Since first arriving in DC in 2006, my work has developed beyond chaotic and introspective video pieces into longer minimalist pieces using appropriated media. I attribute this change to my deepening interest in Quaker spirituality and color field paintings of the Washington Color School. My work examines the affect of digital culture on the art of storytelling.
My most recent work has explored the deconstruction of theatrical films as a way to comment on the process of filmmaking and our relationship to technology. In Color Field for Stanley, I reduced Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining to four constantly evolving color field-style animations. This draws attention to the film’s smooth camera work and the filmmakers’ color choices while being inspired by data fragmentation that often occurs when transferring large files across the Internet.
The Sound of is a variation of The Sound of Music reduced to only its quietest moments. With the songs and dialogue removed, the viewer has the opportunity to appreciate the sound design and the subtle aspects of the performances within the film. The awkward pauses, sighs, knowing glances, and body language are the most powerful moments of the piece. The choppy editing style featured in the piece has become prevalent on YouTube as people decide to edit out their ums, ahhs, and pauses. These are moments chosen to be part of The Sound of.
My ongoing Twitter project Tweet Koons is an attempt to reduce Jeff Koons’ pieces to descriptions of 140 characters or less. The average viewer will spend more time reading a tweet than they would looking at the original. Koons’ appropriation of pop culture imagery within his work allows for a descriptive shorthand that lends itself to abbreviated communications.
Tommy Bobo
June 2011
