« Graphis »,
2009-2010 Synthetic Hologram, 3m X
60cm Chinese Calligraphy :
Yunjeung Yang Arab Calligraphy : Joseph
El Hourany
“Graphis”
is the latin word for "pencil", a tool for drawing and
writing. It is also the title of a large synthetic
hologram showing calligraphy of historical texts in
Latin, Chinese, Arabic, renaissance French, Greek and
Italian. In this 3D composition, texts and objects are
spatially associated in three scenes that transform into
each other when the observer moves laterally. The
quotations come from historical treatises on painting,
optics, perspective and calligraphy from authors such
as: Zhang Huaiguan (8th c.), Ibn Al-Haitham (Alhazen,
965-1039), Kuo Hsi, (11th c.), Su Dongpo (Su Shi,
1036-1101), Roger Bacon (1214-1294), Leonardo da Vinci
(1452-1519), Jean Pélerin Viator (1445-1524) and
Francesco Maria Grimaldi (1618-1663). Placed in the
contemporary context of computer generated holography,
these quotations may convey meanings beyond what was
intended by the authors. Nevertheless and more than
ever, they are part of the history of spatial
representation.
“A mountain
viewed at a close range has one appearance; a mountain
viewed at a distance of several miles has another. When
viewed from a distance of scores of miles, it has still
another. The change of appearance caused by the varying
degree of distance from the object is figuratively known
as “the change of shape with every step one takes.” The
front view of a mountain has one aspect; the side view
another; the back view still another. The ever changing
view from whatever side one looks is described as
“different shapes of a mountain as seen from every
side.” Thus a single mountain combines in itself several
thousand appearances. Should we not realize this fact?
Kuo Hsi, «
Lin Ch’üan Kao Chih » (1117)
“Research
begins with observation of present things, examination
of optical circumstances and discernment of the
specificities of their components.”
“I saw that I
reach truth only with ideas in which elements are
concrete and their images are imaginary.”
Ibn Al-Haitham,
“Kitãb al-Manãzir” (c. 1028-1038)
“I am always,
since a young age, embarrassed by people’s different
convictions, and how each group is attached to their
beliefs, and I am myself doubtful of all this.”
Ibn
Al-Haitham, “Kitãb al-Manãzir” (c. 1028-1038)
“Diversity of
appearances of things in front is always to be
considered.”
Jean
Pélerin Viator "De Artificiali Perspectiva"
(1505)
“Time isn’t
without movement”
“Light multiply
itself in time”
Roger
Bacon, "Opus Magus" (1267)
“Just as a
stone thrown into water becomes the center and cause of
various circles, sound spreads in circles in the air.
Thus every body placed in the luminous air spreads out
in circles and fills the surrounding space with infinite
likeness of itself and appears all in all and all in
every part.”
Leonardo da
Vinci "Notebooks", Ms. A, fol. 9 v.
(c. 1505)
“My
heart is empty, charged with nothing. Frivolous values don’t
matter! Look on the water of an
ancient well, Ten thousands images come and
go...”
