Projection Mapping

Pavillion Dance Recce

Before we can actually project anything, we had to test run the various locations in the Pavillion Dance centre of which we could put our project on. With the basis of having 3 canvas' and a timeline to project onto, we needed a space with not too much space so that it was lost, but also so that the light didn't interfere, we wouldn't cause a blockage of viewers or a cause of concern in front of the fire exits/fire escape routes.
From this we had two main choices, the glass box with a pillar by the fire exit on the left of the pavillion as you enter, and the corridor on the left through the light box.

With the knowledge that the artwork is going to be removed and so will give us a blank page to project onto. Although we had a creative idea to make a physical timeline and to have it wrapped round the pillar in one location, we think it would be less of a hazard and more pleasing on the eye to have it in the corridor as a whole piece rather than slightly disjointed.

Practice

Our chosen projection mappers have been experimenting with the specifics and fine details of how aligned you can have the installation. In their last work shop, they have been projecting onto solid objects, as well as learning to change the focus depending on the perspective of the footage/image you are trying to project.
This gives a wild array of ideas, such as create a moving image piece revolving around a dancer, who then jumps from different areas to objects, to create an extremely visual piece.
Similarly in a reflective view, the amount you can do with a projection is incredible - See the research section for videos/clips I've found of other artists and practitioners' installations.

Research

Although in my group I am not one of the elected Projection Mappers, I found it very interesting to look into some research surrounding the sorts of projects and installations which are doable and in our reach as media students. Although on reflection, we should caution ourselves to not be too ambitious within the time frame we have been given, at the same time, we want our piece to be selected for the 6 week exhibition, and furthermore to be showcased to a wide audience, therefore it has to be slimline (not bulky and an obstacle), visually and audibly appealing, as well as appealing to a wide range of audiences, not just those who have a knowledge of Hip Hop, but perhaps those who are visiting, new to the area, or young children who want to be revealed to the world of Hip Hop. 

          


This video above somewhat reminds me of a scanner on a printer. The white beam of light is present in most sci-fi movies as part of a sensor scan, so this is what I associate with it. Noting that this installation is a 3D one, and so the images are able to wrap around the boxes after being mapped, where the colours can then be changed and altered easily - corresponding to the beat audio. Being a visual piece, the colours attract attention, and therefore the emotions that are associated with the colours are felt within the audience. Not only has the artists used the boxes to project onto, but he hwas used the all behind to draw the eye of the viewer and create an incredibly interesting and innovative piece.

Solid Object Mapping

          

Skip to 24 Seconds for Installation.

With a rap/techno over audio piece, this would be a great advert for trainers from a very simple and static content. I specifically like the glitter and fairy light aspects which really intrigued me that perhaps we had thought too much into our piece. The simple and specific projection being laid onto the trainer shows the wide opportunities with projection mapping as well as how simplistic and effective an idea can be.
Reflecting on our piece, I feel perhaps by focussing on such a flat surface like a canvas, was a bad move, due to the fact that there's nothing much interesting about it, except it looks more 3D and stands out from the wall. I feel as if projecting onto a more intricate display would have been far more effective, and encompassing all the 5 Pillars into one installation instead of split screens would have been far more effective.

Projection Mapping Dancers 

Skip to 1.50 for installation

                            

I found this footage simply for the installation being used live on Dancers. Although this is different to the pieces we are creating where we are pre-recording our footage and then producing it into the mapping sequence, I found this an insightful piece as to how the dancers can interact with the installation, rather than just have it as a 'bit of light' floating around, or simply projected onto a wall. This created a  physical 3D installation but on the actual dancers as opposed to a static object, such as a box or trainer in my previous examples. I am very interested by the colour and creativity which can be produced into such an art form for audience enjoyment. 

Concept Art

This concept art was drawn up to show how our installation will look and also the colour interpretation we want to incorporate in order to represent how Hip Hop has developed and changed over the years.
Featuring the different pillars on canvases which we want to stand in the Pavillion Dance corridor and create an artistic physical piece rather than just relying on the projection mapping and being a 2D piece. We want to create a stronger dimension for people to be interested in and to significantly develop our idea. 

On reflection, I feel that having a singular creative piece focussing on the dancer, doing various styles, getting different shots and a variety of creative influences in a bright interpretive background such as the graffiti rooftop would be an incredibly effective piece. The complexity of our idea sometimes makes me wonder whether it is worth some of the components actually being included and what they will add to it.