Natalya Charlemagne

One of my earliest memories, which is the inspiration for my Memory Soundscape project, is a recurring nightmare I experienced as a child. This memory takes me back to my childhood home, where I was haunted by a relentless and terrifying presence: the Joker, portrayed by Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight.” In my dream, this character and his “goons” relentlessly tried to find me in my house.

The nightmare was a symphony of fear and anxiety, making it a compelling subject for my project. In this dream I stayed fearful in the sanctuary of my bedroom closet, the last destination of safety. The Joker would roam through the house, unhurried and menacing, his laughter echoing through the corridors. The mere thought of his footsteps drew an invisible soundscape of fear.

I can hear the creaking floorboards, the eerie whispers of the wind outside, and the erratic rhythm of my heart as I hide in the darkness. The crescendo of terror would peak when the Joker finally reached my bedroom and swung open the closet door. That pivotal moment was signaling the abrupt end of the dream. This memory allows me to explore the complex soundscape of my childhood fear, translated into a haunting auditory experience.

Duality in Motion by Natalya Charlemagne

The concept behind this project is a contrast of “Converging Fates” and “Stillness in Motion.” The relationship between the initial image and the subsequent one reflects a transition from stillness to disarray, with the second image delving into the profound narrative of individuals gravitating rapidly towards chaos. This is vividly represented by the scattered alcohol bottles surrounding the “Drunk Baker” bag, with the lettering “Drunk Baker” presented in a rainbow palette, emblematic of the allure of disorder and disruption. The woman wearing a mask approaching the chaos, and the other woman driving swiftly toward it, collectively signify the human attraction to such scenarios. While the first photograph exudes a sense of blandness and an absence of allure, the second image paints a vivid picture of human magnetism toward chaos.

 

Contact Sheet

Regarding the selection of my contact sheet location, I chose Drunk Baker because it has an aesthetically pleasing ambiance and provided an opportunity to capture captivating photographs to incorporate into my photo diptych project. Furthermore, upon arriving in China and encountering the Drunk Baker bakery, I found the name to be somewhat comical, offering the potential to establish a relationship between the images based on the bakery’s name. This decision led me to choose the image of the “Drunk Baker” bag as the foundational element of my Diptych project, as I believed this photograph effectively conveyed the play of light on the bag, accentuating the words “Drunk Baker” while creating a contemplative and ‘silent’ atmosphere within the frame.

The digital process involving the use of Adobe Photoshop presented a significant challenge, because I am not familiar with this software. In response, I used resources such as slides from our class and instructional materials on YouTube to enhance my proficiency. In the second image, I modified the color of the “Drunk Baker” lettering to rainbow colors, as I found the original image was not interesting, I aimed to align it more closely with the theme of glamorizing chaos. Additionally, I  removed the the cup from the original image, as it did not contribute to the intended narrative. Furthermore, I employed techniques to smoothen the bag’s appearance and eliminate any visible tape, resulting in a cleaner aesthetic.

In Fred Ritchin’s book In Our Own Image, Ritchin explains the relevance of the significant impact of digital technology on photography, emphasizing the transition to the modern digital era has changed the essence and potential of this visual phenomenon. It challenges the standard of interpretation that photography’s fluidity allows for conceptualization and manipulation.

Ritchin mentions the shift to the “fluidity of the digital” referring to the revolutionary influence of digital technology on photography. In the past, traditional photography relied mostly on film and chemical processes. It corresponded with capturing a distinct moment in time or a frozen reality that may be interpreted as a representation of the world. However, with the emergence of digital photography images became more pliable and less confined by the limitations of the mechanical age. Digital technology prohibits easy alteration, manipulation, and synthesis of images, commencing a new level of fluidity and adaptability that was not obtainable prior due to the lack of technology. An example of this “fluidity of the digital” is the use of software like Adobe Photoshop. In this software, one can edit and manipulate photographs, distorting components such as colors, shapes, and the content of an image. 

