Concept Statement

Here is our concept statement! I uses John's previous 100 words which introduce the definition of a hyperbolic and go on to cover our concept and research from there. I hope you all like it and if there is anything you'd like to twitch let me know and we can add/subtract before the final hand in on Friday.

"The concept of a hyperbolic space is that as a position moves further away from a point on a plane, it expands. This does not sound too complicated but, visualizing the definition is very difficult. One of the first representations of a hyperbolic space was done with crochet. Increasing the number of stitches every row allows the 2 dimensional plane to expand to a 3 dimensional form. In mathematics, a hyperbolic function has a very similar nature as it expands in value along the x and the y axis. Another prominent example of hyperbolic space is found in coral reefs, where 2 and 3 dimensional space has expanded together creating a large, frilled form.

Our particular exploration of this definition intertwines another concept; light refraction. This explores ideas of transparency, light alteration, dimension and reality. Some of these notions are not dissimilar to the qualities of a hyperbolic. Exploring both concepts together allows us to create a provocative installation and interact with space on a multitude of levels. Another element we wanted to incorporate is the use of both the crochet and hyperbolic model, to examine how the two could possibly relate and co-exist.    

A range of visuals have been referenced in the research of our concepts, including ice formations, light installations, geometry, glass architectural forms, and crystal structures. These interesting topics have been referenced for their appealing visuals, mathematical appearances and interaction with light. From them we developed a mood and set of standards to apply to our own installation. They have encouraged us to create something semi-transparent, detailed, delicate, and scientifically designed. While a range of material options have been researched and considered, our final materials are clear plastic cord and laser cut perspex. These clear/semi-clear materials allow our installation to toy with any light source as well as intrigue onlookers to examine the materials closer up. The construction and mid-air installation also allow our piece to exist seamlessly within a light stairwell and weightlessly levitate like a bubble.

Throughout the project inspiration has also come from several artists who have provided insight into our process and concept. Our research cited Japanese installation artist Tokujin Yoshioka for his use of clear/white materials in impacting, large-scale gallery installations. He influenced our clear colour palette and clean aesthetic. Stephen Knapp directly uses light refraction in his ‘lightpaintings’ where rainbow shards or light are projected and overlaid in stylised gallery settings. He influenced our choice and understanding of our concept. Another light artist, Alan Jaras bends light by using a lens-less camera creating galaxy or deep sea creature like forms. A form like this is not dissimilar to what our 3D installation developed into. A final artist that dealt with similar concepts to us is Janet Echelman, whose recent work Tsunami 1.26 incorporated some similar elements. Echelman effectively uses a vast and expanding material (a large net), bases her work in mid-air, and heavily plays with a light source (with multi-coloured changing spotlights at night). Reasons why her installation is so effective can be paralleled to what our installation is aiming to achieve.   

Our piece is combining and relating many concepts within each other, both literally and conceptually. With crochet encased in a perspex hyperbolic the work seeks to create a new provocative mid-air new dimension – an example of the complexities of hyperbolic space and a crystalline organism that toys with illumination."

Please post any responses or re-edits in the comments part.