Prompt
Watch the documentary Video Out (Finklestein & Vlachos, 2005) and read the chapter on VJing by Eva Fischer from the collection The Audiovisual Breakthrough (Fluctuating Images, 2015).
Write a two to three-paragraph reflection on the practice of VJing, as described by the author, and how it relates to the notions of “liveness”, “the performative”, and the concept of “visual wallpaper”. Relate it to your own experience with work you’ve seen by VJs in a concert/club/theater setting.
“VJing stands for liveness, transience, and uniqueness.” Different from the music video screening, VJing requires the performing and improvising VJ. “The performative character of a VJ performance is closely connected to the structural and formal influences of the music: composition, rhythm, the desire to create immersive 12 [ spaces, and the use of samples, 13 [ loops, 14 [ or patterns, 15 [ all of which can be compared to the development of electronic music and DJing.” From how I understand it, VJing requires control and movement of the performers or even the audience. Time and space are important for VJing because the same performance will never occur twice. It’s important to note that VJing can’t be separated from music because it is largely related to DJing.
“VJing as a visual component, therefore, always refers to a responsive action, a cooperation with someone else.” The visual wallpaper refers to the dissatisfaction that VJs have because they are treated more unfavorably compared to DJs. In the documentary, some artists also change from VJs to video artists. From my perspective, it’s large because VJs always need to be a part of joint performances with others particularly DJs or audio performers. I totally agree with the author’s opinion that the environment of the club causes this as well. The audience in the club won’t focus on the screen as much as in the movie theater, which makes perfect sense. It’s indeed a pity that VJing isn’t paid enough attention in the performing places, especially the clubs.
The latest experience I have with audiovisual performance is the field trip to the live house. I feel that most people went there to watch the performance so many people did pay attention to the VJing. The visual effects, the light, and the audio were very cool. It was like everyone was standing to watch a performance, which felt different from the club.
