August, 2024

Video, PAL, 16:9, 9 mins

This work is a nonlinear narrative visual poem, deeply rooted in the principles of structural film methodology. By employing intentional and precise interventions, the moving images have been deliberately stripped of their initial clarity and recognizability. This results creating a sharp contrast between sleek, modern architecture and the raw, natural textures of the world, highlighting the tension and dialogue between post-industrial aesthetics and elemental nature.

I attempt to use moving pixels as a metaphor for human synesthesia, exploring how the dynamic interplay of visual elements can evoke a multisensory experience. In this context, each pixel is not just a static element but a vibrant, shifting part of a larger sensory tapestry. The idea is to illustrate how the interaction of these pixels can mirror the way our senses blend and influence one another, much like how synesthesia allows people to experience a fusion of sensory inputs.

The visual landscape is further enriched by ethereal overlays that obscure and blend the boundaries between different dimensions, creating a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere. These ghostly overlays distort the visual planes, merging them in ways that evoke a dreamlike state where the distinctions between reality and illusion become fluid and ambiguous. The imagery thus invites viewers to question their perceptions and the nature of what is seen versus what is imagined.

The electronic insects within the pixel spectrum symbolize the pervasive and often overwhelming presence of digital phenomena in our era. Much like the “Panda Burning Incense” phenomenon—a viral digital trend known for its rapid spread and intense impact—these electronic insects represent the current generation’s fixation on and saturation with digital stimuli. They serve as a contemporary parallel to the way certain phenomena, once deemed novel or disruptive, become emblematic of their time.

In this complex interplay of elements, textual semantics are intricately woven with visual and auditory experiences, creating a rich, interrelated sensory tapestry. Each layer of the work—be it textual, visual, or auditory—interacts with and enhances the others, resulting in a multifaceted and immersive environment. This fusion of media not only deepens the viewer’s engagement but also enriches the overall experience, making the boundaries between different forms of expression increasingly porous.

Through this metaphor, I aim to convey how the digital landscape, with its incessant flow of information and constant visual stimuli, shapes our sensory perceptions and interactions. “We all live an alien body”: The movement of these pixels, and the way they form patterns and evoke responses, parallels how our sensory experiences are influenced and reshaped by the digital age. This approach highlights the profound impact of technology on our sensory experiences, suggesting that our engagement with the digital world is as integral and immersive as the synesthetic experiences themselves.

Time itself is not linear but collapses into an ever-revolving circle around the self, encapsulating the subjective experience within a perpetual loop. This perpetual circle of time encapsulates the subjective experience, trapping it within an endless loop of introspection and reflection. The cyclical nature of time emphasizes the continuity and constancy of personal and perceptual realities, suggesting that personal experience and self-awareness are ongoing processes that perpetually shape and reshape one another. The piece becomes a meditation on time and perception, emphasizing the ever-changing nature of our awareness.

(More details on personal website)

www.chencaiyun.com
@_chen_caiyun
caiyunchen2022@outlook.com