I mainly consider myself being a traditional painter working on canvases with oil colours and real brushes, but my previous research in Fine Art opened up new paths in painting and introduced me to digital art as a new means of expression more modern and wider spread. Thus, I decided to bring together traditional painting and digital image adding movement to the painting by mobilising those elements that I find most important in significance.

As far as the theoretical structure is concerned I am mostly interested in Bergson’s notion of pure past and duration: duration, for Bergson, is linked to a mental subjective experience, which opposes to the objective spatial clock-time. Duration, or as Bergson calls it, ‘pure past’, is broader than the personal past. It coexists with the present, so that “each actual present is nothing but the entire past in its most contracted state” and it goes beyond the subjective memory and perception, by including events that have not being perceived by the subject – sensations that passed unnoticed. For Bergson past is identified with the notion of the virtual as another potentiality.

More specifically I try to imagine and create the movement that the image/painting suggests and indicates and thus transform it from a still image to a movement-image. Such an attempt suggests a new perception concerning painting; it increases the split between painting as a plain depiction and painting as a multilayered and polysemantic plane.

I am looking at artists such as Jeffers Egan and Scott Hutchison who both combine painting and moving image. More specifically, Jeffers Egan created both paintings and animations on the computer using algorithms or animation software and without the use of pre-recorded video or still footage. The paintings are rendered into perfectly seamless loops, removing the key element of time within the inherently time based medium of animation/video. On the other hand, Scott Hutchison firstly creates images from oil paintings or photographs. The finished product usually includes one or more liquid crystal display panels, a computer and sometimes a motion sensor. For subject matter, he concentrates on small parts of his body.

I am very interested in figurative painting, while my recent work focuses on the female body and the experiencing of the self. I, similar to Scott Hutchinson, concentrate on small parts of the human body and animate a repetitive movement so as to repeat them differently, producing then other, unrecognisable, monstrous stories.

Music and sound is the second means of narrating my virtual stories that I animate. Both arts share a common space trying to generate same impact. Both arts, moving image and music, do not just accompany each other but add and empower the affect and the sensation that they both create. They both draw a line, a common line that passes between them and drives them in the direction of a common destination. These two sensations (image and music) are coupled together to become a ‘combat of energies’, from which the resonance will be derived (Deleuze, 2004:68).

In order to evaluate my work, I would have to say that regarding moving image I have begun to concentrate on specific parts of still image (painting) rather than animating all the elements of a painting. The movement I have animated is repetitive and thus more emphasized. Even though I have added sound to the project, I believe that it would be more effective and powerful in senses and effects if I had collaborated with a musician artist sharing same interests and concerns as me.

Reflection

The aim of my MA in Digital Art was to achieve perceptual and aesthetic possibilities that emerge by adding movement to painting. More specifically, with this project I wanted to visualise the imaginary movement of the elements of the paintings before their final position on the canvas.

I was particularly interested in recreating the ‘lost’ time of a ‘would have been’ in order to avoid finality by invoking a past time, e repetition of the image in-its-differences, where all its elements are released from the painting, so as to repeat themselves differently, producing then other, unrecognisable, monstrous stories.

The basis of my methodology was Bergson’s notion of pure past and duration. Duration or ‘pure past’ coexists with the present, so that “each actual present is nothing but the entire past in its most contracted state”. Additionally, it exceeds the subjective memory and perception, by including events that have not being perceived/experienced by the subject – sensations that passed unnoticed. Thus, pure past, for Bergson, breaks away from the conventional conception of a personal past that explains and confirms the present. Bergsonian past is identified with the notion of the virtual as another potentiality.

The main objective of my project was the suggestion of a new perception concerning a very traditional form of art such as painting. Perceive painting not as a mere representation and depiction but as a multilayered and polysemantic plane that carries multiple meanings and proliferating interpretations.

Hence, the question posed regarding a painting is no longer  “what are the multiple stories the painting (re)presents, (re)produces now (in each final form)? But instead: “what are the stories that had to be excluded for the painting to take its final form?” or even better, “what are past stories that haunt, inform shape and reshape the present image? ”

The major achievements of this MA course have been:
•    The understanding of the digital language and thus creating an effective and more successful digital image.
•    The enrichment of my knowledge concerning software programs such as Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects.
•    My participation in a group exhibition with WAM group in a London Art space in August 2008.
•    The planning of an exhibition in Athens with the participation of my project that will be recreated with the collaboration of two other artists, a musician and a writer.

