The Void

void g u i d e l i n e s

guidelines

e x h i b i t i o n

exhibition

the

b

contents

guidelines

1-2 3-4 5-6 9-10 11-12 15-16 17-18

exhibition

The void “Effat” Exhibitions Structure: External Exhibitions Structure: Internal Lighting and Film equipment Exhibitions Film and Audio Voids measurements Video attachment

“effat” “Effat” is a contained visual experience raising awareness of alzheimers.

The concept behind the void was to create a space where the viewer can be given an insight into the life of someone who is living with alzheimers. Through a visual documentation, the harsh reality of such a condition should allow the viewer to realise what alzheimers can do to a sufferer both physically and mentally.

Effat Mansourian showed early signs of alzheimers in 2009. Progressively her condition has worsened, and now she can only remember a selective group of people from her life.

Alzheimers has not only affected effat mentally, but physically. The strain of having to live with this condition has meant it has become difficult for her to look after herself.

This void has been created as a screening room representing the physical and mental deterioration of a person suffering with alzheimers. A small documentary will allow viewers to see the impact that Alzheimers can have on someone.

guidelines

void

exhibition

the

2

a

b c

a

Wireframe structure of the Void

b c

External Structure of the Void Top Down View of the Void

structure The void (diagram a) is constructed in a curved form, creating a particular atmosphere when viewers enter. Curving the walls in and down should aid the feeling of claustrophobia, representing an attribute of alzheimers and its ability to allow the sufferer to feel as though their memories are slowly “caving in� on them.

The outer wall of the void will be covered in a white perspex shell creating a neutral exterior for which the viewer must enter to experience the concept.

To enter the void, an opening will be made against the wall to prevent natural light entering the room.

Outside of the voids entrance, a signpost will be placed with the information regarded the void and its description. (This text can be read on page 2).

guidelines

external

exhibition

exhibitions

4

aa

b

a

Wireframe structure of the Void with the screen

b

Concept of structure with photographed wall and persian carpet.

structure Within the void, the same external shape will apply. The walls will be covered in a photograph of Effat and her family in 1954. This photograph will aid the representation of how a family is altered by the effects of Alzheimers.

The photograph will stretch around the void surrounding, and towering over the viewer, to physically represent the importance of a family unit. As the images fade into the darkness this family unit is broken down as a sufferer of Alzheimers starts to forget their family and friends.

By using a photograph of Effat, the viewer is able to see through the mind of a specific person rather than seeing the effects of Alzheimers themselves. It is difficult to put yourself in the mind frame of someone suffering with this mental illness therefore this void aims to introduce the reality of Alzheimers by showing a personal story which viewers may relate to if they know someone who suffers with this illness.

Central to the room will be two screens allowing viewers to stand in all areas of the void whilst being able to watch the moving imagery and

listen to the audio.

The voids floor will be covered with a persian rug, representing effat and the memories which she still holds onto, all of which are of her life in Iran.

guidelines

internal

exhibition

exhibitions

6

exhibition

guidelines

a

c

b

d

a

An example of suited lighting; theatre 4 light plate spotlight black

b c

An example of suited monitor: 40� TV

d

An example of suited speakers placed on the ceiling of the void. In-ceiling Speakers

A plan of the void and the division of space for viewers to watch the film and view the photograph on the wall.

There will be 5 main spotlights within the centre of the voids ceiling which will be positioned to focus on particular faces which are present in the photographs on the surrounding walls.

These will represent the people who Effat can still remember, whilst the other faces fade into the darkness.

Lighting will be limited within the void to increase the clarity of the video which will be screened.

The spotlights which are to be used should be designed in a black matt finish so that they camouflage with the voids darkened exterior.

screen

and

speakers

The film would be played on two screens positioned on the stand in the centre of the void.

The screens would be placed at an average height of 1.7m from the floor. This will allow the screen to be at a similiar eye level to the viewer.

Each screen would need to be approximately 40 inches wide to allow the film to have full impact and attract the viewers attention. Although this is the case, the screen should not be obtrusive to the voids space, and this size will allow viewers to walk around with space to look at the photograph on the wall and then stop on either side to watch the film.

Having two screens back to back will make space for viewers who are not watching the film, to look at the wall.

The speakers for the films audio, should be positioned on the dipped ceiling. Only two speakers will be needed to fill the space of the void

guidelines

lighting

exhibition

exhibitions

10

and

video The film and audio has been created to give viewers an insight into the world of someone who suffers with alzheimers. The audio is a recording of Effats son stating the effects alzheimers can have on both the person and their family. the videos main focus is on effats physical deterioration. One way to stimulate the mind of someone suffering with Alzheimers is to show them photographs or possessions which can remind them of past events. The video shows Effat looking through old photographs whilst her son helps her to recall the event and people.

The audio is of my father, Effats son, as he describes the symptoms and effects that Alheimers can have on the individual.

The footage will screen for no more than 3 minutes to hold the viewers attention but to also allow a steady flow of people to enter and exit the void.

guidelines

film

exhibition

exhibitions

12

a

b

3.05 metres

6.1 metres

76 cm

a

width and height in metres

b

Entrance width

The voids space occupies a 20m cubed space.

The “shell� of the void measures at with a floorspace of 6.1 metres. The centre of the void measures at 3.05 metres tall. The specified space will allow 5-6 people to stand and walk around the void, a small number is required to limit noise and interference for the video and audio. A smaller group of people allows the individual to take in their surrounding without being distracted by the noise and interference of others.

The screens within the void measure at allowing enough space for viewers to walk around the void without their path being obstructed.

The entrance to the void will be 76 centimetres wide, the size of an average door frame, and will gradually merge into the wall after the viewer enters the void.

guidelines

measurements

exhibition

exhibitions

16

18

exhibition

guidelines

video attachment