VISA 0120 Foundations Media: Computation + Art

Life in the urban environment is stressful. A multitude of problems like pandemic outbreaks, examinations and deadlines, succeeding in the working world and many, many more are constantly putting a strain on our minds and bodies. Without proper care and relaxation, it would leave us exhausted and drained of the zest for life. Han-soap is specially designed to provide soothing relief, a source of detoxification and de-stressing. With a unique DIY kit packed with all-natural, lush and edible ingredients; the recipe for refreshment is up to you. The ingredients combine to make a wide array of body scrubs, facial masks or exfoliate to suit your tastes. Han-soap will alleviate the tension from your hectic life and do it with delicious fragrances and a little pizzazz.
It truly is food for the senses.

My project strives to be a bastion of support to the students at Brown; to lighten the mood through the public engagement of therapeutic art. The idea is to create a source of relaxation that is safe, fun, non-toxic and just the smell alone is enough to soothe a burdened shoulder or two.
The audience makes the soap themselves using easy-to-follow recipes and I would provide any assistance if need be; or there may be some convenient take-home kits too. The end result is then conveniently packaged and portable to be shared and enjoyed.

Here is the link to the slideshow of the project – a step by step process of setting up my booth and of people experiencing the project!
Han-Soap Slideshow

Make Your Own Soap Click for PDF

In the final project for Foundations Media: Computation + Art we will develop projects engaging public space.

During the course so far, we have focused on building skills and techniques related to time-based and interactive artistic practice. These skills include various methods like collage, montage, video, sound, blogging, and simple interactive programming. Now, each of you will have the opportunity put some of these new skills to use in the development of an independent final project for the course.

The final project will be to create a work of art in a public place that addresses the physical/virtual, psychological and social dimensions of a specific site. You will be asked to research various public sites in order to locate an appropriate context within which to respond. Consideration of the political and ethical implications of working in a public area will be central to the development of the project. Consider how people interactive and participate in your work. Document your project with still images, video and other means, as appropriate.

Your final projects may take the form of an installation, performance, projection, video documentation of a public action, or an online game or interactive work.

Note: Working in public necessitates considerations of safety, permission, and weather. Design your project with these in mind. You may work on your own or in collaboration with other classmates.

Exercise #1: Site analysis
Using drawing, collage or any other appropriate means, explain one aspect of a public space of your choice. Your investigation can focus on use, navigation, distribution, rhythm, air flow, temperature, sound, emotional qualities, color, etc. (no text). The results will be discussed in the classroom, so choose a site which is close.

Key Dates
Apr 15 – Project proposals due (Prepare a 5-10 slide Keynote or PowerPoint presentation with site analysis and sketches of idea and be prepared to present this in class.)
Apr 22 – Experiment
Apr 29 – Individual Meetings
May 6 – Final Review + Documentation due

Readings:
Nicolas Bourriaud – Relational Aesthetics (excerpt) 1998