The sequencing of the photographs is ordered to impress that this event is happening everywhere at the same time. The intention of the narrative is to evoke feelings of being overwhelmed by the present time while inspiring hope. The photographs were collected over the past few weeks, and they are the work of photographers from around the world to give testimony of what is going on.
In this work I explore ideas and focus on empty streets for the meaning that it carries, streets are public areas that are part of the daily experience of people where the collective and the individual are interrelated. I looked for images where the camera is exposing the emptiness of the streets around the world and wide and large boulevards that emphasize the absence of pedestrian activity on sidewalks, public transit, and individual automobile traffic. The last part of the video has a sequencing of large avenues suggesting hope and ending with bright natural light that represents life.
I invested a lot of time sketching, exploring ideas, planning, and making experimental videos with different content, using a variety of techniques, like aerial views, close-up, pan, frame, that are not reflected in the video "Empty Streets", which is also a sketch with feelings and ideas to continue exploring.
I was inspired by William Wegman, Newscast, 1974 and Penelope Umbrico's works with photographs.
Editing software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Photo, Video and Sound applications. I used search engines and news articles to find photographs, authors and places.
I love this piece. The message you bring and the images you share just show the gravity of the situation in a poetic manner. I really hope you go on to make more pieces like this.
ReplyDeleteJust having someone report the news and tell the populace what is going on only does so much. Art and literature puts the needed empathy into the situation to make others realize what is going on and what we must do. And the ending "We Will Survive" is the hope that people need in this time.
I sincerely thank you for this piece.
To me, this piece feels sombre yet hopeful. You highlight a lot of the worries and concerns that we are all feeling at this time, such as employment, health, and the economy.
ReplyDeleteI like your use of the leitmotif " The streets are empty", It helps tie together the theme as well as tell of the severity of this crisis.
I hope you are well Maria, stay safe.
Incredible! I love the way you've decided to form this video. With the rise of this pandemic, it seems like everyone has a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of the situation. Though it is a very bad situation to be in, it is always good to remember that people are getting better and the health system is working to protect us as well as develop a cure. I really appreciate how you've assessed both sides of this pandemic, acknowledging its damage while also restoring hope in the future.
ReplyDeleteI love when you say, "when we are explorers, and exploring ways to survive.. the streets are empty." Your words are so careful but they are so powerful to create a hopeful message. The images you chose are also powerful and support how us as humans are exploring another way to survive even though it is different then what we are used to to keep ourselves safe. Those words changed the perspective and gives me another positive view on what is happening today.
ReplyDeleteLovely work!
Such a serious and current event that is so poetically done. The narrative in the film does explain the situation of COIVD- 19, and the pictures add to the mood of the topic. Repeating the words, "The streets are empty," is a good way to remind us that the world is in isolation. That the whole world is being affected by the virus, demonstrated by artist who took photos of city streets. You did a great job!
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