First dibs: Altered States: Experiments in Moving Image exhibition

As a film student, I spent most of my time working with digital cameras, exploring digital filmmaking’s ins and outs, limitations and strengths. However, with the recent resurgence of analogue film cameras, I have been interested to explore that medium, too. The Altered States: Experiments in Moving Image exhibition gave me the perfect opportunity.

This event is being held at the ArtScience Museum as an exploration of experimental analogue  filmmaking techniques. The participating artists are displaying photos taken with 8mm or 16mm film and some even go to the extent of manipulating the physical film roll itself.

There is something so simple yet so raw about analogue film. Developing it is such a delicate, tedious process and its sensitivity makes you hyperaware of how you capture your subject. 

It explores both the artistic and scientific methodology behind using analogue film to weave a compelling narrative. 

I was fortunate enough to be taken through the exhibition by the curators, Jerome Chee and Rachel Wong. They shared how the exhibition was a much-needed return to traditional artistic techniques in the wake of AI and its effects on the art world. 

It is important to showcase such organic creations, tediously crafted with the rawest version of filmmaking techniques. It breathes life into the current artistic landscape and reminds people that art is here to stay. 

Chapter One

We were greeted by a small entryway as we entered the Altered States exhibition. There, they showcased significant players in the history of experimental filmmaking. Rachel explained how they were hoping to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the art form.

As someone who came into this with rather little exposure to the form, it was a necessary crash course. I found it fascinating to see the works of Len Lye, the pioneer of experimental filmmaking, among other great artists. 

Seeing their art felt like I was personally getting to know these individuals.

Chapter Two: The Installations

Then, we were brought in further to see the main part. It featured 5 local and international artists across 4 different installations. The techniques and subject matter varied, all with profound messaging.

After seeing the installations, we were instructed to sit with each one and process our feelings and thoughts. We were encouraged to form meaning in the installations on our own.

As we go on, I will try not to spoil too much about the exhibition but share how each piece made me feel. I hope you experience these installations yourselves. The pictures only capture a small fraction of the installations. 

The first installation “Liquid Solid” by Nicky Assmann and Joris Strijbos explored the freezing process of soap. It was a beautiful explosion of technicolour. A true blend of science and art.

“Fallen Candles – Triplet” by Youki Hirakawa was nice. I liked it for its simple yet evocative messaging. It shows the wax melting from a candle melting as it burns. The piece exemplifies the idea that even in the wake of destruction and loss, there is hope.

Then, we came to “Dance of a Humble Atheist” by Toh Hun Ping. I found this piece very unsettling. The use of ceramics to create each sculpture triggered my Trypophobia. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the depiction of decaying matter and the contemplations of an afterlife. 

Right next to the installation, there was also a display of the different ceramics that the artist had made. Upon a closer look, you see the amount of detail that Toh put into each small piece.

Be warned that the installation has a strobe effect. So, do avoid this installation if you are sensitive to flashing lights.

The last installation was my favourite. “Revenants: Optographic Animation” by Sapphire Goss was placed at the end due to its themes of death. The animation is a representation of the last thing we see before we die. 

Tickets for the “Altered States: Experiments in Moving Image” exhibition are now available at the Art Science Museum. The exhibition is on from 16 Nov to 15 Dec. Click here to buy tickets or learn more. 

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