Category: 2023

For my extension on our “Why?” assignment, my initial plan before creating a Berlin diary was to create a wall/hanger with “funny sentences” said throughout the trip and stay by my friends and me so that I could specifically remember the laughter and the good memories in general.

I got inspired to create this tradition in our suite as well as have an empty wall that felt like it needed more life and something going around it, which meant that I needed to bring some life and meaning to my dear blank board:

So now, every time someone says something funny when we are out, we write it on our notes app; when we get back to our dorm, we take a piece of paper, write down the funny thing on it, and then write the initial of the person that said it. Our wall/hanger stays in the kitchen, so we can access it whenever and add/remove things at any moment.

I chose simplicity as creativity should not always be complex; it can also be this fun and silly idea you have with your roommate now and then and do it out of pure joy and entertainment. But then, looking back at it, on June 10th, this little silly idea we had will have a sentimental and nostalgic value.

Just do not get too caught up in this little tradition, as it can cloud your thoughts all day with the pressure for you to write something down each day, but it’s okay; some days are less funny than other days, and some days are less adventurous, and that is okay. 🙂

This is how full the wall has gotten over this weekend:

Interesting Imagery, feelings……colors+music, art industry, struggle, evolution.

So when I was working on my last assignment, the thought crossed my mind of a camera that could take a picture of a person, however, instead of it generating an image of their external appearance it would show what thought the person is thinking at that moment. If such a camera existed, it would be a fun and fascinating way to peek into someone’s thoughts. It makes me wonder what would it show when a person is meditating.

Robert Seidel

• I felt the emotion in his works. The music definitely played a huge part in that, but his art did make me feel something. I think it’s important that art makes you feel something.
• Transforming art pieces that nobody pays attention to
• His folds creation was my favorite and I can see myself sitting down and getting lost in it.
• He seems very interested in his artwork.
• Humble
• I resonated with him when he said that sometimes he didn’t feel like the artwork was “finished” even years after it’s been on display. It was comforting to know that even real and established artists feel this way.

Shahram Chaudhry

The fact that he studied biology and then got into Interactive Media goes to show that there’s no distinction between Art and Science, one can do both – His artwork requires a lot of knowledge of physics – fusion between art and science

He’s interested in process/constant change/ understanding the different layers of meaning

He appeared very optimistic

Loved his tie and dye pink and black jeans , breaking conventions considering he was there for a presentation

Explore the canvas/ image space/ just get to doing it – aimless drawings to think about possibilities

Experiment is the most rewarding thing , start with a vague idea and see where it goes

Find personal pathway, help audience develop emotional connection using fountains, fake fog etc., don’t underestimate audience

The need to dumb down things is unnecessary and unhelpful, maybe we can translate original ideas to others better – dual way translation – we may learn from their interpretation

Pressure prevents from creating what you want but if you have the opportunity to create outside your comfort zone push for it, can help u grow

During the work process, be as prepared as possible but not strict, might have a good idea last minute even after having working on a certain ideas for weeks/months

I was seeing shapes  instead of animals initially – our pattern recognition system can turn out to be wrong because they analyze too quickly without processing all available information

Shahram Chaudhry

The Pursuit of Passion: Where Happiness Transcends Wealth

During my recent travels in Switzerland, I stumbled upon a vibrant and artsy neighborhood in Bern. It was a place where individuals wholeheartedly embraced their passions, displaying their unwavering commitment to creative endeavors. Inspired by their dedication, I embarked on a project that aimed to shed light on the profound fulfillment that can be found in pursuing one’s passions, even in the absence of material wealth. This project builds upon the concept explored in my previous comic on the limitations of printing more money and delves into the notion that true happiness stems from the pursuit of passion.

One group that particularly caught my attention was a gathering of cyclists performing parkour. These dedicated individuals meticulously constructed and dismantled their ramps daily, their pursuit of cycle parkour serving as a testament to their passion for the sport. Further along, I discovered an artist intently sketching a scene, seemingly oblivious to the world around him. With every stroke of his brush, his focus remained solely on the canvas before him. His unwavering dedication exemplified the deep fulfillment that accompanies the creative process.Musical notes wafted through the air, drawing me closer to a talented musician passionately playing his instrument. Despite not possessing material riches, his music resonated with an undeniable richness of spirit, emphasizing that true fulfillment lies within the realm of personal passion.

Through my project, I aimed to showcase the stories of these passionate individuals and their unwavering dedication to their creative pursuits. While money certainly holds its place in society, my experiences in this artsy neighborhood reinforced the belief that pursuing one’s passions and finding solace in creative endeavors can bring about a profound sense of happiness and fulfillment.

a continuation of the last creation question:

…why do we need money? to buy food

why do we need food? to have energy

why do we need energy? to be able to move around

why do we need to move around? to get places

why no we need to get places? to get things done

I was trying to brainstorm for my last project on a piece of paper, but my mind kept wandering and I would just end up doodling on the paper. I tried to combine this experience with the idea of writing notes somehow leading to having energy (recharging) and i drew a sort of doodle on lined paper (on an ipad though).

My first idea wast to walk around the city and come up with “why” questions again. However, I decided to make my journey a project in itself.

I printed a map of Berlin and followed a semi-random path. I stopped a few times along the way to draw my pathway on the map and write down notes about the process. I took the subway from the Berlin Gate to the other side of the city, in Frankfurter Allee, and then another metro back home after walking around that neighborhood. The whole exercise took around 4h30min.

I documented everthing on a Dayry (day+diary): Link

In the previous assignment, I worked on mixing beats and loops in Soundtrap to make a Soundtrack. In the process, I figured out I could use the soundtrack to create different moods in a video. I, therefore, worked making on a movie to see if the music would affect the mood expressed in a movie.

I first created the soundtrack using Soundtrap: https://www.soundtrap.com/studio/o5SNKTowT5KGOXctX4–xA/

I then downloaded videos clips without sound from: https://all-free-download.com/free-footage/mp4-movie-clips.html

I merged the video clips, added the Soundtrack, and edited them on iMovie.This is the final product: https://youtu.be/78H2iPRkbTU

talk with robert seidel

• adaptability + scalable work
• audience smarter than we think – no need to necessarily dumb-down
• question: themes, colors, shapes, story (e.g. sound) – how to decide? – does he create a sensation? why is it usually unsettling?
• art that makes you want to move – not appreciated by curators/institutions apparently
• multisensorial – easier to remember
• mystery around the artist’s methods and thought process + unpredictability = what makes art cool?