Project+1-+Recontextualization

=**Project 1- Recontextualization**=

Augmented reality is a recent technology that allows the user to see a computer-generated image, model, or video superimposed upon the real world. The augmented portion can be placed in context with the real world by “attaching” it to a specific location and elevation. The user would access this with a GPS enabled device. Another way of placing the augment is to attach it to a specific image. With this method, the device reads the image in the camera like a fingerprint, and then places the augment as specified. This method allows a designer to augment things like magazine pages, billboards, and other things that are geographically fluid.

Placing one image next to or over another will re-contextualize both, causing new meanings to emerge. Both together might evoke a response from the viewer that is 180 degrees different than the images might cause alone. Augmented reality has the added property of being “already there” waiting to be discovered.

In this project, you will change, or recontextualize, a work of art by creating an augment attached to that work. The trigger image will be a work selected from the permanent collection at the National Portrait Gallery. You will place a series of images or animated gifs over the selected work. On our initial visit, you must choose and photograph 3 works, then choose which one you will move forward with.

Your goal in the assignment is to change the viewer’s relationship with the original image; to re-contextualize it or add to it with the augmented portion. You might achieve this by:


 * Adding something to the original.
 * Subtracting something from the original.
 * Changing some property of the original.
 * Overlaying a disparate object, one that contradicts the original.
 * Revealing something hidden.

Requirements: Selected artwork must be sufficiently complex for the software to “fingerprint” it. Very minimal works might not function well.

Your augment should consist of at least 5 elements. These elements wii be revealed over time as the user touches the screen.

The overlays can be an image or animated gif. The file size must be kept within the specifications of the software.

You must download the software to your device, or borrow a device for testing purposes.

We will be using the Aurasma platform and app. It is available on iOS and Android. The construction of the AR experiences will be done in the aurasma web app, located at [|studio.aurasma.com]. Please log in using the class account PW atimidmule

The following images are not AR, though they do illustrate various artistic strategies used to recontextualize.













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media type="youtube" key="fCmAD0TwGcQ" width="420" height="315"

**In-class exercises:**

 * Presence/Absence**

Photoshop, like any other art tool, has some strong inherent attributes. We will touch on several, like layers, selections, masks and edges. These tools inform both how we work within the framework of digital imaging and how we think about those digital images. If there is one thing that the prevalence of these tools has taught us, it is that what is not there is just as important as what is in front of us.

In this exercise you will be exploring the conceptual ramifications of tools like Photoshop by constructing a sequence of images exploring the idea of presence/absence. In this project you should be thinking about both content and context. What is the function of your subject matter? What are the social repercussions of manipulating that subject? Where is the “truth” of the image? Can there be a truth? Does the manipulation of the image subvert or enhance the intended function?

While there are certain subject matters and cultural situations that lend themselves to this discussion, try and avoid cliché. In other words, your subject shouldn't be (directly) fashion or body-image photo manipulation.

Photoshop tools:

Selection Tools

Content-aware fill

Clone stamp tool


 * __Part 1:__** On the web, find 10 images whose meaning or intended function can be radically altered by removing something from the image. Select images that are sufficiently sized (pixel-dimensions.) In class, pick 5 images in your group and remove something (or a group of somethings) from these images. Select portions of the images where the act of removal subverts the content or meaning of the work. The areas should be left white or black, or filled with a solid color. Does the silhouette give a clue as to what was there?


 * __Part 2__**: Select another 5 images that can be altered by adding one thing to them. Use the selection tools and copy and paste things into this new set of images to recontextualize them. Remember to utilize blending modes to enhance the mash-up.

In both of these exercises, vary your selections using the lasso tool, magnetic lasso tool, magic wand, and refine edge dialog. How do these different tools alter your results? How do the different levels of detail alter the feeling of the manipulated work?

All results should be uploaded to your wiki page. Your final grade for this project is divided thusly: Exercises-50%, Augmented reality artwork-50%

Examples of "absence" art media type="youtube" key="HypmW4Yd7SY" height="315" width="420"John Cage









Charles Cohen









[|Charles Cohen]











[|Beware the content aware fill]

Student work: