Adobe Photoshop Composite -Something Borrowed, Something New

Surrealism is an artistic and literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in the 1920s. It is characterized by a focus on the irrational and the unconscious mind, often resulting in dreamlike, bizarre, and fantastical imagery. Surrealist works of art, literature, and even film aim to explore the depths of human creativity and the subconscious, challenging conventional notions of reality and reason. 

Key characteristics and defining elements of Surrealism include: Dreamlike Imagery , Juxtaposition and Transformation , Absurdity and Paradox , Social and Political Commentary, Diverse Media .

ASSIGNMENT 
For this assignment, you will use the surrealist framework above to design a digital surrealist landscape in Photoshop. You are required to use a combination of personally photographed images and found imagery to create your image. No more than 50% (roughly) of your images may be found imagery – meaning you will be required to use 50% imagery that you personally shoot with your iPhone or DSLR cameras.  

 

Adobe Illustrator Vector Graphics - Poster Art

Revolutionary poster art is a powerful and visually compelling form of artistic expression that has been used throughout history to promote and support various social, political, and cultural revolutions. These posters are often characterized by their bold imagery, striking graphics, and succinct messaging. They serve as a means of mobilizing and inspiring people to take action, whether it's for political change, social justice, or cultural movements. Here are some notable examples of revolutionary poster art: 

  • Russian Constructivist Posters 

  • Cuban Revolution Posters 

  • May 1968 Posters 

  • Black Panther Party Posters 

  • Vietnam War Protest Posters 

  • Environmental Activism Posters 

Revolutionary poster art continues to evolve with contemporary movements and issues, using visual communication to galvanize people and advocate for change. These posters not only serve as historical records of their respective movements but also as a testament to the enduring power of art in promoting social and political change. 

For this project, you are going to create a vector graphic in the form of a revolutionary poster that will help communicate a social topic that is important to you. You will use shapes, text, and color to create a sign/symbol to incorporate into your poster composition that successfully conveys your message.  

 

Adobe Premier - Video Art

Video art is often created for artistic expression, experimentation, and exploration of ideas, emotions, or concepts. It may not necessarily follow a linear narrative or storytelling structure. 

Video art is commonly displayed in galleries, museums, or site-specific installations where the environment complements the artistic expression. It might be projected on walls, displayed on monitors, or presented as part of larger multimedia installations. 

Video art can vary significantly in duration, ranging from short loops or installations to longer, more contemplative pieces. It often doesn’t adhere to traditional storytelling structures or time limits. 

Video art might use fragmented or abstract narratives, symbolism, or non-linear storytelling to convey ideas or emotions, focusing more on artistic expression rather than a coherent plot. 

Video art often invites viewers to engage with the artwork actively, encouraging contemplation, interpretation, and emotional response based on individual perceptions. 

Lev Kuleshov / Kuleshov Effect 

Lev Kuleshov was a Soviet filmmaker and film theorist active during the early 20th century. He is best known for his contributions to film editing and montage theory, which had a profound impact on the development of Soviet cinema and later influenced filmmakers worldwide. 

Kuleshov's most famous experiment, known as the "Kuleshov Effect," demonstrated the power of film editing in shaping audience perception and emotion. The basic premise of the effect is that the meaning of a shot is not inherent in the shot itself but is derived from the context in which it is placed in relation to other shots. The significance of the Kuleshov Effect lies in its demonstration of the power of film editing to influence the viewer's perception and emotional experience. It emphasizes that the meaning in video and film cinema arts is often created through the arrangement of shots rather than the inherent qualities of individual shots. This concept has had a profound impact on film theory and editing practices, influencing filmmakers and video artists to consider the sequencing and juxtaposition of shots as a crucial element in storytelling. 

The Kuleshov Effect is not only a historical experiment but also a fundamental concept in film language and editing theory. It highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between shots and the ability of filmmakers and video artists to manipulate audience emotions and interpretations through the artful use of editing. 

ASSIGNMENT – THE THIRD MEANING 

For this project, you will employ the concept of the Kuleshov Effect to create an abstract video montage that combines personally shot video juxtaposed with video appropriated from the internet. Your montage will be abstract in nature using non-linear sequencing and address a social concept, worldview, or current event of personal interest to you. You will combine multiple sources of disparate video footage to create a newly constructed meaning through video editing and sequencing.  You submit an artist statement that includes a hyperlink to either your Vimeo or YouTube channel where you will post your video art assignment. 

 

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