Video

This is Not a Test

Marisa Hoicka

2012, 00:30 minutes, colour

TAPECODE 1031.02

“This is Not a Test” encourages viewers to step beyond passive consumption and traditional media, by preparing them to view video coming to life.

The curtains invite each viewer to step beyond the screen into another reality and enjoy the different ways that people can interact and play with video. A spotlight centred on the SMPTE test pattern reminds viewers of curtains being used to introduce a more traditional show, paralleling the use of SMPTE colour bars to introduce a traditional video.

This video displays two theatre curtains, each 12’ high and 8’ wide, showing the SMPTE colour bar test pattern well-known to videographers since the SMPTE test pattern is the first image seen before a video begins.

The curtains breathe in and out, giving even more life to the piece. During the video I mimic the test sound by repeatedly humming, with gaps for breathing.

This test video image came to life as I cut and spliced various fibres for each rectangular section: vinyl, lace, cotton, wool, rubber, sequins, polyester, satin, terry cloth, fun fur, corduroy, yarn, velvet and pvc. These many different textures pull the viewer’s attention into the image as they desire to touch it, exploring its various sensory and tactile aspects.


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