I have come to the following conclusions concerning the subject and the reflection of my work:
•    ‘Translating’ images from one medium (oil colours on canvas) into another (digital computerised image) is a crucial aspect but also essential in order to have the desirable results in Digital Arts.
•    Experimenting the same idea might lead you to abandon it and create a new one, closer and more relevant to your expectations.
•    Discussing work with other artists might help you approach it from a perspective you never considered.

Regarding my future plans, I will be looking to collaborate with other artists who share same interests as me and exhibit work in art galleries or similar spaces. There is also a potential collaboration with a filmmaker who suggested me to be his art director and co-editor on a future film. I do not feel I am interested in films, which I believe it is something much more complicated and beyond my needs and expectations. As Deleuze observes, ‘there is a community of the arts, a common problem. In art, and in painting as in music, it is not a matter of reproducing or inventing forms, but of capturing forces’ (Deleuze, 2004:56).

Bibliography
Deleuze Gilles, Cinema 2, Continuum, London, 2005.

Deleuze Gilles, Francis Bacon – The Logic of Sensation, Continuum, London- New York, 2003.

Deleuze Gilles, Difference and Repetition, Continuum, London, 2004.

Deleuze Gilles, Bergsonism, Zone Books, New York, 2002.

—– Original Message —-
From: Rachel Brine <r.brine@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, March 31, 2008 3:52:25 PM
Subject: Re: Publication Group-MA Final show

Hi,  I would suggest contacting the Alumni department at the main university site at Davies Street. Bex Singleton is the person you need to contact.

Rachel

evi michalaki wrote:

Hi,  I would suggest contacting the Alumni department at the main university site at Davies Street. Bex Singleton is the person you need to contact.

Rachel

evi michalaki wrote:

I am really sorry to bother you again, but I had emailed Rachel Brine

to provide me with Alumni’s information and she replied that

I should contact the Alumni department at the main university site at

Davies Street. and that Bex Singleton is the person I need to contact.

Do you have any idea who should I contact with to get the information

I need? Thank you very much.

Kind regards,

Evi
—– Original Message —-
From: Eve Graves <e.graves@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 2:54:19 PM
Subject: Re: Request

Dear Evi
I’m sorry but I have no idea.  There is a Bex Singleton website and that’s all I know
www.bexsingleton.com
I am not sure why you are asking me – but good luck.
best wishes
Eve
evi michalaki wrote:

—– Forwarded Message —-
From: Eve Graves <e.graves@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2008 12:54:07 PM
Subject: Re: Request

Dear Evi
I have just looked up Bex Singleton  on the LLR phonebook and this is what it says. She’s Assistant Administration Officer, Alumni Officer (Programmes)   Communications & Development  Davies Street  Central Services  Phone  2302
Hope it works.
best wishes
Eve

2302      Assistant Administration Officer, Alumni Officer (Programmes)   Communications & Development  Davies Street  Central Services

evi michalaki wrote:

Hi Eve,
I am really sorry to bother you again, but I had emailed Rachel Brine

to provide me with Alumni’s information and she replied that

I should contact the Alumni department at the main university site at

Davies Street. and that Bex Singleton is the person I need to contact.

Do you have any idea who should I contact with to get the information

I need? Thank you very much.
Kind regards,

Evi

—– Original Message —-
From: Eve Graves <e.graves@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 2:54:19 PM
Subject: Re: Request

Dear Evi
I’m sorry but I have no idea.  There is a Bex Singleton website and that’s all I know
www.bexsingleton.com
I am not sure why you are asking me – but good luck.
best wishes
Eve
evi michalaki wrote:

Thank you very much for your help.

Best,

Evi

—– Original Message —-
From: Eve Graves <e.graves@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2008 12:54:07 PM
Subject: Re: Request

Dear Evi
I have just looked up Bex Singleton  on the LLR phonebook and this is what it says. She’s Assistant Administration Officer, Alumni Officer (Programmes)   Communications & Development  Davies Street  Central Services  Phone  2302
Hope it works.
best wishes
Eve

2302      Assistant Administration Officer, Alumni Officer (Programmes)   Communications & Development  Davies Street  Central Services

evi michalaki wrote:

Hi Eve,
I am really sorry to bother you again, but I had emailed Rachel Brine

to provide me with Alumni’s information and she replied that

I should contact the Alumni department at the main university site at

Davies Street. and that Bex Singleton is the person I need to contact.

