NSCAD student explores 'fluid images' with exhibit
Dynamic inkblots used to examine the boundaries of a "right answer"
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Carl Jung once observed, "It all depends on how we look at things, and not how they are in themselves." The new art installation Psycho-Cymatic aims to explore the relationship between perception and reality while pushing the boundaries of conventional psychoanalysis.
The artist behind the installation is Andrew Maize. Currently in his last semester at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Maize was selected to be an undergraduate exhibitor for the NSCAD Student Nocturne Project. The installation had more than 170 attendees to the installation as part of the Nocturne Festival last weekend.
Maize designed the installation as a variation on the famous Rorschach inkblot test. However, the artist followed his own creative approach to psycho analytics.
Each participant in the installation:
- Fills out an information card as though admitting oneself to a series of psychological tests
- Is tested with traditional mirrored inkblot images
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Andrew Maize backstage at the Psycho-Cymatic installation
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However, the parameters of traditional inkblot testing quickly begin to break down when the Rorschach image begins to morph in response to the participant's answers. The answers are given over a microphone that sends vibrations to a subwoofer. On top of the subwoofer is a drum containing the ink being used to create the image that is being projected to the participant.
The artist uses dynamic inkblots as a way to heighten the curiosity and feeling of interactivity of the show's participants.
According to Maize, "The fluid image, the ephemeral Rorschach gives more power to the participant. By using the vibration of their voice to change the inkblot they are seeing, the boundaries of a "right answer" or proper structure are hopefully eased for the participant, and they feel empowered and curious enough to continue and play."
One of Maize's friends suffered a mental breakdown about a year ago, and as a result spent a lot of time in mental care facilities.
According to Maize, "This experience was definitely a seed for the work. I feel this project is the first sprout, and I am looking forward to continued exploration in the relationship between mental illness and societal norms."
As for the results of Maize's experiment, he seems happy that the installation has provided new insight on the age-old practice of inkblot testing. Brad Hartman experienced the installation from the perspective of a presenter and also as a participant. He noted that the majority of the feedback coming out of the experience was the uneasiness people felt because they thought they were being judged by their answers.
Maize's view is that feelings of judgment come from being put on the spot and being forced to rely on ones imagination to describe and see something in the images.
"I think that the dynamic inkblots gave rise to a curiosity and the thought, 'I think I am impacting what I am seeing.' - which I hope for most people is empowering."
The Psycho-Cymatic installation is showing at Anna Leonowens Gallery until Oct. 21.
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