Context of Practice: Seminar 1

The context of practice seminar we had on tuesday was all about considering the context of animation or art. I was not sure about the word context and though it is meant content. We were told the meaning of context is about the which, what, when, who and how of the art piece. I think it is very important for us as the artist in this new generation to learn how to look at a art piece and to discuss it so as to learn seeing things in from a different angle and also understand the true meanings that the artists wanted to show publicly. 

There were two pictures given to us to discuss, the first one is the cover page of the Time magazine, showing the crash of the World Trade Centre on 9/11, 2001. The feeling of panic and horror had instantly rushed to my head as this is one of the most unbelievable terrorist attacks in the globe. When we were asked about the comments of this crisis, I did not say anything due to my poor English but I actually very interested in the conspiracy (after googling it now I know what it is called in English )within it. There are a lot of documentaries on youtube that I suggest everyone should have a good reconsider and think about the meaning behind this event. We were talking about the date we saw this news on TV and it was amazing how nearly everyone of class remember this so well and had a great feeling about that on the day they watched the news. For me, I did not know this is a serious crisis and was not taking this seriously due to the young age and the poor sense of politic at that time. I had a feeling that I need to know more about the politics and keep update with the news while listening to other's comments on this cover page.

With a really serious emotion, we were introduced to this ridiculous CD cover. The first thing came to my head were, what are those two idiots doing; it is so offensive to the people who past away or have suffered from serious mental and physical damages since that date. I think they are disgraceful as a citizen and the whole design is just awful. However, this CD cover was surprising released before 9/11/2001, what a coincidence. The feeling before had gone unexpectedly and I feel sorry for those 'singers'. I think the way we think are so easily changed by looking at a different way or know the meaning behind, I indignantly changed my thought of the CD cover and feel so shame about it. Understanding the context of an art piece or everything is vital in responding and judging correctly and learning to learn is equally important. I found this seminar extremely thought provoking and I enjoy theoretical lessons like this where I can listen and respond and learn from others.

We were also given two animations to analyse:

Jiri Trnka, The Hand, 1965

The first emotion after watching this animation was uneasy and quite gloomy. There are no speech or catalogue in this animation where as the sound effects and images speak for him. I see the main puppet character as the artists or normal citizens in a country. He seems like a pottery artist who specifically makes pots for his treasure plant which he gives careful care and protection to. There is a big hand keeps harassing him from his daily life. It brainwash him by forcing the puppet to watch documents about how good the hand is and to force him to make statue out of him. To me, the hand indicates the government or any power to control others, stopping the artists from creating and confiscate their freedom. The puppet fights so hard against the hand but unfortunately he is so weak to win and therefore he is captive and controlled to work in a birdcage. The hand gives him badges and awards but they mean nothing to him. At the end, the puppet escapes but no one is waiting for him but death. The meaning behind is deep and considerable. As a citizen, should we agree everything the government suggests even they could be wrong? This allows me to relate to Hong Kong nowadays, where the protesters are fighting against the government for their own right to elect the chief executive. He is weak and vulnerable when fighting alone but what if the puppet has friends or a group of teammates, the ending of the story might change into a happy ending. I think the settings and the sound effects are absolutely amazing, I feel so tense when the thrilling music comes and I think the music has successfully bring the right atmosphere to the animation. The settings are delicately made and the use of different material allows textural experience to the audience. I also like the storyline, which slowly and clearly bring out the topic, the camera angles are also well planned to show key moments in order to explain the story in detail.

Dusan Vokotic & Zagreb Film, Surogat, 1961

The animation graphic and has an old style of art that the characters and stage are mainly consist of simple lines and shapes. Again, this animation is also no catalogue but this time the main character whistle to show his mood. At first, the little man goes to the beach and pulls out a lot of random shapes out and starts inflating them into different objects. I laughed when he hangs the fish on the hook to pretend he catches it, good sense of humor and brilliantly use of the props. He then inflates a relatively sexy lady so as to fit his prefect vacation however a hot guy ruins his plan. Eventually, he manages to get over it and pack up home but the ending is quite un-expectable where he is also deflated. I think the story is easy to understand and I do not see any complicated meaning behind but it amazed me by its creativity. I appreciate the use of shapes and the colour, which simplify the animation and suitable to any age group. The idea of deflating the things he unwanted is useful but too much erases might leads to the death of him. Liny illustration is something I have never tried before, there are a lot of useful materials in the animation I can take reference from and I hope to try this working style.