Project 1 – Perceiving and mapping time
For this project, I wanted to challenge myself to do a time themed assignment without using a time-based medium. Instead of using mechanics that captures the duration or moment of time, I wanted to record time in an analog form. Therefore, I chose to map time using tracing paper. With the map of Manhattan as the base, I traced the route I traveled each day to a sheet of tracing paper, with different color pencils representing a different time period of the day, I repeatedly traced my route each day for around 2 weeks. And gained 10 sheets of tracing paper with different shapes and colors created by the different places and times I’ve been through. The piece in the end results with the 11 sheets of paper layered on top of each-other. With the most present date on top to the past on the bottom.
My inspiration for the construction of this piece came from the subway map. Where different colored lines expand and stretch into different forms, intertwine and connect with each other. I also indicated the places I stopped with a dot. The larger the dot, the longer I stayed. Illustrating the duration of time in a place as well. At last, the gradient effect created by the layered tracing papers represents how memories fade throughout time, with an intention to generate a sense of nostalgia. Throughout these two weeks, I toke this mapping project as a daily exercise of practicing memory. By tracing the places I’ve been through each day, I have witnessed my memory strengthen, and the regular pattern between the places I’ve visited.
