Trumps

• Main Author: Tansley, Graham
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: Creative Practice; Visual Communication; Iceland; Seyðisfjörður
• Online Access: https://lau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17320/; https://lau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17320/3/%C3%AD%20Lj%C3%B3si%20Light%20Festival%202017%20Finale.mp4; https://lau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17320/4/%C3%AD%20Lj%C3%B3si%20Light%20Festival%202017%20Full%20Projection.mp4

The output is a creative project involving a light projection titled ‘Trumps’. It was a response to the concept and timing of the í Ljósi light festival in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, when the first sunlight in nine months falls onto the town. Research process: Using synchronised digital projectors inside the building, projecting onto screens set in the windows, balloons floated up to fill a detached domestic building. Synchronised to the soundtrack of Grieg’s Morning Mood from Peer Gynt, the black, purple, red, orange, yellow and finally white balloons eloquently created a spectacular sunrise inside the house with, at the musical climax, the balloons ‘farting’ off to return the building to darkness. To create the film of balloons floating up, Tansley designed a set; a clear Perspex box was set against a black background. The dimensions of the box front were calculated to match the proportions of the windows to be used in the specific building. The final film was edited and turned through 180 degrees to create the effect of the balloons floating up rather than falling down. There was then more intricate editing needed to be synchronised with the soundtrack. Research insights: Designing a piece of pre-programmed projection work to fit a building, without a site visit, is a complex exercise. However, it stimulated dialogue and debate while living and working with international light artists across a range of disciplines and created possible future collaborations. The intention and importance of ‘Trumps’ was to contrast sophisticated visual eloquence (nature) and childish humour (humankind). Dissemination: ‘Trumps’ was exhibited as part of the í Ljósi light festival in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland on 24-25 February 2017. The event attracted national media attention and was visited by over 2,500 people.