Edweard Muybridge - A Story Of Motion Picture

Edweard Muybridge - Horse in motion Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

This Autumn we embraced ourselves for a 10 hour round trip to Londons Hayward Gallery we arrived wondering where exactly it was i think we all envisaged this trendy modern minimalist gallery space but it was far from that: a concrete shell resembling an army bunker, as we prepared for ambush and hurled ourselves up a succession of stairs to embark on a world of optical wonders, an exploration of discovery through light and shadows. Strange effects and weird contraptions combine for a psychadelic experience. We were bombarded with exquisite images: magic lanterns, showing an eerie array of apparitions from ghouls to drumming skeletons. Upstairs there were new delights to be found in the intricate spaces: 'witch' mirrors that multiply your reflection, enter a camera obscura and marvel at the world turned upside down. I was overcome by the incredible devices that captured movement hundreds of years before the invention of film but i also realised the extent of how film had developed since the pioneering work of Edweard Muybridge.

Now the scene is set let me begin by saying two words Humungous and Happy Birthday (both of which i will not be explaining the purpose of) Now that i have introduced Edweard Muybridge i will explain exactly who he was, what he did and how it has influenced our lives today!

Eadweard Muybridge was,in my opinion a brilliant and eccentric photographer,who gained worldwide fame photographing animal and human movement imperceptible to the human eye. Like many others of his time, Muybridge went to America to seek his fortune. There in the early 1860's he learnt photography from the great landscape and survey photographer, Carlton E Watkins, becoming first his assistant and partner, then later his competitor, photographing hundreds of scenes for the railway companies. Calling himself at first 'Helios' and later using his own name he became well known for his work, including some of the earliest pictures of the natural splendours of Yosemite and other areas of outstanding natural beauty.

However it was a commission from ex-Governor Leland Stanford in 1872 that led to his most lasting fame. Stanford was the man who invented the California wine industry, showing that good quality wines could be produced from the grapes grown in the Napa valley. He had made his money from the railroads and spent it on making wine and breeding racehorses. Muybridge was hired by railroad baron Leland Stanford in 1872 in order to settle a wager with the business associates James R Keene and Frederick Maccellish, Muybridge used photography to prove that there was a moment in a horse’s gallop when all four hooves were off the ground at once. This was a time when the horse was still vital both to the economy as a means of power and transport as well as for activities such as racing. Studies into horse physiology were highly sought after especially by racehorse breeders and scientists who were interested in the physics of animation. http://photography.about.com/library/weekly/aa121399a.htm

Muybridges pioneering work into motion picture productions led to the invention of the "Zoopraxiscope" which was a primitive motion picture device that worked by showing a sequence of still photographs in rapid succession. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci214340,00.html

Here are some tasty links to savour your palette

http://www.photo.ucr.edu/photographers/muybridge/
http://www.artcontext.org/edu/sva/newMediaArt/lectures/motionPictures/muybridge.html

Pianthus Pinks

Pianthus Pinks Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

What do colour psychologists think about Pink?
The colour Pink represents love, Friendship, Relaxation and compassion. Pink is symbolic of gentle emotions compared to Red, Pink has a softer feeling. If you are a Pink person you may be seeking affection, gentility and tenderness or you may be impulsive and immature.

A few fascinating facts about the colour Pink:
The colour pink was named after the Pianthus flower or Pinks, for its ragged edges on each petal. Dress makers will be familiar with pinking shears, scissors which produce a zig-zag cut similar to petal edges. In the 1940s, a bartender invented the Pink Lady, a basic concoction of Gin, Grenadine, Egg white and lemon juice. Pink Elephants have been the favourite hallucination of drinkers for a long time. Pink is also the colour of expensive diamonds and the Pink Flamingo whose pigment is achieved from the rich sources of cartenoid pigments in the algae and small crustaceans the birds eat. 'tickled pink' means 'i am delighted' the expression first appeared in print in 1922 and continues to be used today. 'strike me pink' is an expression of astonishment used in early 1900s much as one might say, 'ill be damned'.

