DXARTS 202: FUNDAMENTALS OF DIGITAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ART

Homework Descriptions

Assignment 1: Light Site

Phase 1: Create a physical installation that incorporates a light and no more than $15 of acquired materials (you must show receipts!). Each individual will have an area of warehouse floor space that is 8' x 4.5' in dimension to house their project. Any combination of elements is acceptable as long as it is feasible and NOT dangerous to yourself or others (please see syllabus policies on use of electricity). Keep your ideas and constructions portable and reasonable - you will have one class session to set it up, and one class session to document. No other access to the space will be available, so you'll need to strategize ahead of time. due April 7

Transit Information:
Address: 102 1/2 NW 36th (closest cross street is 1st and 36th)
Metro Trip Planner Link: http://tripplanner.metrokc.gov/cgi-bin/itin_page.pl?resptype=U

ARRIVING EARLY @ Fremont:
Walk 0.2 mile W from NE CAMPUS PKWY & 15TH AVE NE to

Depart: NE Campus Pkwy & 12th Ave NE-BAY 4 At 09:59 AM On Route MT 31 Central Magnolia
Arrive: Fremont Ave N & N 34th St At 10:07 AM
Walk 0.5 mile NW to 102 NW 36TH ST

LEAVING UW @ 10:30
Walk 0.1 mile NW from NE CAMPUS PKWY & 15TH AVE NE to

Depart: University Way NE & NE 41st St At 10:46 AM On Route MT 74 Seattle Center
Arrive: Fremont Ave N & N 34th St At 10:54 AM
Walk 0.5 mile NW to 102 NW 36TH ST

Returning to UW Early

Walk 0.5 mile SE from 102 NW 36TH ST to
Depart: Fremont Ave N & N 34th St At 01:06 PM On Route MT 74 Sand Point
Arrive NE Campus Pkwy & Brooklyn-BAY 1 At 01:16 PM
Walk 0.1 mile E to NE CAMPUS PKWY & 15TH AVE NE

Returning to UW Later.

Walk E from 102 NW 36TH ST to
Depart: N 36th St & 1st Ave NW At 01:37 PM On Route MT 28 Downtown Seattle
Arrive: Fremont Ave N & N 34th St At 01:39 PM
Transfer to:
Depart: Fremont Ave N & N 34th St At 01:52 PM On Route MT 31 University District
Continues as MT 68
Arrive: NE Campus Pkwy & University-BAY 2 At 02:04 PM
Walk 0.1 mile E to NE CAMPUS PKWY & 15TH AVE NE

Phase 2: Using HTML and Flash as the platform, incorporate and re-interpret the site-based work into a website experience that adds a new layer of meaning to your original installation. Consider the following possible influences: interaction, animation, displacement, revelation, recontextualization, contrast, dialogue... due April 19

Assignment 2: Proof is in the Process

Phase 1: Construct a series of three complex static images using the Processing environment. Your images may or may not be themetically related. Conceptually, you should explore the relationship between code and creation, making sure your work is well-constructed and uses intelligent choices to map out visual space with generative algorithms. During both phases, you will be evaluated on not only the artistic and conceptual aspects of your project, but also the clarity of your code. Your final images should be approximately 400 x 400 - they do not have to be square aspect ratio.

Phase 2: Choosing one of the three images previously created, activate your project to include some or all of the following elements: animation, interaction, sound, networking, complex algorithms, video control. You should continue to use the Processing environment as your primary platform, but are encouraged to include library extensions/plugins to expand the possibilities.

Class Presentation (see schedule for dates)

As an extension to both your work on your final project you will do a fifteen minute presentation during one class period in the last part of the quarter. Your presentation should profile specific artists and works that relate to your area of interest. You should use the Rhizome database and website (www.rhizome.org) as a major element of your research. During your presentation you should discuss what is interesting to you about these works: concepts, aesthetics, technical problems, etc. and how these factors will inform your work for your final project. Tell us about what strategies the artists used in exploring these areas, and how successful you think they were in the end. Make sure to organize your talk with a coherent theme and speak about your ideas clearly. Also, please present use with visual or other media content to compliment your presentation.

Final Project

Ok!

Now is your chance to propose and create a totally original project inspired by the tools and concepts we've explored since the start of 201. You should pick something you're both excited about and will find creatively challenging. Think about combining multiple elements, but make sure your techniques will be held together by a strong concept and plan. You may propose to do an experimental investigation to explore a particular idea, but your process should be well-outlined. Ed and I will be helping you and checking up on your progress along the way, but it's ultimately up to you to make progress on your project throughout the next few weeks to deliver a great piece by the end of the term...

Short list of starting points:

Audio (GarageBand, MiniDisc, Processing)
Video (iMovie, Processing)
Web (GoLive, HTML, Flash, iChatAV, Processing)
Installation
+ ?
Interactivity
Animation
Performance
Complex systems
Telepresence
+?

A very important aspect of the final is the proposal and plan for the project. Phase I: for class on Tues the 17th of May, you'll need to prepare a written document (approx. 1 page) to hand in detailing the following information:

Description of idea
Format of finished, successful project (make note of any resources or time/space considerations for the viewing of your project)
Rationale for choosing the project
General timeline/plan for work that must be completed (which tools will you use? what research must be done? in what order will you approach problems? what is your timeline for stages of completion?)
You will give a brief project pitch in front of the class, and we will discuss these proposals s a group with the goal of refining your plans and ideas. For the rest of the term, you should plan to bring work in for your final that can be done in class - let's get those sneaky tech problems nailed down early.
Good luck and have fun!

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