The Underwater Monument

American monuments reflect the history and ideals of society. However monuments become lost over time, even if they are erected in public space. Those who seek the monuments create resurrection. Through the lens of contemporary society there is more of a push for accessibility and practicality suppressing awareness in physical context of objects such as monuments. We are able to scour the web and find images therefore experiencing the aesthetics and context on much too basic of a level.

I propose a monument in the most abstract of place. This place is not void of paparazzi, but does change the scope in which the viewer must seek this physical form. My hope is to renew the idea of monument by rejecting usual placement and encouraging expedition among natives and tourist alike. To seek this underwater behemoth is not without objective, but when found the viewer will contemplate location and context. The structure will be

78ftx80ftx40ft. If lost, the monument may survive and become a great find for future archeology.

The form does not come without context. In tradition manner, I create a form within the interest of my aesthetic and resolve. The monument is abstract in nature but pulls for the history of culture and finds meaning in contemporary social issues. Radial composition has historically brought reference to rebirth and the transience of life. This is evident in “Akhenaten and His Family” an ancient Egyptian limestone relief. The sphere is meant to resemble the sun god, Rah

whom is reborn in the form of sunrise. In Japanese culture the cherry blossom is an annual reminder of how brief life is. Imagery of cherry blossoms can

represent birth

and death, a circular belief in life. These ideas are represented in the monument, the idea of this monument resurrecting discovery

and spiritualism in our fact-based, objective society.The placement of the monument must show constant change. This will further the contextual implications of the work. Great change has

occurred in the Gulf of Mexico over the last decade and would be ideal for this placement. With hurricane Katrina and The BP oil spill we will see much renewal in life, structure and spirit. The circular form of the gulf will also add context.

Building materials will be around 4 million. The structure will be made of a unique stone, which promotes coral growth, carved on location and moved underwater. Over time, the stone will be effected by the underwater environment becoming homes for new life.

Improbable Monument

I've created the form for my monument and will work towards finalizing it. I will be placing the object within Google Earth, in a place I feel there will be great environmental and social impact. This monument will be placed underwater, for the form and intent is connected directly with tragedy with climate change.

Haines Gallery (Outside Event)

I finally had the chance to see the works of a favourite of mine, Darren Waterston. His work is displayed at Haines Gallery in downtown San Francisco. When I entered the gallery, large sheets of metal with a landscape-eske engravings dominated the room. Some of the forms looked like cross-sections of rock. The compositions were reminded me of generic the 9"x12" but these pieces were all about the material.

I was very excited to enter into the room where Waterston was showing. I went right for the artist statement. In one corner, there was a dried lava looking sculpture which complimented the works. The works were composed in a sketchbook style, stacked and grouped close. The pieces ranged in size, from 12"x12" to 18"x24". I moved in closer, I have heard that his paintings have amazing surfaces and they did.

After seeing this show, I ventured into the other galleries which were spread across five floors.

The mixture of wine and the excitement of seeing work for the first time assured my "first thursday" was a good one.

Approach, Transition, Touchdown! (Art Show)

The plan: Studio visit with Amanda Hughen

Waiting outside, I strained me eyes trying to see past the horizonal lines of a pair of window shades. I heard male voices and wondered if I should knock but instead found a place to sit and read.

When we entered, the space happened to be a sound production studio and Hughen had aquired a neat, good-sized space in the back. She began with presenting her work and stating her side-profession as a graphic designer. It was apparent she was trained as in design. Her work was abstract and dealt with ambiguous space, much like my work. After much discussion Amanda ended with an invitation of the Approach, Transition, Touchdown show at the Electric Works Gallery.

When the big day came, I got inevitably lost. After walking in circles I finally found the gallery. I entered and thought, "God Philip, you came on the wrong day... again." The room I had entered was filled with large and small format books which were mostly illustrations. As I continued feverishly, I entered the main room and Amanda was standing there surrounded a couple of people and a swarm of children.

I followed the natural flow of the gallery which landed me in a room of installations. All seemed to deal with very specific elements of modern aritecture. A piece delt with a driver perspective of the road, another a light installtion of a cracked windshield.