Within this book, Ritchin argues the common notion that photography is strictly dedicated to capturing reality. Although photography has long been praised for its ability to represent physical reality, it has now shifted into accepting a broader meaning. Digital photography represents a new meaning that can go beyond broad documentation. It may become a tool for conceptualization, depicting not only the appearance of objectivity but also the realms of imagination, conceptual realities, and stimulation.

When comparing photography to other media such as text, video, virtual reality, and books, it is crucial to acknowledge that every approach has its unique strengths and weaknesses in capturing and representing reality. Photography is the traditional form of capturing a specific moment in time and preserving it for posterity. However, digital photography expands its capabilities to manipulation and conceptualization. Meanwhile one analyzes a different form of media such as videos, this media combines the visual and auditory sense, representing a whole different conceptualization. It allows a dynamic representation of reality over time. It may capture motion, emotions, and narratives, making a compelling medium for storytelling.

In conclusion, Ritchin suggests that photography, in its digital form, is no longer constrained to the singular role of an objective witness but has also shifted into a medium that can engage with reality in a more fluid and multi-faced direction. Digital photography’s fluidity allows one to explore subjects that were inaccessible before, making it a more valuable tool for representation and conceptualization in our evolving media landscape.

 

Name: Natalya Charlemagne

Title of Music: Hold On

Artist: The Internet

For my sound visualization project, I initially chose the song “Passion” by Pink Panthress. This track is known for its upbeat tempo and lively nature, making it an exciting choice for my project. However, as I started working on the project, I began to notice that it was turning out rather messy and chaotic. The visual representation I was creating didn’t seem to align with the music, and I realized that it was missing the incorporation of important design principles, particularly the Gestalt principles.

Given these challenges, I decided to go back to Illustrator and take a different approach. I wanted to select a song that had a more mellow and tranquil vibe. This change would not only help me create a cleaner and more coherent visualization but also allow me to explore a different artistic direction. I also still wanted my project to tie into the idea of the universe, as I found that concept intriguing. By choosing a mellower song with a more contemplative tone.

After deciding to scrap my initial draft, I embarked on creating a new piece for my sound visualization project. This time, I opted for the song “Hold On” by The Internet, which presents a markedly different mood compared to my previous choice. “Hold On” is a mellower and vibey track with lyrics centered around the significance of persevering in a relationship, regardless of the challenges faced. The song’s slow tempo and ethereal ambiance, particularly in its first 40 seconds, create a sensation akin to floating through outer space. 

The song’s slow tempo and ethereal ambiance, particularly in its first 40 seconds, create a sensation feeling of floating through outer space. To capture this essence and align with the universe theme, I chose a black background that imparts a space-like appearance to the piece. My aim was to depict the song’s tempo through strategic use of white space at the bottom, creating a visual contrast between black and white elements. The floating letter “L” is a key component of the visualization, symbolizing the song’s melody. It initially follows a specific trajectory, mirroring the song’s melody, before slowly deviating, representing a shift in the musical composition. Eventually, the “L” returns to its original position, symbolizing the melody’s return to its initial form.

Overall, I am satisfied with my sound visualization project. I successfully employed several principles of Gestalt principals, including continuity, similarity, proximity, and symmetry, to create a piece that conveys the essence of the music. I believe that my visualization genuinely captures the emotions and nuances depicted by the song, “Hold On”. Reflecting on potential improvements, if I were to revisit this project, I would consider making bolder design choices. This might involve incorporating more abstract shapes and experimenting with additional visual effects within the typography aspect of the piece to further enhance its impact and visual appeal. Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project because it provided me with the excuse to listen to my favorite songs during Communications Lab!

