Lesson 5/Stimuli

Stimuli

Camera Life:

I find the idea of Camera Life quite fascinating; life’s experiences are condensed and flashes of life and memories laid bare. Cameras are able to capture emotions and can reveal more than the subject is aware of.  In addition, one of the luxuries of a camera is the ability to change or manipulate an image through the use of different angles and settings. Within a solo this can be portrayed through repetition -  the same movement repeated with different heights and angles, portraying different viewpoints and perspectives.

Cog Brain:

The piece is making it clear that all the parts in the brain are interdependent; if something is damaged it will cause a chain reaction.  This idea reveals the delicacy and complexity of the human brain.  The mechanical and robotic image of the brain suggests this being lacks emotion - it has been dehumanised. Everything is drawn with such detail in the picture which gives me the idea that all the movements in a solo would be small and precise, with plenty of embellishment.

Data:

Of all the stimuli, data is the hardest for me to interpret. However, the straight lines initially suggest there is a lack of fluidity, which could be portrayed with sharp, dynamic movements. There is also a great deal of symmetry present in the picture, which could be reflected in body alignment and repetition.  Nevertheless, of interest to me is the way that the data also looks like a constellation of stars, showing how man-made data reflects the beauty, mystery and power of universal laws.  The initial sharp movements could therefore develop with more flowing energy and power.

Human:

I have noticed the great structure within this picture, and the growth from the small to the large:  from the left-hand pattern which looks like the tiniest DNA strand, to the exploding interconnections flowing from the human being.  This allows for great contrast - the growth of movements from small to large, sharp and crisp movements developing into ones which are smoother and wider. However, like Cog Head I feel everything is interdependent encouraging a fluid link between movements.

Pollution:

The overall mood from the picture is deathly, dirty and dark. Extreme dynamic movement will be needed to portray pollution, as well as resistance to demonstrate the thick and heavy air and toxic products produced. Height can be used as a way of demonstrating gradual death, slowly progressing with less movement focused on the floor.

Human (painting):

I gather this person is not whole - neither spiritually, physically nor mentally.  The eyes, nose and skull are missing and the bowed posture suggests that he is suffering sadness and resignation.  Experiences have flooded out of him and the smudged paint where the eyes might have been suggests an inability to see life and purpose.  A dance with contrasting speed of movement and tempos would reflect inner torment and hollowness.

Gun Child: 

Violence, confusion and the loss of innocence are the messages screaming from this picture. In its attempt to convey the atrocities of war and to shock the viewer -  a young innocent-looking girl is holding a destructive weapon.  This challenges the usual stereotype by switching both gender and age. This juxtaposition is alarming and fear provoking which would be the overriding theme in a solo. The direct eye contact is intimidating and could be used to great effect on the audience.

Landscape:

This image portrays a jaded, ugly and battered scene. Unlike a typical ‘landscape’ of nature, this is totally man-made and the two characters in the foreground – one of whom is a child – appear to be victims of the ugliness.  The wires look aggressive, wild and out of control. They have a connection, but the loose wires suggest a loss of communication in today’s world, with some looking like toppled crucifixes.   The scene looks apocalyptic, especially with the people standing small and vulnerable. A dance employing discordant movements, with the human form being distorted by external forces would express this vulnerability.