After the success of the previous acrylic rorschach sculpture, I wanted to use the laser cutter again. I used scrap black acrylic that I found in the digital fabrication room which has a really nice reflective surface. I made the shape on illustrator and then got it cut out by the laser cutter which is a very interesting process. Then I went to the 3D lab to drill some holes in the backing so it would able to screw into the wall. Then in order to attach the backing to the rorschach shape, I used a chemical which essentially joins the pieces together- again very interesting. That took a few trial and errors but overall turned out pretty good. It dries really quickly but you have to apply the perfect amount or it will eat away at the acrylic leaving a permanent mark. I did realise when I was talking to Harriet that I should have waited to take the plastic cover off of the acrylic as it got quite scratched, but oh well, i don’t think it takes away from it too much.
Then today I went to attach it to the wall, as I didn’t have a drill, I just used 2 pins which was actually quite good as I the could move it around easily.
I shone a light on one side which produced a shadow which mirrored the rorschach shape, forming a full symmetrical ink blot shape. I also found the if I changed around the position of the light it would give a really cool effect.
I had the ideas for this work in the back of my head but actually making this work and seeing it lit up, really solidified it’s conceptual ideas that I wanted it to convey. The main intention behind this work was to focus on the verb “of symmetry” in a bit more detail.
Ok this whole time thinking about rorscharch tests I feel like I really neglected the key theme that they represent, mental health and mental illness. Not sure why this didn’t quite click previously but when making this work it became very relevant. I think the beauty of this work is that it can be interpreted many different way depending on the viewers own relationship with mental health and mental illness. It gives a clear but not cliche representation of mental hardships that uses symmetry
One way of interpreting it would be how the shadow represents the ‘human’, the brain, the subconscious; while the object acts as the Rorschach test, absolute, and categorical. They reflect each other yet have different qualities to them. The shadow is wavering at the edges, and not always perfectly aligned.
Shadow itself has a history of being ‘darker’, a darker version of the object. A distorted representation. In this work it both plays into that but also rejects it. The shadow is not distorted, it is accurate and it is symmetrical. However, the shadow also causes it to become recognisable. As just the black object, it is difficult to decipher what it is, but when the shadow is introduced it becomes clear. So in some ways it does distort the initial perception.
The act of symmetry is very physical within this work. As it is created when a light is physically turned on and put into the right position. It is not given, but formed.
Although this makes it seem super dark and whatever, I think the beauty of the Rorschach shines through and should not be overlooked. The use of the shadow emphasises the symmetry and the breathtaking shape of the Rorschach pattern. This is what has given it its long lasting effect, it has such a mesmerising pattern that you can’t help being drawn to.
I also played around with the position of the black object. Having the object positioned on a non assuming area or wall, a shadowy corner, shows how dark the human mind can reach. It can occur in unassuming places to unassuming people. It isn’t always obvious.
This acts as a site responsive work but I also want to explore this further by placing it outside the studio- perhaps in my room or in places where it seems apt (like places where your mental illness may flare up wherever that may be. So then it really acts as a symbol of mental distress. That is only really recognisable when a light is shone through it (attention) producing the shadow.
Then I also want to work with natural light to create the shadow. Representing the subconscious response to something so concrete and categorical as the Rorschach test.
As a simple explanation, the shadow creates the symmetry to ultimately form the ‘face’ of mental illness. I am very happy with how this turned out and may use it on its own as my final installation.
Today I also had a play around with my other works as I got another light from loan central so I could make it more permanent (instead of needing someone to hold their phone flashlight). But I couldn’t quite get the stand low enough for one of them so I used a big cone that happened to be the right height. Obviously not good enough for an actual installation but I just needed to know that the lights would work. As much as the acrylic translucent work still looked cool, it didn’t look cool enough. And my clay version didn’t quite work with the lights this time so I don’t think I will display it. I also kept trying to play around with the lights to see what affect it would give. I wanted to give the objects a big looming shadow, like a Rorschach monster, but the lights would need to be quite small and right next to the base of the object which wouldn’t work with what I had.
Other ideas:
I know I don’t have enough time to do this but just another idea I had. It would be very cool to have a larger version of the work pictured above as a chandelier that would spin and create multiple shadows across the ceiling. Lights would be shining from multiple angles and Rorschach faces would look down at you from all around the room. Not only would it look like a chandelier but the way it is so central and would cast shadows that encapsulate the room reminds me of feeling trapped in your thoughts.