Military Pigeon Grey

Military Pigeon Grey Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

Military Pigeon grey is a colour that i associate with my mates phobia of pigeons and other flapping feathered friends which soar from the sky and land on the floor ready for military ambush, unleashing their powerful poo on the heads of passing pedestrians as they attack you in armies ready to annihilate.

The first time i experienced such an attack was when i was out with some of my mates on a roaring icy cold day the sound of whiplashed winds whooshing wildy the scene was set, a hay stack drifted past on the grimey terrain. Silence, deafening silence filled the air as we saw hoards of these psychotic grey pigeons soar towards us armed with bombs. Wings like fighter jets we knew they were not going to take any prisoners, my mate was overcome by hysteria and he fell victim to the first bomb that was dropped right on his forehead after this warning signal we all headed for cover and knew it was going to be a bloody battle and only the fittest would survive as we leapt under the awning of a metropolitan cafe he told me that he had faced the flying parasites before and surrended to their every whim as he tossed his tuna salad baguette on the floor they were ravished and ate it in seconds whilst Nathan escaped without further confrontation.

What do colour psychologists think about Grey?

A preference for grey suggests that you keep your feelings, which can be quite passionate and outrageous, under control because they scare you. In order to avoid involvement and commitment you may well be detached from your surroundings and people you admire.

Warning sign yellow

Warning sign yellow Originally uploaded by Ferrari 1

What do colour psychologists think about yellow?

Yellow is a bright cheerful colour reminding us of the sunshine, yellow is synonymous with gold and the sun. In colour therapy, yellow is claimed to be effective in treating arthritis, nervous complaints, rheumatism and skin disorders. Yellow is favoured by optomists, cheerful people who like new experiences. Yellow has been used to represent many things: cowardice; jealously; prejudice and persecution as symbolised by the star of David which is worn by the jewish community. In heraldry yellow represented honour and loyalty.

Little white lies

Little white lies Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

'Im dreaming of a white christmas' white reminds me of christmas; expectations and anticipation material and wealth frosty mornings and steamy breath, homelessness and deprivation, loneliness and isolation heating bills and log fires, dicky bows and suit hires, office parties and yuletide logs.

Scarves and mittens, pet kittens cast aside after time to make way for a new toy for that rich obnocious little boy. Overload of food and drink reflection on the past year, arguements and confrontation, pub brawls and police delegation.

Sad souls and expensive trips to the poles to see santa and be part of the christmas banter, see the elves filling the shelves with gifts, Falling snowflakes moons and stars. What is christmas i ask myself a time for money and a time for wealth?
By Steve Sladdin

What do colour psychologists think about the colour white?
The use of white as a bridal colour, representing purity and virginity. If you are particularly attracted to the colour white it suggests that you are hardworking and self disciplined you remain focused in order to attain your goals, you may appear cold and insensitive. In reality however you wish to share your belongings and live longer. White is both a safe and exciting colour: safe because it blends in with all other colours and exciting because, like a blank piece of paper, it has the potential to be anything you wish. White creates a sense of vulnerability because it does not allow for anywhere to hide and yet it has the power to deceive by hiding what is beneath it. White can represent fear, emptiness and impenetrable cold.

Brown

Brown Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

I was walking through some woods not long ago and i came across this incredible sight a bundle of interwoven branches and roots like a spaghetti junction a network of flourishing growth that was awe inspiring it was such a beautiful sight it conjured up a multitude of images to me it was a metaphor for life both complex and exciting. It wanted to be explored and had hidden secrets lurking in the many crevices that it possessed there were wild mushrooms clinging to the base of the tree and sticky sap caging mini beasts it was a hierachy within the wilderness and a kingdom for all that inhabited it.

What do colour psychologists think about the colour brown?

A preference for brown suggests that you require a secure home life, appreciate your creature comforts and enjoy good food. Due to an association with the earth, brown represents comfort, stability and fertility.