Do you have any idea who should I contact with to get the information

I need? Thank you very much.
Kind regards,

Evi

—– Original Message —-
From: Eve Graves <e.graves@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 2:54:19 PM
Subject: Re: Request

Dear Evi
I’m sorry but I have no idea.  There is a Bex Singleton website and that’s all I know
www.bexsingleton.com
I am not sure why you are asking me – but good luck.
best wishes
Eve
evi michalaki wrote:

Evi

—– Original Message —-
From: Peggy Jordan <pjordan75@gmail.com>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2008 2:40:14 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: Request

Thanks Evi,

I will take care of it when I return from the states.  I will be back in London on Tuesday and will follow up with Bex.  Have a safe trip home!

Peggy

On Fri, Apr 4, 2008 at 9:21 AM, evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com> wrote:

—– Forwarded Message —-
From: Eve Graves <e.graves@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2008 12:54:07 PM
Subject: Re: Request

Dear Evi
I have just looked up Bex Singleton  on the LLR phonebook and this is what it says. She’s Assistant Administration Officer, Alumni Officer (Programmes)   Communications & Development  Davies Street  Central Services  Phone  2302
Hope it works.
best wishes
Eve

2302      Assistant Administration Officer, Alumni Officer (Programmes)   Communications & Development  Davies Street  Central Services

evi michalaki wrote:

Hi Eve,
I am really sorry to bother you again, but I had emailed Rachel Brine

to provide me with Alumni’s information and she replied that

I should contact the Alumni department at the main university site at

Davies Street. and that Bex Singleton is the person I need to contact.

Do you have any idea who should I contact with to get the information

I need? Thank you very much.
Kind regards,

Evi

—– Original Message —-
From: Eve Graves <e.graves@camberwell.arts.ac.uk>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 2, 2008 2:54:19 PM
Subject: Re: Request

Dear Evi
I’m sorry but I have no idea.  There is a Bex Singleton website and that’s all I know
www.bexsingleton.com
I am not sure why you are asking me – but good luck.
best wishes
Eve
evi michalaki wrote:

I am still in Athens. Coming back on Saturday, so I can’t come to the meeting.

Best,

Evi

—– Original Message —-
From: Peggy Jordan <pjordan75@gmail.com>
To: euneunj@empal.com; katrin maria escay <katrinmariaescay@yahoo.com>; PEGGY阿飄飄 <beauty_peggy_ya@yahoo.com.tw>; evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>; sharonferris@mac.com; nicholasbuer@hotmail.co.uk; nami_kuruguru@yahoo.com; H. Joergens-Lendrum <helga@davidlendrum.co.uk>; H. Joergens-Lendrum <joergenslendrum@onetel.com>; Paul. Thompson <Paul.Thompson@forthvalley.ac.uk>; speight_d@yahoo.co.uk; hayley mcphun <mcphun_writes@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:56:22 PM
Subject: Publication Group Meeting

Hello fellow publication group,

I just spoke to Alain this morning and was able to get answers to questions regarding the catalogue, logo design, and dvd.  I think it would be best to meet soon in order to discuss what we need to prepare for in the upcoming event.  Can everyone meet on Thursday, 24 April at 11AM in the MA Graphic Design room in Wilson Rd?  Let me know.

Thanks,

Peggy J

—– Original Message —-
From: Peggy Jordan <pjordan75@gmail.com>
To: euneunj@empal.com; katrin maria escay <katrinmariaescay@yahoo.com>; PEGGY阿飄飄 <beauty_peggy_ya@yahoo.com.tw>; evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>; sharonferris@mac.com; nicholasbuer@hotmail.co.uk; nami_kuruguru@yahoo.com; H. Joergens-Lendrum <helga@davidlendrum.co.uk>; H. Joergens-Lendrum <joergenslendrum@onetel.com>; Paul. Thompson <Paul.Thompson@forthvalley.ac.uk>; speight_d@yahoo.co.uk; hayley mcphun <mcphun_writes@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 12:24:49 PM
Subject: Re: Publication Group Meeting

I will have 3 tv/dvd combo, and speakers.

Thanks,

Evi

—– Original Message —-
From: katrin maria escay <katrinmariaescay@yahoo.com>
To: evi michalaki <evi_michalaki@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, June 2, 2008 8:48:17 AM
Subject: REQUIREMENTS FOR FINAL SHOW

Hi Evi,

I am making  a detailed list for Andy of all student requirements for the final show. (ie Computers etc…)  Please send me your info ASAP so that I can give it to him.

Thanks,

Katrin