Project (Brainstorm and early process)


Figure 1.). Mindmapping (click to enhance image size)

The final exhibition will display my response to the AOP Student Awards brief. Since this brief consists of two projects, the plan is to simultaneously exhibit both projects; a choice only made available by the nature of the concept which constitutes both projects. The concept itself is the product of intensive brainstorming (see Fig 1), which has recently been followed through academic discussion and various suggestions of continued research, as detailed in the following post. Nostalgia became a recurring element during these concept- generating strategies and further research, and as such it serves as the fundamental aspect of which these two projects are based upon. It is also the primary reason for the medium of this project. Not only is colour film nostaligic in appearance (textures are made soft and light becomes 


  
Figure 2. Milkbank kennels (left) and recording of Milkbank house (right). (Click to enhance image size/play video)

Despite this shared concept, the two projects differ in the approach as it utilizes the places and things categories of this brief by dividing one perspective into two perceptions. Gone but not Forgotten (working title) focuses on the place above all else, paying particular attention to apparent gap between an area’s appearance and the relationship someone might have with it; unpleasant-looking or derelict exterior does not immediately represent the fond memories or sentimentality someone may feel towards a place. These images will be presented with a line or two of poetry, acting as an tool to aid the insight into the person's "memory". The first area explored for this project was Milkbank House and Milkbank Kennels, located near Lockerbie in Dumfries and Galloway. These two places, located no more than 60 meters from each other, has been abandoned since the 1950s and as such serves as an excellent starting point to this project. (see Fig. 2 for quick on-site snapshots, captured through a mobile device).


Figure 3. Time lapse of studio set up (left) and snapshot of camera sat up (right).(Click to enhance image size/play video)

Lost and Found (working title) pays greater attention to the things left behind in these places and seeks to extract them from their environment and as such invoke fantasies relating to the history of the item and what role it may play in someone else’s memories. These items are then photographed in a studio setting, isolating the narrative (and therefore, the stories) from their initial surrounding and transformed into a commercialized portrayal. (see Fig 3 for demonstration of studio set up). 

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