Love Burns In The Passion Of Red

Scarlet Fever Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

Love Burns In The Passion Of Red
Love burns in the passion of red, Scarlet satin sheets sprawled over her bed. Spice red, fiery breath, scented rose petals, sacred heart. Lipstick and lingerie ruby red, velvet pillows yield to her head. Bright red nails gripping tight the aftermath of a steamy night. The scent of pear drops sweet and dry, dusty red blusher near her eye.Tempestuous lips that i admire those were the lips of a scarlet liar.
By Steve Sladdin

What do colour psychologists think about Red?

Red is the colour of blood, red is symbolic of both life and death. Red has the ability of increasing our heart rate and blood pressure. It can make a room look smaller and feel warmer than it really is - one way to save on heating bills! Red is often used in Fast food outlets, because as a stimulant it encourages the diner to eat quickly, thereby causing a faster turn-around in clientele. A symbol of love as epitomised by hearts and roses. A person who likes red is considered to be volatile, moving between extremes of emotion, but above all you require variety and challenge in your life. It is no secret that red is also associated with anger, aggression and war. In the 20th century some psychologists have explained the rise of Hitler and Fascism in 1930s Germany, in the powerful combination of red, black and white, used on their instantly recognisable flag.

Red domination

Adolf Hitler Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

Adolf Hitler was a psychotic murderer who assasinated jews, believing them to be less superior than the German stock for me he and this shade of red represents power anger and intimidation. Hitler rose to power in Germany during the 1920s at a time of social, political and economic change, he failed to take power by force causing conflict and devastation. In 1923 he eventually won power by democratic means. luckily he was defeated but many lives were lost to the colour red and red blood was emblematic of this immense tragedy which swept the world.

Blue Moon

Blue Moon Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

What do colour psychologists think about the colour blue?

Colour therapists use blue to treat a variety of complaints: fear; insomnia; shock and tension. People who like blue are said to be caring, helpful and intuitive. They are also renowned for being quite insecure and shy, although they hide this well. They are devoted and loyal partners. The colour blue makes a room appear much larger and quite colder than it actually is. Blue in contrast to the colour red has the ability to decrease blood pressure and the heart rate. Blue is also synonymous with the ocean which symbolises peace and tranquility. Blue is used to convey a whole host of messages: Fidelity,safety, spirituality, truth, eternity, faith, loyalty, peaceheaven, nobility, wisdom and chastity.

Green Fingers

Green Fingers Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

'Green Fingers' a term usually associated with gardening reflecting the the nurture and growth of plants, flowers and shrubs but to me when i hear this phrase i think of enchanting wilderness' where the grass is overgrown and moss plagues the bark of trees engulfing the tree like an illness eating away at its inner core, i think of wrotting food stuffs cast away in heaps by passers by enjoying a pastoral dalliance in the basking sunshine. Deep dark caverns and damp mossy caves clad with ivy and untamed weeds cascading water and unearthly rock formations ravaged by roaring winds.

What do colour psychologists think about the colour Green?

Green is equated with the countryside and outdoor pursuits. In colour therapy, green is used to treat heart disease. Yellow greens conjure up images of spring, youth and growth; blue greens are seen as cold and icy; dark greens are considered to be rich with an element of mystery and are synonymous with dark damp hidden caves. A preference for green can indicate a well adjusted, conventional person, or someone who is self-centred and likes to get their own way. Today, green is most commonly associated with safety, from first aid points in factories, green traffic lights indicating that it is safe to cross the road. To environmentally friendly products. Green has negative connotations too- disease, envy and jealousy.

Jet Black

Jet Black Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

I associate the colour black with immense tragedy for me it is synonymous with death and funerals two severe tragedies which i had to deal with quite recently were the consecutive deaths of both my cousin who died in a 'freak' accident whilst coming home from a night out and my Grandad who died three days before Christmas with my Grandma at his bedside as he tried to fight off the virus which had plagued his body. I really miss both of these relatives but my Grandad in particular as we were just beginning to get to know each other properly he was quite a comical chap at times and we often had a good laugh at his old fashioned views.

What do colour psychologists think about the colour black?

In Europe, black is considered the traditional colour of mourning. Black can represent many things: fear, evil, the powers of darkness, annihilation, and evoke a sense of mystery. Black is worn by professionals because it oozes respectability and conformity perhaps it allows the wearer to mask their true personality.

