Fading Memories
What does it mean to experience grief?
A visual and physical representation on how grief becomes art through autonomous body functions.
About the Project
Though we may close our eyes to try and remember, the idea of “synthetic memories” through technology is just one way we can live through nostalgia one more time. I plan to delve into these complex expressions into two parts, through a physical portion involving organic and “dying” materials like bark and sticks, making up a dog figure that “breathes” using a mechanical operation. And a second portion using a heart monitor to create a generative art using one’s own heart beat.
Using a dog figure not only brings those within a calmer state of mind, but it is also symbolistic of my own pet that I have dedicated much of my work and pieces towards. Placing a hand onto a part of this sculpture will register one’s heat, having the piece move up and down creating a “breathing” illusion.
The generative portion comes from a heart beat monitor a person will wear on their finger and then asked to think about a time when they have experienced grief. As the monitor tracks their bpm, a generative work will appear on the screen, tailored differently to each heart.
Combining these two things is a result of my own grief with my dead dogs and how these relate to security and nurturing and finding ways to express that grief through art and technology. Though “synthetic memories” can be false, it can often give us hope of life beyond this existence.
Work in progress/Timeline
(Above) Initial gathering of sticks and base being built of the dog figure. Last slide showcasing my plan and demonstrating how the dog will be full built, along with where the breathing mechanism will be and how it will be covered.
(Below) Test demo of one simulated and one real heart beat with prototype visuals accompanying it, created within p5js. My vision is to create a more airy and almosy calming space, juxtaposing the pain accompanied with the feeling of grief.
Basic Timeline:
Week 1: Begin deciding and finalizing the full project idea.
Week 2: Research heart sensor devices and order. While waiting, begin sketching dog figure and its measurements (width and length will be around 20 in each more or less, want to simulate the proportions of a small, 20 pound dog). Find an appropriate area to begin collecting materials (stripped bark, twigs, branches).
Week 3: Slowly begin to build the figure (will be separated into 2 parts, head and torso). If possible, complete the figure but a simple form will be enough to understand where electronic components will be stored (thus the 2 separate parts, ensuring easy access). Find linear rail files (breathing mechanic).
Week 4: Move onto digital configuration of the heart sensor, ensuring serial plotter is displayed. Continue to learn how to implement plotter into p5js and begin simple testing. (This will take the longest)
Week 5: Continue to work on implementing into p5js. This week will fully be testing within p5js and slowly improving artwork idea from base idea from last week. MAKE CERTAIN there is some kind of working prototype (heartbeat configures into simple art like differing shapes, colors, etc).
Week 6: Take a break from digital building and begin 3-D printing breathing mechanics (possibly also finalizing sculpture). Ensure servo works smoothly with heat sensor. Begin inserting these mechanics into the sculpture.
Week 7: Continue working on the generative art aspect of the project, adding onto the complexity. Slowly begin testing both breathing and heartbeat sensors, making sure both work together (does not have to be in unison).
Week 8: Testing, testing, testing! Touch-up anything that is even slightly faulty (weak points in the sculpture, looser wires, etc.).
Week 9: Final chance to make sure EVERY component works with each other within the classroom environment. Testing from outside sources to ensure experience is unique.
Week 10: Final testing, and present in class.
Relevant Works
Joseph Beuys, "I Like America and America Likes Me". 1974
While ambiguous, this piece revolves around the idea of animal deities once playing a huge part within (Native) American culture. Now, unfortunately ceasing due to lack of social and cultural awareness. Pinning this through my work, I felt as if Beuys and I play with the ideas of once loved creatures and bringing them into the spotlight again, showcasing the critical role between animal and human once again.
Marina Abramović and Ulay, "The Great Wall Walk". 1988-2008
Brings the unexpected performance work where two artists, bounded to be married once reaching the middle of the Great Wall of China, come to terms their love has dissolved and now will end their personal and artistic relationship when meeting again. Though this seems separate to my pieces, I feel like this performance goes hand in hand with what I’m trying to convey with animal symbiosis, love is futile, and will destroy you in the end. Though Abramovic is centered around her personal relationship, the concept still has relevance that love and its hardships are truly worse than death.
Sun Yuan & Peng Yu, "Can’t Help Myself". 2016
Its continuous action with gathering its red oil from under itself in a voyeuristic act of helplessness. Though this might not be the intention of the duo, when looking at this, I can’t help but see the metaphor of grief and the act of picking yourself up when everyone looks down at you. Yuan and Yu have truly been the biggest inspiration as an ICAM major for linking machine and emotions together in a way that has never been seen before.