Photo of form covered in multiple layers of an abstract mold pattern
Detail photo showing light and shadow projections
Photo of form with regular external lighting
Detail photo showing circle pattern and layers
Group members’ compositions: Manar (left), Madison (middle), and Yasmina (right)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Module Three focused on utilizing pattern and crafting strategies to create a 3D form activated by light. The composition needed to contain an element revealed only when activating an internal light source, meaning certain elements could be hidden at first glance. Since this was a collaborative project, groups of 4-5 students worked together to form a shared concept and/or narrative, then individually created their own forms around this theme. The module began with an exercise and activity to practice recognizing how shadows and positive/negative space can activate other elements and principles. Later, we used ideation and iteration strategies to create rapid prototypes, testing ideas in both 2D and 3D formats. The final compositions could only use two materials, in addition to adhesives, and had a minimum size of 512 square inches.
STATEMENT:
My group focused on disrepair and decay as the concept behind our forms, pattern applications, and shadows. Inspired by deteriorating buildings, we demonstrated various natural symptoms of neglect, from insect infestations to mold growth. We aimed to make viewers uncomfortable with the unpleasant imagery, and communicated this in various ways. For example, Madison used spider silhouettes and a deep shade of red to convey fear, while I used cool gray tones to symbolize mold. Additionally, Yasmina created shadow projections of flies, while Manar projected colorful mold spores. These four compositions are tied together through their gross subject matter and ability to cast surprising shadows by using space, pattern, and light.
For my composition, I created a geometric hexagonal form covered in a mold-like circular pattern. It contains four layers with various shades of paper, and each layer features a unique circular pattern. Initially, it appears to feature just one simple layer, but an internal light source reveals multiple internal pieces. When a light projects through the structure, it casts shadows on the surrounding space that resemble mold spreading across walls. I also emphasized other elements and principles, including scale and contrast. Various circle sizes within the layers demonstrate scale, adding to the organic and dynamic energy. Additionally, contrast emphasizes the difference between the geometric form and the abstract circular pattern.
REFLECTION:
In this module, I am proud of how I effectively communicated my group’s decay concept. Initially, I was hesitant to create something truly uncomfortable (for both myself and other viewers), so creating an abstraction of a typically gross subject absolutely pushed me out of my comfort zone. However, I am pleased with how it turned out, especially as I was able to turn the mold pattern into a visually appealing light and shadow projection. I enjoyed working with my peers to form a concept while making my own composition, since I would not have chosen the disrepair theme on my own and it was interesting to hear others’ approaches to the assignment. Finally, I successfully applied shape grammar principles due to the dynamic, organic nature of the circular pattern - a fitting way to wrap up my Foundations year, as the project applied crafting skills, shape grammar, 3D forms, and audience perceptions.
Although I feel my form was successful in making viewers uncomfortable and fitting within the decay theme, multiple viewers mentioned my composition reminded them of trypophobia (an aversion to patterns with small holes/circles). This was not my intention, but this fear is often associated with decay, so I was still effective in this narrative. However, I could have improved my strategies for communicating the mold concept. For example, the second layer is a shade of cool gray often observed in mold, so I might have been more successful if I had made this the outermost layer instead of white. With more time, I would have experimented with various ways to order the layers, as well as alternate light sources to illuminate the form without distractions.