Project+2-+Presence+Absence

Project 2 Presence/Absence

Photoshop, like any other art tool, has some strong inherent attributes. We have touched 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 project you will be exploring the conceptual ramifications of tools like Photoshop by constructing a work that contains 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 the intended function?

You may use any combination of original and appropriated images, however, be ready to explain how appropriation figures into the conception of the work (i.e.- don’t use others’ images unless it is an essential part of your work.)

You will build your work in layers to create a transition between multiple images. You can use the animation window to preview the work and test timing. Ultimately, we will create an animated gif or video file, depending on the size of your project.

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

Photoshop tools: [|Animation window] Content-aware fill Content aware healing brush [|Clone stamp tool]

Artists:

[|Charles Cohen] ([|interview]) [|Matt Siber] Tom Friedman Yoko Ono







Note how each of these 4 artists uses the idea of presence /absence in a different way. One takes away what we are supposed to want to see, one takes away what they want us to see, one takes away our preconceived notion of how something should be, and one removes all references to the medium itself.

Post some examples of presence/absence on the examples page for next class.