I then moved into the main gallery and noticed a wall of smaller drawings. This show was a collaboration and these drawings illustrated conceptual drawings dilivered from one aritst to another. These drawings were great and setup in true (gallery)sketchbook fashion.

The large scale works were the end result of the collaboration. Dominating, suspensful, soft and hard. When looking at these pieces, I feel tense. Despite the warm array of colours, the juxtaposition reminds me of my own work.

Improbable Monument

Since this is an improbable scenario, I'm letting my imagination go wild. I've always loved the idea of monumental structure built in water. This idea seems contemporary in nature, given the recent catastrophic events.

In context, the idea could be a tribute to the harmony or disharmony between human and nature. There seems to be a push and pull between land a water, especially with the climate change. This could also play as a memorial for people who have died during these events.

I haven't decided whether I want to make the monument above or below water.

Ideas for Collaboration

Gateway (Visual or Literal)

Create a similar visual image through pinpoints and paths which express similarity with both locations.

Similarity Ideas:
- Terrain
Areas of historical interest
Change in Terrain
Topographic Similarities
City Planning
Weather Tendencies
Area of social significance
Areas of Environmental Change


Virtual Tour Turned into Journalistic Surrogates

Both teams create a visual tour of sights and locations that are of interest. The other team then must venture out and take photos and gather information on each location. Both teams then edit the visual tour with the added information

Video (One Place, Twice the Culture)

Express similarities, assemble a video that expresses both places as a single location. Monologue from all group members, expressing various locations. Use stereotypes and specific examples intermix both cultures. Do not express the location to maintain ambiguity.

The idea of this is to completely blur the line between locations. Make the viewer think. “Where are they?”Should be a common question.

Smart Joints

Human Augmentation

Smart Joints


What are joint extensions?
Implants added to the knees , back, shoulders, ankles, hips and other common problem area joints that ease movement which insures longevity. These implants are both internal and external to the body. These implants may also be manual controlled with external remote for those whom have stiff muscles.

What are they made of?
The implants are made from titanium, allowing cohesion with the body and unparalleled, long-lasting durability. Computers are build into the implants to allow remote movement. Both natural and remote movement are a breeze with this material.

Do I qualify for this technology?
Potential clients will range from patients whom have existing joint wear and damage to patient whom are looking for preventative measures to ensure longevity in joints. Unfortunately patients whom decide to use this technology for preemptive means may be faced with rejection to insurance claims.

What are the risks?
These implants have not been tested with high speed force accidents such as a car crash. However, much of them act as braces. Computer malfunction has only occurred in 2% of the sample patients.

Where can I have these installed?
The availability of this technology is universal. Most major augmentation clinics have all types of “smart joints” on hand. This technology may also be applied to your already existing engineered parts.


We do not recommend purchasing these devices on any market other than the national healthcare system. Without professional medical assistance improper installation can lead to fracture, damage of organic body parts and in many cases, death.

^ The knee and hip are major joints that succumb to wear and aging.

This is an example of an implant. The implant is capable of creating a life-long joint which does not wear. The secondary function is the remote device implanted within. Patients can keep their muscles loose by controlling movement of the smart joint.

Cross Border Collaboration

The final project was successful, however I wish we had more fluid conversation with our partners.

Vancouver_version3.kmz

San Francisco Public Art Projects.kmz

2 Ideas that are driving me crazy!

The original idea I have seems like a bust to me now. I want to utilize solar energy because the technology is relatable and I have need to create something that would exist in my lifetime. I need to let this go for this assignment. However, my idea here is to create a "second skin" which is worn on the body and utilizes solar energy to give the wearer the ability to charge mobile devices by a connection of some type.

My new idea.

