Posts Tagged ‘essay’

Robin Bells Political Projection Mapping 

Robin Bells Political Projection Mapping

On the evening of May 15th, 2017, The Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C. was bathed in light.   While the display only lasted about 10 minutes before being shut down, both passerby’s and tourists were able to witness it, taking photos and videos as souvenirs.  While may artists use projection mapping techniques to create a visual aspect to music shows, Robin Bell is using projection mapping as a medium for political protest.  In the wake of a new political landscape, Bell is using projection mapping to stage monumental installations on government buildings.  In his guerrilla-protest piece entitled, “Emoluments welcome”, Bell displays a juxtaposition of images against the trump hotel.

The Words “Emoluments Welcome” are the banner above the entryway to the hotel, atop a background of Turkish and Russian flags scrolling horizontally in a loop.  The faux-fluorescent sign that says “Open 24 hours” brings to mind that of a seedy motel instead of the “regal” Trump brand.  The emolument clause from the constitution is then projected, calling into question the legality of the properties of the businessman turned president. Then, In case there was any confusion regarding the meaning of the installation or the artists political stance, the words “Pay Trump bribes here”  are also projected onto the face of the building.

His projections, while not explicit animations, do use similar techniques to animated projection mapping.  He is using light to create a visual narrative while employing an architectural surface as a canvas.  He also makes sure that the words and banners of each scene fit perfectly atop of the entryway of the Hotel, so there had to have been some knowledge of software and composition. 

Sources and Similar Works:

Formal Analysis Paper “The Siene at Chatou” 1906






Frances Ross: Formal Analysis Paper

Maurice de Vlaminck 1876-1958

MET Catalog:









Documentary Animation Analysis–“Le Clitoris”

Documentary Animation Analysis

“Le Clitoris” by Lori Malépart-Traversy


“Le Clitoris” by Lori Malépart-Traversy is a short film that addresses the subject of female sexuality in a humorous and lighthearted way.  Malépart-Traversy personifies the sexual organ (the main character) by turning it’s roots into legs and giving it a simple face and small arms.  The narrator takes us through the film, while the main character reacts to every piece of new information presented.

Created using gouache on paper, the soft palette of pinks and greys mimic the overall soft tone of the animation. The use of line is minimal, and the overall presentation is simple and straightforward. In this instance, form and content work quite well together.

By making a cute-ish animation, rather than a live-action film, Melépart is able to achieve a few things: First, the information can be presented in a way that is funny, yet informative, and suitable for a large spectrum of ages.  For instance, this animation could be a great asset for teaching young people about sex and reproductive organs.  Secondly, because animation does not have to abide by the laws of anatomy, Melépart is able to remove the clitoris from the body, personify it, and allow it to walk around.  To shoot this with live footage would likely be grotesque and off-putting.  Thirdly, because the clitoris is personified, the viewer can perceive is as an actual character, rather than a body part. This allows the viewer to potentially make an emotional connection to the character and feel a bit of empathy.  Lastly, Melépart is able to address the male influence in “discovering” the clitoris throughout history without being too sarcastic or didactic.

Because  “Le Clitoris” is presented in such a gentle way,  the viewer can easily learn about female anatomy, and get a brief history lesson about the last 500+years of patriarchy.