Research Immersive Artwork
Instructions: Research contemporary artwork based on VR, video game or immersed video installation and come prepared to share and discuss it in the next class. The presentation should include video or image references for other students to understand fully how the researched artwork works. The recommended duration for the presentation is 5 minutes. Submit your presentation file into the submission folder. Please analyze the artwork you selected with the below questions and include your answer in the presentation.
- What does the artist want to talk through his/her work? what is the concept or artist’s intention of the work?
- how was the artist’s concept communicated in the work? (storytelling/interaction/representation/ etc.)
- Is VR is the best medium that conveys the artist’s concept/? If so, why? If not, why?
Mat Collishaw “Echolocation“
(LucasLin_PresentationSlides Link)
The artist being presented, Mat Collishaw, explores the workings of the human mind and the impact of technology on our perception. Through techniques such as optical illusions, paintings, and moving sculptures, Collishaw prompts contemplation on profound questions in psychology and history. He reinterprets old themes and art styles, infusing them with a contemporary twist through digital tools, offering new perspectives on reality.
Collishaw collaborated with Kingston University students to create “Echolocation,” a project illustrating the world from a bat’s perspective using echolocation, set within the historic All Saints Church in Kingston, where kings were once crowned.
The intention behind “Echolocation” was to delve into the rich history of All Saints Church, leading viewers on a captivating journey through time. By incorporating bat imagery, inspired by Kingston’s status as a bat conservation area, and drawing from the pioneering work of Eadweard Muybridge in stop-motion photography, the project pays homage to historical legacies while exploring themes of heritage, technology, and nature. The mystical atmosphere of the installations evokes a sense of the unseen past, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in an intriguing experience.
While the artwork effectively immerses viewers in Kingston’s history and integrates bat animations, it lacks historical references such as the significance of king crowning ceremonies within the church’s narrative. Additionally, the importance of bats in the piece may require further clarification through background information.
Immersive video installations serve as an optimal medium for conveying Collishaw’s concept in “Echolocation” for several reasons. Firstly, they enhance engagement by transporting viewers into historical scenes. Secondly, they facilitate a clear delineation between past and present, aiding in the understanding of history. Thirdly, they enable the artist to juxtapose technology and nature, fostering deeper contemplation. Lastly, immersive installations allow for observation while fostering a sense of involvement, striking a balance between participation and reflection. In contrast to other media that may offer 3D views or first-person perspectives, immersive video installations provide a unique and holistic platform to effectively showcase the artist’s concept while allowing viewers room for thought and observation.
Sources:
- “Echolocation” by The Royal Photographic Society, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8truM9xICc&t=1s.
- “Kingston University students support artist Mat Collishaw to create ‘Echolocation’ outdoor video installation showcasing borough’s history.” Kingston University, 28 Apr. 2021, www.kingston.ac.uk/news/article/2486/28-apr-2021-kingston-university-students-support-artist-mat-collishaw-to-create-echolocation-outdoor-video-installation-showcasing-boroughs/.
- Collishaw, Mat. “Echolocation.” Mat Collishaw, www.matcollishaw.com/works/echolocation/.
- “Mat Collishaw.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mat_Collishaw.