fluidity challenges the traditional role of photography as a reliable document of reality and raises questions about the credibility and trustworthiness of images in the digital age.

        The fluidity of the digital also relates to the information and media can flow freely across various platforms, transcending physical and geographic boundaries. The internet and social media platforms have facilitated the rapid dissemination of content, enabling it to reach global audiences almost instantaneously. This freedom of movement and accessibility has both positive and negative implications, as it allows for the democratization of information but also raises concerns about privacy, misinformation, and control over digital narratives.

My Diptych Concept

 

        I think a diptych is about combining different photographs, taking the same points in them, or diametrically opposed and contrasting points,  to make a work. In the beginning, when the teacher gave us this assignment, I didn’t have any ideas. So I decided just to go out on the street and take some random pictures and look at the scenery to get some ideas….. maybe…?

        The main point is that I’m still not sure if I want to do portraits or landscapes. Especially in a diptych, if it’s a photo of  landscape, it’s hard for it to affect the meaning of the whole piece, so I consciously focus on portraits as well.

        That is why I have this one photo:       

        To me, this photo  has a , you know, very cinematic feel. Like one of those times in the past when the older generation got together to play cards and gossip. In this age of hustle and bustle, these people bring a kind of relaxed and casual atmosphere that I really admire. Especially, the advertisements on the wastepaper boards gives me  a sense of the times so much…… 

        So I decided to focus on portraits. I want the spotlight to be on people’s real lives, or the bitterness of those who can’t be with their loved ones when everyone else is on vacation.

                  (Why is the clarity of the picture so low?…..)

       Next words, I’ll probably pick a large background and put the characters together. I will probably use filters, lasso, crop, etc. tools in Photoshop. I also need to continue learning how to use advanced techniques in Photoshop as well.

 

 

 

 

Sound Visualization Documentation

 

        I am Chenhan Xu. Here’s my work of Sound Visualization of music “Sogno di Volare” by Christopher Tin:

        And the music is here:        https://open.spotify.com/track/1miPwGI7xUKfHj6vIpMfP3?autoplay=true

Concept and Design

        From the music. From the progressive harmonies in the lower registers, the elegant violins in the upper registers, and the solemn orchestral group, I felt a strong sense of power. At the same time, the repetition of the melody is a bit cyclical, with ups and downs as if sailing on the sea. It reminds me of Columbus exploring the unknown. The whole piece of music is purposeful and rising, leading up to the climax, which in my imagination is the discovery of an unknown continent, where people from all walks of life come together to fight and write new glories.

Process

        With a rough sense of the music, I began to compose. I started with a rough distortion of the letter c, to make it look more like a wave, and placed it in the center, in the sense of sailing on the sea.

        After this, I felt that the power of the wave was relatively not so strong, he was a bit too soft, and I preferred to reflect some graphics full of power in my work. Therefore, I made four straight lines similar to light beams, which converge at a point to the left of the center, which may represent the unknown new continent they discovered. The four rays of light spread out in all directions, and here I think I should borrow a little bit of the style of painting similar to the Sun King, emphasizing a kind of power and dominance. This is my first draft:

        After this, I felt that the white and black generics were not evenly distributed, and were a bit too blank in some places, so I wondered what I could do to compensate. Therefore, I placed the letter d in the lower right corner, with a curved graphic to show some rigid-flexible softness, which of course can be interpreted as a boat. At the same time, I added some short dashed lines of the right length next to all the straight lines in an attempt to indicate the sense of speed of these beams. And then it was done!

Conclusion

I think I did a pretty good job on most of this assignment, but there are still some shortcomings. I think I’m not very skillful in using Adobe Illustrator, so some of the details in my assignment may not be handled very well.

        This is my Pioneer Plaque：

        What we can see in this motion picture is a man drilling a tree branch for fire. According to archaeologists, humans started using fire about a million years ago. This is an extremely historic moment, before that, people could only eat raw meat, and cold food, which not only tastes bad, but is also prone to parasites and other safety issues. After drilling wood to get fire, people began to be able to cook with fire, defend themselves against wild animals, have activities at night, and have the help of warmth in winter. The advent of fire took human evolution to the next level, so to speak. Oh, have to want you to explain what fire is, from a chemical point of view: the fire we see is a luminous heat phenomenon in the form of a flame when a combustible material undergoes a rapid oxidation reaction with oxygen. The color of the flame is related to the temperature of combustion and energy changes. For example, sodium atoms get energy at high temperatures and turn into an excited state, but the excited state is not very stable and will automatically release energy back to the ground state. It releases energy equivalent to 589.6nm and 589nm two wavelengths of light, so the sodium burning flame is yellow. From a physical point of view: fire is the light and heat generated by the combustion of substances, its nature is the expression of energy and electron jumps

Returning to the main topic, I would also like to emphasize that fire also played a very important role in the various revolutions that followed in the following thousands of years, such as the mechanical revolution. Perhaps you will have heard that there was a Greek named Prometheus who brought fire to mankind, but this is from mythology, that is, a story, and we can’t be sure whether it’s true or not.

        The current human technology I’d like to pick is, as you can see, GIF. I understand that the logic of your language is synchronized and concurrent, whereas we earthlings speak in a linear progression, which can make it inconvenient for you to read. And gifs are a great way to solve the problem. With just the animated content of a GIF, we earthlings are able to understand what the sender is trying to convey through the motion picture, possibly explaining a concept, or expressing anger or helplessness. Of course, it will be a bit difficult for you guys to understand the deeper meaning behind the motion picture, but I believe that you should have no problem simply understanding what the picture brings. Although we have only two hands and two feet, which is different from you, you will be able to understand by analogy what would happen if you were to change from a seven-legged hand to a two-legged one. I see that you can convey the meaning of our words through a single symbol, and that is very impressive!

So I was looking for a similar medium on Earth, and I found theGIFs!

 

                                 This is My First Blog