Slowness, 2019
video of original photographs with original soundscape
For this project I made in my Time class, I wanted to create a soft and bucolic atmosphere reminiscent of living in the countryside. The setting of the room and bed in addition to the focus on the texture of the sheets and pillow, the way the sun hits the bed, and simple objects like the peach and sleep mask, all immerse the viewer in an environment they can relate to - perhaps they have been in this type of setting, or at least they are able to imagine it. Through these elements, I hope to stimulate a sense of ease, tranquility, and comfort. This is my way of representing the idea of a slow morning.
By layering in sounds I recorded from an urban setting - cars honking, water boiling in a tea kettle, water running from a faucet - I contrast the soft and light visuals. As such, the juxtaposition of these harsh manmade sounds with organic ones - leaves rustling and wind blowing - makes two opposite worlds meet. It is an exploration into how these two can compliment each other rather than clash. Further, I attempt to show how one can bring a natural ethereal mood into the confines of a constructed environment.
This piece also demonstrates a certain sensuality, both in the story it tells and the visuals. The bitten-into peach delicately placed on wrinkled sheets, and spotlighted by a dappled morning sun may bring to mind the act of making love - something that is visceral and organic. The red detailing of the sheets and the color of the peach itself also reinforce this idea of losing one’s virginity (as it may happen that a woman bleeds). Lastly, the mysterious quality of the eye mask is suggestive of another type of sensual act.
The project was inspired by Chris Marker’s short film La Jettee in which images are faded in and out with a soundscape layered to create a type of movie.
The pictures were taken and edited by me. The sounds were recorded and layered over the images.
