_polarity_duality_
This visual research project explores the concepts _polarity_duality_ through the use of two symbols, initially discovered and placed in various contexts. As the project unfolded, these two symbols naturally evolved into a set of five, shaped by their interactions with one another.
Equally important to the symbols themselves are their textures and the supports they interact with. The project delves into how these elements combine to create a distinctive visual language, enhancing the overall meaning and impact of the work.
The five symbols and sentences
The initial point is the discovery of two child drawings that become the foundation of a new visual language and grammar. The beetle and profile symbols transform into left and right profiles, ultimately merging with Janus's head.
In addition to these five symbols, five sentences from a 19th-century school notebook serve as the second element. These sentences were repeated by pupils to learn proper writing techniques.
These symbols and sentences provide the basis for further visual exploration, but their meaning is only realized when placed in a specific context or in conjunction with one another. Polarity and duality are concepts that can only be defined within the context of a confrontation or relationship.
The Sources
The exploration of _polarity_duality_ in this visual research project is grounded in the discovery of child drawings and school notebooks. As the project progresses, my intervention is kept to a minimum to maintain the integrity of the original material.
To create drawings, paintings, and collages, mechanical reproduction techniques are utilized whenever possible. This approach is intended to maintain the authenticity and consistency of the project's visual language while minimizing the impact of individual artistic interpretation.
Research Areas
Polarity and duality are two related but distinct concepts.
Polarity refers to the existence of two opposing or contrasting states, qualities, or values. These states may be complementary or opposite, but they are always in contrast to one another. In the context of visual research, polarity may refer to the contrast between two symbols or visual elements that evoke different meanings or emotions.
Duality, on the other hand, refers to the idea that two seemingly opposite or contradictory things can coexist and even depend on each other. Duality acknowledges that opposites are not necessarily mutually exclusive and that they can be interconnected in complex and dynamic ways. In the context of visual research, duality may refer to the interaction and relationship between two symbols or visual elements that initially seem to be in opposition but reveal a more complex and nuanced relationship upon closer examination.
Overall, while polarity and duality share a connection to opposing or contrasting elements, polarity emphasizes the contrast between them, while duality emphasizes the interdependence and complexity of their relationship.
Defining the research fields of _polarity_duality_ :
- philosophy
- mathematics (binary code)
- religion
- psychology
- physics
- astronomy
- popular culture
.
Mood board
Inspired by medieval fresco paintings, 19th-century school notebooks, drawing notebooks, ...
In general found old paper (books, charts, drawings, etchings, illustrations, newspapers, etc).
The project is not focused on aesthetic goals, as aesthetics are subjective and shaped by cultural influences. Instead, it utilizes two primary visual techniques: a mechanical reproduction method, using stamps made from the five symbols to create a uniform representation, and an emotional approach through drawings and paintings, which invite personal interpretation.
In this project, polarity and duality are not solely defined by the contrast between opposing forces. The interaction of contradictions plays an equally important role in understanding these concepts.
Rather than offering definitive answers, the project presents cues and possibilities for further exploration. By incorporating found child drawings, school notebooks, and mechanical reproduction techniques, it aims to establish a new visual language that sparks interpretation and fosters dialogue. The focus is not on reaching final conclusions, but on opening new paths for creative inquiry and exploration.
On a deeper level, the five symbols serve as fundamental elements for a new visual grammar. The meaning and interpretation of these symbols are influenced by the reader's cultural background and the context in which they appear.
The context surrounding the five symbols spans a wide range of fields, including culture, ethics, religion, philosophy, psychology, science, politics, and history.
The project doesn't conclude with its visual presentation, but rather with the interpretation of the curator and the viewer. There is no hierarchy or prescribed sequence of visuals; both the curator and the viewer are encouraged to create their own order. In this absence of structure, chaos helps make the concepts of polarity and duality more comprehensible.
The five symbols are open-source and may be used by anyone for non-commercial purposes. Users are asked to inform the author of their use of the symbols.
The individual works are not signed with the researcher's personal name, but only with the location and the year of creation. The year 2021 holds significant relevance to the themes of polarity and duality, with its core numbers—0, 1, and 2—embodying these concepts. It also marks a major global cultural and political shift due to the pandemic, which has intensified the relevance of polarity and duality. The project was created in rural France, on a farm removed from urban influences, ensuring a focus free from external anecdotal effects.