Exhibition Write-up

My objective was to create a story by touch – the user feels the textures and associates a place or situation to what they interpret the texture to represent. This stimulates their imagination to create a scenario that they turn into an adventure as they pass the hoop through their hands and work through the textures, bridging the change in textures with their creativity. I chose the shape of the hoop because it is easy to follow, and neutral tones for the textures because the visuals were meant to be subtle. This puts the focus on the textures, not the shape or colour. By removing all words and pictures, I was investigating the power of the touch sense and how well it can function when isolated like this. I found, through experimentation, that certain textures provoke memories or common associations, which form the basis of the narrative. The textures are also arranged to create a narrative curve, that is, a gentle introduction, building to a climax, and then finally a resolution, using flat, fine textures contrasting with raised, exaggerated textures. This typical structure of a storyline encourages the user to create an interesting and exciting adventure.

Instruction

Tie the provided blindfold, and then pick up the hoop, starting at the bound section, following the direction of the arrow. Slowly pass the ring through your hands, taking in the textures by feeling with your fingertips. What can you feel? What do you associate with what you can feel – what situation do you imagine yourself in? Put yourself in a place and narrate your own adventure inspired by the textures as you follow the path on the inside of the hoop. The journey finishes when you wind up back at the bound section. Please record where your imagination escaped to in the provided notebook, but only once you have created your own story – don’t peek!