Digital Arts and New Media M.F.A. Project Proposal

12/11/2007

PRACTICE CONTEXT AND AUDIENCE

a. Major issues, scholarly and creative practice

Although the context of environmental activism is evident in this project (art as a vehicle to raise public consciousness and environmental awareness), the main focus is human interaction - audience members as participants rather than observers. e_Motion is a multi-layer perceptual experience, which promotes a multilogue between participants (active and passersby), designer and e_Motion painting. There is a personal impact and symbiotic relationship of human beings and their environment. (Harrisons, Ed. Felchin)

Further research is necessary on the following theoretical concepts and creative practices: Liveness (Dixon, 115), Remediation (Bolter and Grusin) & Telepresence (Kac, 125-213)

b. Social context

e_Motion embraces the work and philosophy of Brazilian-born educator Paulo Freire, whose theories focus on popular and informal education. Paulo Freire theorized on people working together as a means of challenging/changing the status quo. This cooperative activity involving respect among the participants is also known as praxis, “action that is informed (and linked to certain values).” <www 1>

c. Audience and intended impact

- Local members of the community surrounding the pajaro river watershed.

- Business owners, council people, children, farmers, schools.

- For participants to develop a vocabulary of movement with which a visual representation of their dialogue can be created.

- Raising environmental consciousness. Allowing sense of play, awe, intrigue to spark interest and involvement. Increase awareness of local problems.

- Break boundaries (economic, social, political, racial) and provide a safe environment where movement is used as the vocabulary in this art-making dialogue.