Embracement

Embracement is a light reactive installation. The work explores perception and interpretation of interpersonal interaction, through the device of optical illusion. Within a photo-dynamic crystal screen, fleeting image sequences of two women appear. All sequences commence with the women standing, facing each other, and with the younger woman striding towards the elder one. Subsequent interactions between the characters are placed ambiguously between affection and violent rejection.The nature of the relationship remains unresolved to the viewer as the projected image is interrupted by a shutter. The viewer is left with ephemeral glowing red afterimages of the women. This transient memory of the screen is due to the physics of the crystals, which absorb light and re-emit it at red wavelengths. This is not a software (e.g. Photoshop) effect, but a consequence of physical photoluminescence. Projection of images under computer control allows for indefinite variation in the repeating image sequences. All components of the installation – the crystal photo luminescent screen, industrial microcomputer, and computer-controlled shutter – are prototypes that have been custom designed and manufactured at the *Australian Centre for Field Robotics, The University of Sydney.

Embracement [Abstracted from Julianne Pierce’s essay, Primavera 2003 catalogue]

“Mari Velonaki’s screen installation Embracement invokes an unassuming and almost ethereal presence. The projected image of two women appears ghostly and distant, and viewed from different angles it seems as if they could be arguing or embracing. Velonaki is interested in optical illusion, and as an artist engaging with interactivity she explores the viewer’s engagement with her work. To date, Velonaki’s work has encompassed some form of manipulation where the audience is invited to participate with the projection. In this new work the interactivity is not about touch or contact, rather it is about viewing and perception. A collaborative work with David Rye and Steve Scheding of the Australian Centre for Field Robotics, Embracement is an experiment with screen and image. The team have embarked on a journey to create an innovative projection medium, where the screen is comprised of crystals that receive an image, then allow it to disperse, leaving only a trace or mark of what has just been. Velonaki is concerned with the thin line between affection and violence, and explores the transience and potential of media as a form to reflect emotion and physical contact. Her investigation is about relationships in an increasingly mediated environment, the scrutiny of drama and emotion and the balance between public and private displays of emotion.

“Julianne Pierce “Guest Curator, Primavera 2003”

Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, September 2003.

Technical Requirements

Technical Requirements: Data projector with high contrast ratio and output of at least 2,000 lumen, 240V power.

All other components are built into the work (custom made micro-computer and screen, computer controlled shutter etc).

Installation Requirements: A dark room of dimensions approximately 4m wide x 8m deep. Screen to be suspended from ceiling in position near the back of the room, so it can also be viewed from the back.

Details of Installation Components

Photodynamic screen dimensions: 1,630mm wide x 1,255mm high x 65mm deep.

Photodynamic screen mass: 32kg plus crate.

Micro-computer dimensions: 250mm wide x 300mm x 150mm deep plus packing.

Micro-computer mass: 6 kg plus crate.

Shutter is mounted between the data projector and the projector’s mounting plate.