This week, we focused on abstraction and experimental films. Early works included the use of ink and prints, in place of modern day visual effects we see presently, to create art forms in film, adverts, and to catch peoples eye. This creative form was interesting to see, as we looked at how people still managed to have creativity on film without the technology. We were asked to find an abstraction film and discuss how it is abstraction, what we liked about it, and what is similar to the types we saw in class.
I did some research and found an early non-narrative experimental film made by Len Lye in 1935. It is called ‘A Colour Box’, and I believe it to be from a conceptual perspective.
What I love about this film is how it is a visual representation of the sound it is playing, it mixes sound art and practical effects such as ink, paint and postal objects. It was funded on the condition Lye would place a postal advertisement at the end. It is bursting with colour and vibrancy throughout, and toys with the idea of colour and art abstraction. The theme of a post office, and arts was apparent throughout, making the use of paints and post etc. have a direct link to the message of the postal advertisment with the actual mediums used within it.
This film origanally divided Britain, some people loved this film and some people hated it, and most likely didn’t get it. However, it ended up winning festival awards and was restored by the British Film Institute.
This film reminded me of the ones we looked at in class due to the early effects made by ink, colour and paints, and how this is really effective in abstract art.