Image

Light bulb in front of a two-way mirror in yellow light.

Zhouxizhaoren

Toward The Agency of Objects: Experiments in Perception

What began as a lens-based preoccupation with mundane curiosities subsequently led to releasing a dependence on the camera. I moved away from an insistence on a narrow field of perspective and on a reliance on the still image, towards the creation of kinetic, time-based imaging structures that teeter the lines between permanence and ephemerality, space and place, and systems. These kinetic structures become generators for producing new, unfixable images containing emergent qualities where multiple outcomes are possible. This process of thinking and making led me to relinquish control afforded to the camera and make space for the agency of the objects and the viewers to take precedence. By working with the inherent agency found in the function of the individual components - electronics, lights, reflections, lenses etc. - I reconstruct them in a system inviting visual inputs - largely emerging from viewer participation - to result in unexpected, complex outcomes.

Image

A hand and its reflection in a mirror in colorful light.

Untitled TV

TV, Security Camera, Video Camera, LCD Screen, Convex Mirror, Mirror, Plywood, Raspberry Pi, Tripod
61in x 51in x 51in
2022

A TV is placed in the corner. A security camera is directed at the light reflected back from the walls. The signal from the security camera is fed to a small LCD screen mounted underneath the TV. A smaller video camera directly underneath the LCD screen picks up the image from the LCD screen and sends to the TV screen. A convex mirror provides the spectators a view of the TV screen. An electro-magnetic pickup receives sound from the electro-magnetic field emitted by the TV electronics and is fed back to the TV.

Due to positive feedback from the camera, the TV radiates changing colors. When a person enters the view of the camera, the color fluctuates due to disturbance. The noise that results from the electro-magnetic pickup also changes pitch as the image gets interrupted.

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A camera on tripod and a TV placed against a wall corner, reflecting colorful light.

Untitled TV

TV, Security Camera, Video Camera, LCD Screen, Convex Mirror, Mirror, Plywood, Raspberry Pi, Tripod
61in x 51in x 51in
2022

 

Untitled TV

TV, Security Camera, Video Camera, LCD Screen, Convex Mirror, Mirror, Plywood, Raspberry Pi, Tripod
61in x 51in x 51in
2022

Image

Light bulb in front of a two-way mirror in yellow light.

Say You, Say Me

Two-Way Mirror, Mono-Frequency Light, Ballast, Plywood, Motor, Metal Tubing, Fishing Line
102in x 35in x 35in
2022

A two-way mirror is suspended in the air with a mono-frequency light slowly revolving around it. When two spectators stand on each side of the mirror, as the light revolves to one person's side, they can only see their own reflection; as the light revolves to the other side, they can see the other person, while the other person can only see their own reflection. The mono-frequency light renders everything black and yellow underneath the work.

Say You, Say Me

Two-Way Mirror, Mono-Frequency Light, Ballast, Plywood, Motor, Metal Tubing, Fishing Line
102in x 35in x 35in
2022

Image

Person in front of projection screen with their image projected onto the screen

Shadow Dance

Projection Screen, Projector, Security Camera
92in x 134in x 284in
2022

A projector and a camera are placed across the room facing each other, with a screen in the middle. A cable connects the camera to the projector. The image on the screen is a live view of the camera. Due to positive feedback, the image has a bright spot in the middle that resembles a flame, and the color constantly fluctuates. When a person crosses in front of the camera or the projector, their image/shadow shows up doubled on the screen.

Shadow Dance

Projection Screen, Projector, Security Camera
92in x 134in x 284in
2022

Image

Hand in front of cymbal with water drops projected onto the surface

Drop Shadow

Spotlight, water condenser, acrylic sheet, magnifying glass, cymbal, delay pedal, speakers, tripod, plywood
68in x 35in x 47in
2022

As the water in the air condenses onto the condenser, it drops onto the acrylic sheet underneath, which then casts an image of the water drops onto the cymbal on the floor. When the water on the acrylic sheet accumulates to a point, it drips onto the cymbal, making a sound. A contact microphone is attached to the bottom of the cymbal and is connected to a delay pedal, then a pair of speakers. As the water drips onto the cymbal, the sound is amplified and echoes for a period of time.

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Installation of system that projects condensed water droplets onto the surface of cymbal

Drop Shadow

Spotlight, water condenser, acrylic sheet, magnifying glass, cymbal, delay pedal, speakers, tripod, plywood
68in x 35in x 47in
2022

Drop Shadow

Spotlight, water condenser, acrylic sheet, magnifying glass, cymbal, delay pedal, speakers, tripod, plywood
68in x 35in x 47in
2022

 

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