Penn State University - School of Visual Arts
Fall 2014
ART 316 Video Art
Professor: Eduardo Navas (ean13@psu.edu)

Mondays & Wednesdays 11:15 AM - 2:15 PM

Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 10 AM - 11 AM
209 Arts Cottage
Please contact at: ean13@psu.edu

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Assignment 6: Second Advanced Video (14%), Due Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Develop a video art installation of at least two components, which could include projections on walls or any surface of your choice (artists in the past have used diverse surfaces to project from the floor to the ceiling as well as custom made devices and furniture, etc.). You can also use monitors and other devices such as tablets, or iPads, etc.

We will be installing the work on Wednesday, November 19 for critique. We will be using the studio area of room 207A to install. You wil need toarrive to class earlier than usual to be able to install properly. Critiques will begin at 11:45 PM. You should plan ahead to make sure the installation goes smoothly, and you are able to install in one hour, so that we have a critique on time. Details will be discussed in the weeks prior to the project deadline.

You must upload all files, video footage on Angel, or provide links to the source for proper viewing.

You need to consider the theories of Deleuze as discussed in class in relation to the Time-Image. There will also be examples shared on the class's webpage during the weeks prior to the assignment deadline.

You need to share with class members your project idea by Wednesday, November 12, 2014, by posting it to the corresponding forum. Given that this is a more complex work, you should also share sketches/diagrams/drawings of how you see your work functioning as an installation. We will also need to discuss how to locate the pieces in the space so that they complement each other.

The length of the video does not matter because it will be in a loop, and it wil be treated as an art object that viewers will encounter as they walk through a gallery. Instead of length of video, you should consider what video could be in an installation, and use video footage that is relevant to your idea. You can think of the video as an object (sculpture) or an immersive environment that borrows language from film and the visual arts (particularly sculpture and performance).

Content/Concept:

  • You can take the opportunity to explore video installation formally. For instance, what does it mean to present video as an object inan actual space as opposed to something on the screen? What if you had two devices set up so that they appear to be having a discussion? (This has been done plenty BTW--it's just an example for you to have an idea of how to think of video as more than just something on one screen.)
  • You can also use a video installation for commentary on a subject of your interest. In this case, you should consider what the subject is carefully, and evaluate how an installation will be successful in delivering a critical view on the subject of your choice.

We will discuss details for concept development further in class.

Technical/Formal Requirements:

  • While video time is not a primary issue, you should consider a time that is relevant to the concept you want to explore.
  • You must consider the rhythm in your editing as discussed in class critique. For instance, when you let a shot/image linger or not, it must be for a reason.
  • The sound should be mixed in a way that it complements yet questions the video as installation.
  • You can use any special effects you may want to add with any software of your choice: compositing, etc. You will be graded this time on the quality of your video and lighting in relation to the installation.
  • You must mix your sound well and not go into the red.
  • You must shoot your own footage, but you can use some pre-existing material if it is necessary for your idea. Go over this option with the instructor before moving ahead.
  • You are strongly encouraged to develop a piece that is critical of a subject of your choice such as politics, race, ethnicity, class difference, etc.