Word Cloud

This is something I had done a while ago, just to begin looking at the content and its potential. Since I don't know a way to embed an swf file, I've uploaded a bunch of screen shots. The word cluster on top are the words which I gave the students during the interactions. The second cluster are the emotion/words generated by them. In the flash file, you can click on any word to see what the students think it relates to.

Laser Cut

This is for a jigsaw puzzle sort of exercise. I will reveal more later when I have all the pieces to show you. I wanted the pieces perfectly cut so they fit perfectly. This is the laser cutter I went to - courtesy Nalisha. Nice man he was, this Mr. Vinayaka, told me how to do it much easier next time.

Here are the jigsaw piece samples he cut out the other day. I'm picking up the rest tomorrow.

Joining the dots

This is a quick word association exercise. Using the same pool of words used and generated through the interactions I asked people to connect the words, however they thought fit. It's interesting to see the network of words forming here and compare it with the associations that emerged out of the interactions.

Layers + Transluscence

This is a follow up on the previous post - using transparent/translucent sheets of paper over cut-outs. Each sheet works with a tab - and the clarity of the piece depends on the presence or absence of any of the sheet. You can of course see clearer when held against the light.


Prototype without cellophane and butter paper:

Layering

These are simply cut-outs held together, whichever way the sheets are organized, you see the whole. Memory and experience is similar - each one perceives differently to comprehend a situation.

Beginning visualising

These are some quick sketches and thought process for the next step, a series of small explorations - some participatory, some material oriented - to start working with my hands: looking at layering, translucence, jigsaws, tear-outs, mobiles etc.

Categorizing the experiences.

During the interactions, the students plotted their experiences on a timeline.
So last week, I categorized the experiences, and made a timeline for each category.

Baptist Coelho: MAPPING(THOUGHTS)

A while ago, a friend informed me about this project. I had forgotten about it till today, when I had the discussion with Danika about form. Thought I'd share. Quite interestingly put together.

MAPPING (THOUGHTS), is a multi-disciplinary project which explores the concept of random thought as part of the social and political commentary of the diverse people living in Switzerland. Collaborations were sought from people all over Switzerland, who share a common thread through generations; practicing and creating similar vocations and experiences. The thoughts collected are also a reflection for future generations. A part of this project was realised specifically in Bern and involved the participation of people using the trams there. The work was exhibited in Grand Palais (an art space, which originally functioned as a waiting room and office for the Tram Company).

Here is the link for the exhibition images on facebook.
project description taken from and a brief write-up about the artist HERE.

Conversation with Danika

- How do you want it look?
- Focus on memory or school?
- Memory has an ephemeral quality, its not static - your perception of it is always changing.
- Holograms? Interactive, live mindmaps?
- Does not need to take a literal form. You do not need to translate this same information you've gathered. It can be abstract, figurative.
- What should I be thinking when I view the exhibition/installation? What should I be thinking after I leave the exhibition/installation?

Group Discussion

Since I've been in a rut the last couple of days, I decided to call Ramya, Munmun, Shruti, Alannah and Tisha to have a group brainstorm. This is what we discussed:

- What is your intent? If it is merely to visualize collective memory, then it is not so much about the content, as it is about the expression – data visualization.

- Create a narrative with disjointed pieces of information – connected network of experiences.

A series of dialogues, conversations. Objects that can hold/collect qualitative information. 

- An example: 5 archetypal people. Who do you identify with? What do you want the audience to feel? Do you want them to go back and question?

- Even in most of the stories that have been narrated here are generic and identifiable, this generalization can be a strength. Draw on those generalizations.