Project 1: This project investigates how Riso printing’s layered color technique can be used to represent different dimensions of an image. By embracing the distinct qualities of Riso printing, such as its capacity for creative layering—I sought to construct a visual narrative that moves beyond static representation. The concept was centered on whether the layering of colors could effectively illustrate the progression of time and the structural transformations within an image. The inspiration for this approach came from the unique attributes of Riso printing, including its characteristic misalignments and its ability to merge or contrast colors, which create a dynamic interplay of elements. By exploring how these features could symbolize the nature of time, I aimed to use the printing method to tell a story of deterioration.
The foundation of this project was a series of photographs capturing flowers over a two-week period, documenting their gradual changes in structure and form. These images served as a visual metaphor for the passage of time and the impermanence of nature. To translate this concept into Riso printing, I experimented with color layering and opacity, using these techniques to emphasize the dynamic changes observed in the flowers.
Each layer of color was thoughtfully assigned a role in conveying the narrative:
Blue Ink: Represented transformation and the evolving state of the flowers over time.
Black Ink: Functioned as a constant, providing a shadow-like presence to anchor the images to their origin.
The separation of colors was achieved by assigning specific channels of the image to each ink:\n- The cyan and black channels from the changing images formed the blue layer.\n- The yellow channel from the constant, initial image was used for the black layer.
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As I reviewed the prints, I began considering the beauty of glitches. The misalignment—initially viewed as a flaw—introduced an organic, unintended time element. The increasing separation of frames as they progressed visually mirrored the passage of time. This unexpected glitch became a powerful part of the animation’s narrative, enhancing the theme of temporal evolution.
This project underscores the creative possibilities of Riso printing and the value of embracing imperfection as part of the artistic process.