Task 8: Analysing Research Folio

Choose a research folio to analyse in relation to your own research

practice. Write a short blog entry on this.

Synthetic Spaces: The Digital Exploration of Three Sites in Huddersfield

Prof Nic Clear

I chose this research folio as I am interested in the abstraction and manipulation of an image and creating a new experience in an Aesthetic manner.

Using laser scanning to create a cloud point model which is usually used as a technical aid in the digital mapping of architecture, Prof Nic Clear produced an immersive representation of these images that were digitally transformed through abstract manipulation to build layers of imagery in conjunction with animation and sound. Culminating in an immersive exhibition that later went on to show in New Zzealand and China.

Initially I was daunted by the idea of a research folio, yet from reading this folio and others, the folios have a strong visual element and follow a simple formula to give an overview of the project concerned. I feel this would be a great way to document and display your work in an easily read format, accessible to all which can then be researched further if so desired.

The images are incredibly beautiful abstract compositions with glimpses of the transformed images of architecture to give contextual recognition. I found parallels with my printed Textiles produced on my BA in Textiles at Goldsmiths. In the early 1990’s this type of technology was not yet available but I used representations of my artwork; the human form explored though etchings, drawings and photography. From these images I created stencils, abstract sections of drawn lines, direct transferal of drawings onto a silk screen and also digital manipulation of photography through the layering process on photoshop. Then building up layers of print, overlapping procion print inks to create new forms and colours and an abstract design. Taking an initial direct image and manipulating it and layering into a new abstract form.

I would like to use this process again during my creative pattern cutting studies, taking representations of the body, pictoral, structural, tactile and conceptual and creating a new form of experiential work through fashion.

I am also interested in the immersive aspect of display and representation of the work as a way of experience the work, using light and space and sound, to be inside the artwork. Which for me would have an element of actually being able to experience wearing the extravagant artwork of a ball gown.

So this folio has given me some further reading to do, ‘Cognitive maps’ Jameson 1982 and Henri Lefebvre ‘ Production of space’.