WEEK8 MEDIA AND TIME
On the week8 of our seminar on “Media and Time,” I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in time-based media (TBM) and the specificity required in curating these works. This discussion not only enriched my theoretical knowledge but also sparked several practical ideas for my future exhibitions and our collective planning.
One of the most striking insights was the recognition of TBM’s inherent physicality and spatial requirements. Time-based media such as film, video, and digital art rely on the passage of time, meaning their presentation must be adapted to the space available. For example, traditional cinema demands a “black box” environment that offers a linear, immersive experience, whereas video installations in a “white cube” gallery allow for more open-ended interpretations. This understanding has inspired me to rethink how I might flexibly adapt exhibition spaces—perhaps by using projection screens to divide areas or setting up looping displays that accommodate random audience entry.
The seminar also expanded my view of the interactive potential of film. I was particularly inspired by Anthony McCall’s Lines Describing a Cone, which uses light and shadow to redefine the relationship between the viewer and the artwork, breaking the traditional model of passive viewing. I am considering incorporating interactive installations into future exhibitions, for example, by setting up relevant projection patterns to simulate natural environments that viewers can interact with.
Anthony McCall. Line Describing a Cone, 1973.
Accessibility and inclusive design also received much attention. The workshop emphasised the need for measures such as captioning, wheelchair access and thoughtful visitor preparation to be an integral part of future exhibitions. Working with hearing impaired organisations or creating tactile guides can enrich the experience for all visitors. Perhaps I need to incorporate this section into my exhibition.
References
Jacob King and Jason Simon, “Before and After UbuWeb: A Conversation about Artists’ Film and Video Distribution,” Rhizome.org, 2014, rhizome.org/editorial/2014/feb/20/and-after-ubuweb-distributing-artists-film-and-vid/
Tate Britain. “Line Describing a Cone, 1973, Anthony McCall.” Accessed March 12, 2025. https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/mccall-line-describing-a-cone-t12031.
(https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/mccall-line-describing-a-cone-t12031)
