here is an example of previous student work on this project:
here is some insightful info on abjection in art pratice and art making to assist you with project #2 conceptual development.
Project #2 Abject Self-Portrait Slideshow
Abject: The term Abjection literally means “the state of being cast out.” The concept of abject
exists in between the concept of an object and the concept of the subject, something alive yet not.
Often, the term space of abjection is also used, referring to a space that abjected things or beings
inhabit.
Tools: We will use Photoshop and flickr.com to achieve our goals. We will build on this
project over a number of days to gain full understanding of our tools and methods.
How to: This project will entail preparing or finding a minimum 20 images of equal size and
uploading them DAILY on flickr.com. The images will work together aesthetically, utilizing similar
design elements. This project will be output to screen in a slideshow format. Find or create
images that represent you. Using Photoshop (or The GIMP!), modify the images to create
continuity over time. an example of a flickr slide show is here
Objectives:
Preparing your images, (cropping, image size, levels) in Photoshop
Integrating images from Photoshop
Montaging your images in Photoshop using layers, opacities, and blending modes.
Using opacity and layering over time to create fades
Screen as output device
Use of both additive and subtractive methods in creating your images (cloning tool)
Questions: Compositionally, how do you lead the viewer from one image to the next? (In relation
to line, plane, shape, texture)
Is there a progression through time?
SINCE FLICKR IS IN THE DISCUSSION, we should consider the implications of Web 2.0 (a definition is here) in the creation of abject works of digital art. I think this can be explored fruitfully and with innovative results, but the challenge will be for the student to make a visual (or aural) connection beyond the slideshow (which easily embeds in your blog). students that are interested in using a web 2.0 technology besides flickr to create their abject self portrait should have a discussion with me about their ideas. what would be the current or most recent manifestation of the self in digital culture? is it your myspace or facebook? is it your avatar in second life? maybe youtube? google earth? take a look at terrance brown’s youtube portrait here.