Rusty Orange

Orange sculpture Originally uploaded by Ferrari1.

I recently visited the Yorshire sculpture park better known as the YSP for those of you who have never been it is this vast expanse of greenery which is home to some incredible sculptures by the legendary Henry Moore many of his sculptures are abstract and essentuate the human form but there are also works by Anthony Gormley who created the contraversial 'Angel Of The North' and Barbara Hepworth whose sculptures are an expression of organic forms in our every day lives. I particularly like the sculpture that is featured because of the explosion of orange and yellow which is a result of the rough wiery weather that we brits have become accustomed to.

What do colour psychologists think about the colour orange?

Orange is most commonly found in nature, orange implies warmth, fruitfulness, happiness, energy and wealth in all its forms. Orange can lift our spirits and theirfore reduce irritability and hostility, its use in decor could improve our social behaviour.

Colour Preference Testing

Colour preference tests have been devised in order to gain useful information on how people will react to certain colours in given situations, and as a means of personality analysis. The luscher colour test, devised by Dr Max Lusher, is perhaps the best known personality test.
The basic Luscher test involves placing 8 set colours in order of preference and without reference to external considerations, for example, would that colour look nice as an item of clothing. According to Luscher, this allows a true reflection of your colour needs and preferences. Once the selections have been made the position of each colour (1-8) would be analysed to reveal the main personality traits.

This information has been influenced by a leaflet produced by the SDC Colour Museum an educational activity of The Society of Dyers and Colourists
P O Box 244, Perkin House, 82 Grattan Road, Bradford, BD1 2JB, UK
Phone (01274) 725 138
http://www.sdc.org.uk/

What is synaesthesia?

Synaesthesia is a harmless condition in which people experience perceptual sensations that are not shared by most other members of the population. For example, people with synaesthesia may experience colours with letters, sounds, or words; they may experience shapes with tastes, or smells with sounds, to name a few varieties. It has a biological origin and is found in at least 1 in 2000 people.

There are many different types of synaesthesia which people living with the condition deal with on a day to day basis, Probably the two most common are 'chromatographic' (coloured letters/numerals) and coloured hearing. Other associations include: coloured/shaped/patterned/sequenced/textured/tasting etc.

Some people assume they have synaesthesia because they associate particular objects with fruit for instance, or colours with emotions or textures. However many of these assumptions are inaccurate they are arbitary signs, they are associations with particular objects, emotions and textures which we have learned through our up bringing or our reading of signs, gestures and our intellectual development throughout our childhoods.

On a very basic level arbitary signs are similar to the condition of synaesthesia however unlike arbitary signs synaesthetes have associations with letters, music, textures and food which have no relation to the conventions of semiotics (the study of signs) a true synaesthete may associate the letter 'B' with the colour pink, or think that chicken tastes spherical these associations are constant.

Here are some really good links for anyone wishing to find out more about synaesthesia:
http://www.psychiatry.cam.ac.uk/isa/frames.html
http://synaesthesia.fws1.com/

Introduction to colour
Colour is a sensation in our mind that arises from the effect of visible light energy on an object containing colorant as sensed by our eyes. The average human observer can sense 16 million colours and compare colours quite accurately. Describing colours is more difficult for linguistic and cultural reasons. Most languages have eleven basic colour names and these are not enough to communicate colour sensation. The most common ways of describing colour and colour difference are the Munsel system and the opponent theory of colour.

The Munsel system separates colour into Hue or colour; Value or Lightness the placement of the colour between black and white; and Chroma or Saturation the intensity of the colour for a specified lightness these are the standard terms for describing colour. The opponent theory proposes that the brain perceives colour in pairs of opposites Red and Green, Yellow and Blue and Black and White. To communicate colour accurately we use a set of terms derived from both of these systems:

• Hue - Basic colour - Red, Yellow, Blue
• Saturation - Intensity - Stronger or weaker
• Lightness - Brightness - Darker or lighter

