An Exercise in Speculative Histories:
In this class we were asked to present a micro-teaching exercise to three peers, using the method of Object Based Learning (OBL). I used the still of a performance by artist, Jimmy Robert, which I thought adequately obscure:
“The image we see in the next slide is a found image that is shrouded in mystery. Due to your imaginative skills, you have been chosen as part of a team that will do important investigative work to bring the image to a wider audience, investigating its meaning and origins.”
Using several slides with prompts that foreground making speculative narratives about images, I asked peers to write down their initial spontaneous feelings about the image’s meaning (2 minutes). Next, more structured questions, such as what the image depicts? Its purpose? How these elements are evidenced? (3 mins). Finally, through my own research into the image, I present clues that help give context to the image: the curtain and its print; the two images upon the stage; a short biographical statement about the artist. Consider how these elements help to develop or contest initial impressions about the image? Does the information change your understanding of the image aims and meaning? Finally, summarise your concluding interpretations (5 minutes).
Jimmy Robert (2016) Descendances du nude
PEER FEEDBACK:
- REINIS ON LEE:
- Like other sessions today, a nice and clear presentation – I found the slides particularly easy to read and “take in” because of the design choices – the background colour, the typeface etc.
- I find the more academic and theoretical input from the teacher is very important in this kind of session as it allows the purely “practical” task to be interpreted from angles that me as a student might not have thought of otherwise. This is great.
- Perhaps allowing students to reply to the task/questions first before deconstructing the image for the group.
- HANNAH ON LEE:
- Interesting exercise about looking for meaning.
- Presented the background information well.
- Lead into the student feedback / participation part.
- JACOB ON LEE:
- it is thought-provoking, remind me of the book way of seeing.
- The surprise and twists are nice when you give us the new information.
- Maybe some tips on what to look at would help—I felt a bit ashamed that I had zero knowledge of the elements in the frame.
Micro-teaching, peer summary
Reinis explored digital platforms that can edit photographs, using very simple code commands. We were asked to explore by uploading images and watching a demo:
Very interesting although easy to get lost in tech. instruction.
Jacob Wu gave us an exercise in scale, as part of a design project. A simple, very satisfying project of selecting an object to examine that was near to hand. We then filled an A4 sheet with human figures of differing sizes, before cutting one out to pair with our object.
A very evocative ‘close reading’ of an object’s design through touch and description.
Hannah showed us a luxury brand website for Cartier, showing rings and allowing for a virtual try on of the item. Good to experience this use of virtual brand seduction!
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