top of page

UPUPDOWNDOWN

video installation
the pathway of life

I sought to explore how life is full of ups and downs that catch us unsuspectedly. Referencing Shigeko Kubota and Nam June Paik, I created a video installation. On a translucent synthetic silk, I paint figures falling in a monochromatic palette. For the background, I was inspired by the Chinese ink paintings of Jia Youfu and Wu Guanzhong. Assembling the fabric and rice paper, I created a mobile sculpture using a window roller so the figures appear as though they are falling from high to low over and over. Influenced by the works of Bill Viola, I edited a video projection that combines imagery of water to suggest the successes and fire for the struggles in life. The painted figures are passively manipulated by the unpredictability of life, unknown of their destiny, heaven or hell.

video installation without projection

Screen Shot 2022-10-28 at 8.19.54 PM.png

sketchbook development

Screen Shot 2022-10-28 at 8.23.55 PM.png

material experimentation Chinese ink on rice paper

Screen Shot 2022-10-28 at 8.25.09 PM.png

experimentation synthetic silk with acrylic layered on Chinese ink painting, assembled on window roller

Screen Shot 2022-10-28 at 8.26.39 PM.png

experimentation video projection

© 2023 by Viela Hu

bottom of page