seen

seen (2020) is a three-minute, multi-channeled video installation in a virtual studio space. The white cyclorama-walled scene contains triplet objects surrounding a neon sign that reads "seen." Initially framed on the middle TV, the viewing camera dollies back and forth throughout the work. As it moves backward, it reveals the rest of the environment, and when it moves forward, it brings attention to a particular moment shown on the middle screen.

When presented with the prompt of addressing the self, self-image, identity, and the screen, I began to think about how others see me. I used this idea as a starting point to express my interpretation of a third-person perspective of my life. More specifically, I thought about my relationship with God and how His view of my life would differ from anything conceivable by humankind. According to the Bible, God is an omniscient, omnipresent, and loving Creator who made humans after his image. These statements hold wonderful implications, which inspired me to materialize God's frame of reference. This piece explores the concept of being intimately seen and loved by God.

Psalms 139: 1-6 reads, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”

The three television screens represent one view for each aspect of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

To remove the negative connotation associated with CCTV setups, I staged the room with welcoming greenery and a bright neon sign, "seen." This lettering is a glowing reminder of the statement that I'm seen by God, despite my inability to see Him. By mounting the physical camera in a way that continually records my face, I allow viewers to gain insight into both my emotional and physical state at any given moment.

A constant movement of the virtual scene's camera imitates God's ability to see everything and look intently at each person. On the outer screens, clips appear in a non-continuous order, representing the gaze of God which transcends time itself. Justin's chorus of "iMi" repeats "I am," a phrase used by God when referring to himself.

Credits

Music by Bon Iver

Tools

Made in Blender and Premiere Pro