Figure

The word figure describes non-human entities that form part of the research project's artistic output. They are intended both as artistic artefacts in their own right, and as part-takers and performers featured in time-based compositions. They are the main actants addressing the questions posed in this project.

The figures are physical objects of various sizes, made from multiple materials, and are animated in the sense that they can physically move using electrical actuators. They are designed to operate either by themselves, as individual entities, or act in concert with other figures or human performers. They are created with the potential for movement as a primary concern, but they also have a physical aesthetic presence when still. When animated, the motion continuously changes their physical proportions.

They perform their actions of moving or they are still as singular entities. I hope to instill the impression that relations and interactions occur between the figures, or between the figures and human performers or observers.

The figures evolved from drawings of what may be considered abstract shapes or forms. Through various processes, a material object or objects derive from the drawing. To me, a drawing evocates absent realities. Physical objects are spawned as the figures attempt to grow from the drawing into these realities. However, the figures may experience that existence as a physical object makes them ill-equipped to fulfil the vibrancy of possibilities promised by the drawings. Maybe they long to return to the simplicity of being a drawing, but can never again be what they were as evocations emerging from simple line drawings. Yet, they persist in their attempts to inspire new absent realities in their material form, braving the limitations imposed on them by the oppressive realness of materiality.

I interpret the word figure either as tangible, describing physical extents, or as addressing placement in context. Figure is not yet a character. A character has abilities, skills and characteristics, qualities that can be considered internal. Through their activities and presence in this project's compositions and their encounters with each other and the (human) audience, I hope the figures can become characters through the various narratives experienced by the entities they meet. That the creation of new evocations in these encounters carries the potential for them to transcend their existence as surfaces, allowing them to be filled with characteristics, becoming characters.