I want to create an implant that assists you with problem solving from day to day. Once you get the implant, it will have a gustation period of 2 years. The implant is much like a smart computer, it will identify trends in your visual sensors. It will pick up on consistent focal points and things you avoid looking at. It will match the way you feel about an object and connect it to its use. After the gustation period, you start to get visual reminders and you notice things of interest. This system primarily will use the connections you've made and remind your brain of them. For example, you are watching television and a glare appears. The implant signals create a colour that will allow you to notice the blinds, to close them. Another example, you walk down the street and don't notice a cloud that, in the past, turns into a rain cloud, this device points it out. You are at dinner, because of cravings during your menstrual cycle, certain entrees are highlighted.

The system is more of a parody on smart computers and smart advertisements.

Put in to Practice

Ideas for Body Augmentation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1QyddJgR80&feature=player_embedded

I've started sketching ideas for the project on body augmentation. I am trying to use something like solar energy to make the augmentation more contemporary and realistic. I've decided to employ the idea of epidermal layer of the skin to embed thin panels in an attempt to create lasting battery life with objects such as phones and MP3 players. Along with this idea, you could use things such as rechargable batteries and

http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/science-scope/electronic-skin-made-out-of-stretchable-solar-cells/6940

There has been research into stretchable solar skins, which primarily will be used to add functionality to robots in the future.

Another idea that I have is to use hair like receptors to give more information to the human body. Maybe working off of what we have now, like touch sensors and pressure sensors. To keep with the theme I have, I want to create something that is more viable and subtle. The augmentation must have a changed effect on the body.

Culture Jamming

In the past, I have had great appreciation for culture jamming. I was specifically interested in guerilla marketing. The idea that we are being bombarded with constant advertisements is overwhelming for many people, but for some it is just everyday. I personally do not watch television and this creates great division in my socialization compared to some of my friends. I tend to think differently when certain situations arise, however my ideas my seem obslete. The political nature of this is the idea that our society has a set of rules which stem from popular culture. If not kept up with popular culture through media, one becomes an outsider. This can be positive of negative depending on who you are. A great spin on guerilla marketing are those whom take advertisements and spin them. Also the movement of street artists that use the same ideas to get you to stop and think. An idea of the latter are trompe l'oeil paintings in public spaces. When applied, the viewer stops and views space differently. Some of these paintings could have historical references as well as social issues. This idea is exciting to me, the push for more of this work will take public space and compete with advertisement to influence. After all, public space is not neutral nowadays.

The Project Swap...

This is the result of Jared's project when i completed it. It was hard to keep myself from trying to draw something appealing. It was the first time in a long while I've used coloured pencils.

Indeterminacy Project: "The Profile"

Step 1: Use the website: http://www.kleimo.com/random/name.cfm

Leave the obscurity factor for 20.

Take 1 female name and 1 male name and write them down.

Step 2: Use those name and type them in google.

Use the first profile image you find that matches the name.

Use this image as the profile image.

Step 3: Use the website: www.randomcountry.com

List this under location or hometown within the profile.

Step 4: Use the website: www.Strootman.org/jobtitle

Hit the randomize button once.

Add information as “occupation”

Step 5: Use the website: http://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/applications/majors/random/randominclude.php

Hit the Try again button.

Add information as “studied”

Step 6: Use the website www.random.org and randomize between 1-11

Take the number and match it according to this chart:

1(single)2(in a relationship)3(engaged)4(married)5(its complicated)6(In an open relationship)7(widowed)8(seperated)9(divorce)10(in a civil union)11(divorce)

Add information as “relationship status”

Step 7: Use the website: www.randomquotes.net

Add information as “favourite quote”

Step 8: Compile this information to create a profile for the individual.

IDEA:

The original project was a “failure.” I love the conceptual aspect of the final project, but nothing would be expressed in the video that was created. I used a name generator and location generator and came up with 10 profiles (originally 75). I used this to look of each person and sent them a message saying:

Hello ,

My name is Philip Yango and I am doing a video arts piece that has to do with randomly generated information. You have been selected randomly from a computer program first from location to letter of last name to the number of searched result on Facebook. I just ask a favor, send me something about yourself. It can be anything from a 5 second video of yourself staring into the camera or just a single word.