CHROMA- BY DEREK JARMAN
A Book Of Colour-June '93
Brilliant, gorgeous, painted, gay,
Vivid, Flaunting, tearaway,
Glowing, Flaring, Lurid, Loud,
Screaming, Shrieking, Marching, Proud,
Mellow, matching, deep and dull,
Constant, colourful, chromatic,
Party-coloured and prismatic,
Kaleidoscopic, variegated,
Tattooed, dyed, illuminated,
Daub and scumble, dip and dye,
High-keyed colour, colour lie

CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI,
'What Is Pink?' From Sing-Song
What is pink? A rose is pink
By the fountains brink.
What is red? A poppy's red
In its barley bed.
What is blue?The sky is blue
where the clouds float through.
What is white? A swan is white
sailing in the light.
What is yellow? Pears are yellow
Rich and ripe and mellow.
What is green? the grass is green,
with small flowers between.
What is violet? clouds are violet
in the summer twilight.
What is orange? Why, an orange,
Just an orange!

Hyperlinks

http://www.graffiti.org/
http://www.mindgem.nu/graffiti.html
http://www.puregraffiti.com/
http://www.cnn.com/us/9603/graffiti_art/
http://artworkrebels.com/graffiti
http://graffiti-art.com/

Books
The handwriting on the wall toward a sociology and psychology of graffiti
Ernest L Abel and Barbara E Buckley

Graffiti at the millenium
Stephen Powers

"Is Graffiti Art Or Vandalism"

To begin with i decided to define the terms art, artists and vandalism:

1. Art-Human creative skill or its application or work exhibiting this.
2. Artists-Somebody who practises any of the arts (sculpture, photography, fine art)
3. Vandalism-wilful or malicious destruction or damage to works of art or other property.

Graffiti-italia-Graffiare "to scratch"

Graffiti is a form of communicating ideas and feelings that are both personal and free of the everyday social restraints that are normally frowned upon by society they provide us with an insight into the society in which the artist lives and the type of person they are. Graffiti is an expression of oneself and there feelings about current affairs at the time in which they illustrate their ideas in the form of words, phrases, images, sculptures and tags which are deliberately situated in places where they will gain ultimate recognition by society it gives artists the opportunity to share there opinions through the creation of more unconventional art forms that appear in the street as opposed to the gallery, Graffiti means that art is more accessible to everyone and it does not come at a price.

Graffiti began hundreds of years ago at the time of the caveman who made inscriptions and illustrations to communicate with other tribes and warn off evil spirits. Now archaeologists study this early form of communication and exhibit artefacts in museums however Graffiti is much more contraversial since that time, it has been labelled as instances of public "vandalism" but to some people it is still what the artists intended it to be "peoples art" an attempt to beautify or improve public spaces without official approval.

The problems associated with Graffiti stem from the Bronx in America where Graffiti has plagued the city of NewYork (in my opinion Graffiti in this part of the world is some of the best i have seen) according to the psychologist Sigmund Freud who carried out a psychoanalytical report Graffiti is about neighbourhood identity and narcissism but to others these signs (known as tags) are the artists notoriety without incriminating themselves. The problems in the Bronx have been dealt with so severely because crime experts believe that this minor crime results in major crimes beeing commited.

Obviously some people regard Graffiti as vandalism and others as art i regard Graffiti as art it is a technique which is very difficult to master but one which has immense credibilty amongst artists and designers it cannot be regarded as anything other in my opinion all good art is controversial and relies on the audience to question what is actually being said it might deal with current affairs which are not morally justifiable such as war and terrorism or it might just be a creative image which uses intricate patterns and elaborate typography its visually stunning and demands a second glance to really appreciate the work that has gone into it the concept of Graffiti being a "peoples art" is a very good one allowing everyone the chance to appreciate it regardless of their socio-economic identity.

To conclude i believe that Graffiti is only vandalism when it is mindless tagging or bombing this type of graffiti is impulsive and self absorbed the use of explicit one liners is just degrading and only results in bad press and the stigma that has become associated with graffiti in this modern age.

"Art is what you can get away with "- Marshall Mcluhan

(Taken from The Art Of Seeing Sideways by Alan Fletcher)