 

Prescription Glasses: Bridging a World of Clarity

In this illusive image, I depicted two scenarios. On the top, a human without glasses is trying to read the letter “E” as it appears illegible and incomprehensible. The absence of the corrective lenses, symbolizes the world of obscurity where visualizing information is absent, and comprehending becomes distorted On the bottom the same human who is wearing prescription glasses can read the letter “E” on an eye chart with precision. If the illustration was presented to the heptapods within “The Story of Your Life” it would highlight the themes of the story’s clarity and obscurity. The illustration represents the bridge to human perception provided by prescription glasses.
A revolutionary piece of human technology is prescription glasses. This serves as more than a corrective tool, they are windows into the intricate world of human interpretation. Hypothetically, In Ted Chiang’s “Story of Your Life”, the heptapods’ understanding of the importance of humanity with and without prescription glasses requires a survey of their significant impact on humanity, the consequences of their absence, and their meaningful importance. Prescription glasses are a deep-rooted representation of the human spirit. The heptapods may recognize glasses as a device that permits humans to translate the visual symphony of the world into a language we can understand and value.
Human existence is deeply rooted in the sensory perception of human surroundings. The human eye, a complex optical system, captures the delicacy of art, the enchantress of landscapes, and reads the emotions of fellow human beings. However, the entire population of humans does not have perfect eyesight. Thus prescription glasses save the burden of this lack of ability. Through attentively crafted lenses, they correct refractive misprints, allowing humans to perceive the world with greater detail and clarity. In comparison to the heptapods, communicating their semasiographic language, prescription glasses are a piece of technology that enhances our communication and perception of the world.
A world of humans without glasses is quite horrific. This means a world where text is illegible and inaccessible to the vast majority, imagine a world where blurry shapes replace other fellow humans, a world where the scenery of earth remains obscured. In this version of Earth, the richness of human association vanishes. Humans would struggle to understand the value of human expressions, share the beauty of landscapes and art, and capture the complexity of communication that defines human nature. Without prescription glasses would be a huge gap between the interconnectedness of humanity.
In the perception of the heptapods’ eyes, this illustration of the before and aftermath of utilizing prescription glasses, they may believe it is an intricate connection between clarity and obscurity, emphasizing the dynamic of human nature. Additionally, they may interpret it as a representation of a human’s persistent quest for comprehension, where the investment of apprehension leads to clarity and contentment. The heptapods might think the gap in knowledge of humans results in moments of confusion and uncertainty. The glasses could also serve as a metaphor for human’s constant pursuit to see beyond the surface-level things and dive deeper into interpreting.
In conclusion, prescription glasses are a vital part of human innovation and the unwavering devotion to transcending the limitations of humans’ physical existence. The lenses hold great power to transform the indistinct and blurry into coherent and comprehensible. In the realm of Ted Chiang’s “Story of Your Life”, where the heptapods communicate in a semasiographic language, glasses represent more than a corrective tool, they symbolize our inbred desire for clarity and knowledge. Just as the heptapods perceive the interconnectedness of time, they can possibly appreciate the significance of these transformative pieces of technology.

The “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang is narrated by the linguist, Dr. Louise Banks, who is hired to help decode communication with the alien species called “heptapods”. These aliens have a peculiar written language that is different from typical human communication. While learning how to decode the heptapod’s language, she has flashbacks of her life in a non-cohesive order. The story simultaneously switches between her past and future, challenging her knowledge of time and determinism. This story touches upon concepts of perception of science and language.

Linguists learn that the heptapods use pictorial characters to communicate, drastically different from human communication, making it difficult for humans to understand. Heptapod B’, is semasiographic, meaning they utilize symbols or logograms representing entire words or concepts. This language is not connected to vocal sounds, unlike the human language.

In contrast to the heptapods, humans use the vocal cords that allow them to produce different sounds, creating the foundation of phonetic and oral languages. This creates the sequential form of human language causing humans to speak and write in a sequential order.

In conclusion, the “Story of Your Life” by Ted Chiang highlights the difference in languages between humans and heptapods and how humans had to erase their concept of communication to comprehend the heptapod’s language.