So often, video presentations are displayed on a horizontal-oriented screen, placed vertically on a wall, in a 16:9 aspect ratio. To vary from this formula is, in some circles, anathema to the video art. Yet, a variety of contemporary video artists are exploring alternate forms of video presentation, using both video screens and projection. In this discussion, entitled "Off The Wall: Video's Changing Presentation," a wide variety of contemporary examples of video screen variations are presented, including multiple screens, constructions of screens, alternate materials, and variations in size and room placement of video screens and projections. Examples are drawn from international conferences, museums and galleries displaying video art in the past two years. Of note, the use of screen variations has not been uniformly successful. In this discussion, examples are provided of unconventional uses of screens that, due to non-professional elements in the presentation, distract from the video art. Innovation in screen placement can provide artists with opportunities for expanding the repertoire for types of video presentation. The innovative nature of multiple screens, unusual screen position, and deviation from expected video norms may require additional attention to detail by artists, museums and galleries to optimally display these technically involved video artworks.
Carl Patow is a digital video artist living in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated with a B.A. from Duke University and holds several graduate degrees from major U.S. universities. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program in Kinetic Imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University. His videos have been selected for multiple film festivals in the U.S. and nominated for a regional Emmy of the Academy of Arts and Letters. His work is represented in the permanent art archives of Duke University, the Minnesota Public Media Film Vault and private collections.
Off The Wall: Video's Changing Presentation
Submitted by Carl Patow on
So often, video presentations are displayed on a horizontal-oriented screen, placed vertically on a wall, in a 16:9 aspect ratio. To vary from this formula is, in some circles, anathema to the video art. Yet, a variety of contemporary video artists are exploring alternate forms of video presentation, using both video screens and projection. In this discussion, entitled "Off The Wall: Video's Changing Presentation," a wide variety of contemporary examples of video screen variations are presented, including multiple screens, constructions of screens, alternate materials, and variations in size and room placement of video screens and projections. Examples are drawn from international conferences, museums and galleries displaying video art in the past two years. Of note, the use of screen variations has not been uniformly successful. In this discussion, examples are provided of unconventional uses of screens that, due to non-professional elements in the presentation, distract from the video art. Innovation in screen placement can provide artists with opportunities for expanding the repertoire for types of video presentation. The innovative nature of multiple screens, unusual screen position, and deviation from expected video norms may require additional attention to detail by artists, museums and galleries to optimally display these technically involved video artworks.
Carl Patow is a digital video artist living in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated with a B.A. from Duke University and holds several graduate degrees from major U.S. universities. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program in Kinetic Imaging at Virginia Commonwealth University. His videos have been selected for multiple film festivals in the U.S. and nominated for a regional Emmy of the Academy of Arts and Letters. His work is represented in the permanent art archives of Duke University, the Minnesota Public Media Film Vault and private collections.