The finished product will be sent to you in time. I would like to thank you for your participation or even lack of being that you will leave a blank slide where there was not response. [Your information will not be presented unless that is your response]

Some ideas of what to send back:

Short video

comment

cool youtube video link

a song

artwork

a word

favorite colour

or just nothing

Thank you again, I will collect the data at the end of the week and have the video as soon as possible."

I wanted to compile a video that expresses ones response to this message. This would give unique perspectives from a random sample of persons. It shows people’s views on ignoring a message, seriousness of the project or creativity. However, no one has gotten back to me, so there would have been 10 blank slides. Like I said, exciting conceptually, but not much to discuss. So the project I created instead deals with juxtaposition.

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From the start the project is to change ones view on identity. When looking at one’s identity, because of social networking websites, we look for key highlights. Such as location, relationship status or job. I used a number of random generators to create these separate profiles. These profiles are not completely random however, but the result expressed create a juxtaposition within the nature of an online profile. The people matched with the statistics seem strange.

Try one with your own pictures!

Jane Mcgonigal and things like that.

So if you have never heard of Jane Mcgonigal, she is a personal hero of mine. She is a game developer whom pushes to create games that make a real social change; anything from the environment to multiple awarenesses.

I stumbled upon this today. A game has been created and online gamers have put their heads together to deal with issues of spacial reasoning.

Here is the website: http://fold.it/portal/

Apparently gamers have made a breakthrough in this research! More to come on the topic...

Sol Lewitt Response

I've always been cloudy on the idea of conceptual art. My level of understanding still evoked appreciation, but Sol seems to be very specific about his art categorization therefore presents a very straightforward definition of conceptual art.

The idea must transcend the visual aesthetic of the piece. As Sol puts this, conceptual art is, "the idea is the machine that creates the art." This is interesting, he describes art that is logical and planned leads to the death of the idea of the art. This translates to artists creating works that are heavy on visual aesthetic are shells of an idea an artist once had. Can conceptual art be on the opposite side of the spectrum of commercial art?

Much of the conceptual pieces I have experienced are very minimal. I agree with Sol that the idea then becomes the main point of the piece. However, the concept can sometimes be very obscure because of the lack of visual presentation, making the piece hard to relate to. I guess that is something that viewers of conceptual art are great at doing, is seeing right through the media.

This article has been great at setting the tone of the first project.

I've gathered breakfast and my framed photo of Jules Olitski~

Sound Installation

I've started at the top of the list of links and happened upon one of the most exciting installations I've seen in awhile. It is that of Michel and Andre Decosterd titled, Cycloïd-E. It is a sound installation that uses a pendulum-like motion to create unpredictable movements in the upper layers of the piece creating a unique composition of sounds each time the piece is expressed. This piece won Grand Prize in the Japanese Arts Festival.

Cycloïd-E

This seems almost Sci-fi stuff to me, I've wanted to create installations on a large scale but have lacked some of the technical know-how. I couldn't imagine creating a piece like this with all of the custom made tubing and speakers. Heck, I've created a model of an installation and couldn't get the LED lights to do what I wanted them to do. This is another reason I am in the CIA program, to familiarize myself with the foundation of such projects.

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Changing Space...

Thomas Soetans and Kora Van den Bulcke have created an international collective of artists that deal with interactive installations and virtual worlds as a way to redefine and manipulate space within architecture. The most recent exhibit presented deals with shifting perspectives and challenges to interpret what they see in hybrid environments with virtual and real space.

Website

I am a gamer and this has been an influence in my life in many ways. I've spend much time within virtual worlds and have challenged myself to think about the use of space created digitally. These exhibits seem to completely alter perception through the use of scale and technology, leaving us wondering what the future holds in such media.

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LED Master

Miyajima uses LED light installations to create an ambience that mirrors hope and life. Many of his work comes from tragedy and death and offers optimistic condolence to viewers. The LED lights are a metaphor for life or as he puts it the "eternity of life." These installations deal with Buddhist philosophy of the radiance of life.

Artist Website

This artist I found interesting because he works with LED lights. This is something that I have tried using in pieces and I am excited to see the work he has done. The feeling from his images are unique and expressive and really gives a very beautiful atmospheric quality to the site specific work.