I have been thinking about what I want to make for this year’s Portfolio unit, so I decided to look back at some of my previous works and experiments.
Over the summer, I spent a lot of time experimenting with audiovisual performance. One interesting experiment involved playing my modular synthesiser while using TouchDesigner to create rotating geometric visuals. I enjoyed seeing how changes in the music could affect the movement of the image.
I was particularly interested in the relationship between sound and movement. Sometimes a small change in the sound could make the visuals behave very differently. However, I feel that I was still mainly experimenting with how the visuals responded to the audio. I would like to explore this relationship further, especially how sound and image could develop together and express something beyond their immediate movement.
Another important experience was my installation Sonorous Residuum, exhibited at Gallery 46 earlier this year. The installation used three servo motors to move drawing tools across suspended xuan paper, gradually leaving traces of ink. Alongside this, I composed a sound piece using synthesised textures and recordings of guqin and ceramic objects.
I really enjoyed the whole process of making an installation, from developing the first idea and experimenting with materials to building everything in the gallery. I also liked the unpredictability of the mechanical movements and the way the materials changed over time.
One thing I found interesting was that I could design the movement of the motors, but I could not completely control the marks they left on the paper. Small differences in the brushes, ink and paper could change the final result. This made me more interested in working with physical materials and allowing unexpected things to happen during the making process.
Looking back, I think these two experiences have influenced the direction I want to take this year.
For Project 1, I want to explore the relationship between electronic sound and moving images more deeply. I am interested in using abstract visuals, colour and movement to explore internal emotions and desire. I want to experiment with how sound and image can influence each other, and how their relationship might change throughout the work.
For Project 2, I want to continue exploring physical materials and sound within an installation space. I have been thinking about using rain as a starting point, recording how raindrops sound on different surfaces and exploring how these sounds might carry different emotions. I am also interested in developing this into a multichannel installation.
Both projects are still at an early stage, but looking back at my previous work has helped me understand what I want to explore further.
Reflection: How can I build on my previous experiments while allowing new ideas and unexpected results to emerge during the making process?
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