Book Stacks

The three book stacks I created are titled Migrations, Possessive Desires, and Into Being. Through experimenting with different combinations of book titles, I created three distinct poems, each reflecting a unique theme. 

Migrations:

The first stack, Migrations, is composed of Migrations and All the Birds in the Sky. The word “migrations” refers to movement and transition from one place to another. Paired with All the Birds in the Sky, the stack can be read literally, evoking the seasonal migrations of birds flying through the sky, or metaphorically, suggesting freedom, change, and new possibilities. Together, these titles express the idea of freedom in movement and future potential. 

Possessive Desires:

The second stack, Possessive Desires, is made up of Possession, A Certain Hunger, and Never Let Me Go. Possession conveys notions of ownership and control, while A certain Hunger hints at deep desire and longing. Never Let Me Go implies an intense need to hold on tightly. Combined, these titles create a powerful image of obsessive love and desire, reflecting the darker, possessive side of relationships. 

Into Being:

The final stack, Into Being, includes A Breath of Life, Body, and You Are Here. A Breath of Life symbolizes the act of coming into existence, while Body refers to the physical nature of existing. You Are Here suggests presence in a specific space. Together, these titles explore the experience of being–focusing on the connection between the physical body and the immediate, present moment.   

The composition of the photographed book stacks was also carefully considered. All three stacks were photographed against a blank background to ensure that the focus remained solely on the books. The stacks were placed on a wooden table, evoking a homely, familiar environment. In each image, the books are stacked alongside others with their spines turned inward, drawing attention to the outward-facing spines of the selected titles. 

This arrangement was intentional, creating the impression of a bookshelf or a bedside table. The idea was to make it seem as though the books were left in this order waiting to be discovered in an intimate unknown space. This setting aligns with the fact that the books were taken from my personal collection, and the deliberate composition was meant to convey this intimate environment. 

In the final photograph, the books are stacked vertically, allowing the titles to be read fluidly. This decision was necessary because the last book’s title, You Are Here, was printed vertically, while the others were printed horizontally. Stacking the books vertically ensured that the titles could be read seamlessly. 

Environmental Video Ideas

Initial Ideas:

• Honey attracts ants etc (mask? bear?) flip in nature (the insects are eating the predator) fast track to the cycle of life. GLOVES AND SHOES no need to get stung by wasp
• Blending into nature (bury body parts)
• Teaching trees (call and answer)- artist easel with chalk board, pointer
• I am a tree (wearing a sign that says it (around the neck) and standing in different parts of the forest- wearing an outfit that has nothing to do w anythings) mimic sounds and movements

Further Brain Storm After Presented Ideas to Class:

In camera visual effects: shoot film then reverse it.

Cuts in video, 

Transformative power of nature

• Person appears and disappears 

People walking into a space, crouch then jump, blank shot of woods in back, drop back down w changed clothes 

Someone hides behind a tree with a pile of leaves, runs behind a tree, quick cut, someone gathers leaves and throws them. Two separate shots: one running. One holding and throwing leaves. 

Frenetic music?, very suddenly it cuts 

Rough Story Board:

MOCA/Biennial of Art Write Up

Although I could not attend the class trip on the scheduled date, I made a point to visit the Museum Of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the Toronto Biennial of Art on my own time. Even though I live in Toronto, this was my first time visiting MOCA. The museum’s three levels were impressive, but I was especially fascinated by the third floor, which featured work of artist Tishan Hsu. His exhibit, Interface Remix, explores the intersection of technology– such as artificial intelligence– and the human body, creating art that feels unsettling to look at. One piece that particularly caught my attention was on the far left wall, centered in the space. The canvas appeared almost as though it was wrapped in skin, with strange, circular, two-dimensional mounds that seemed to protrude from the surface in uniform rows, resembling skin tags. Some areas of the image on the canvas were distorted, while others were replaced by features resembling human arms, mouths, and other mysterious orifices. The neutral and cohesive colour palette enhanced the eerie effect, while the distortions made the piece appear as though it were alive, adding to its dynamic and unsettling quality.

At the Toronto Biennial of Art on Lisgar Street, two pieces stood out to me. The first was a video work titled Filiacion abono (Dung kinship) by Naomi Rincon Gallardo. I was struck by the creative use of materials in the costumes, particularly a snake-like character whose headpiece was made from scraps of metal twisted into a coiled form. The DIY quality of the filming and editing reminded me of making videos as a child, adding a nostalgic charm to the piece. The second piece was Threatened (Birds in Canada) by Maria Ezcurra, a striking drawing and painting installation that took up all four walls of the room it was exhibited in. The walls were completely covered with images of Canadian bird species at risk of extinction. The beauty of the artist’s rendering of the birds, juxtaposed with their endangered status, made a powerful statement about the environmental threats they face due to human activity.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring both exhibitions, and I look forward to returning for future shows!