F.E.A.R
(Free Experimentation Aides Revelation)

The exhibition showcased a selection of exciting student work from the Motion Graphics module ‘Interactive Graphics’.  The work included live performance and interactive projects that were screen based and projected, original music and moving image work. Much of the work was generated live and was controlled by either sound, or by active participants using physical control devices.

Traditionally the design and production of motion graphics and animation has been a slow, quiet process. The aim of the FEAR project undertaken by the students was to show the interrelationship between music and visuals, and how to tap into a more spontaneous form of creativity by designing visual work interactively in real-time.

Reacting to music and other environmental stimuli. It broke down any sense of hesitancy and FEAR in the design process, and instilled a sense of playful experimentation, and a confidence in making spontaneous design decisions.

Each student produced and documented a live audio-visual performance with supporting artwork. The starting point conceptually and musically was the music track F.E.A.R by Ian Brown.  The title and theme of each student’s audio-visual project was derived from the acronym F.E.A.R. The starting point of their music track was also a sample taken from F.E.A.R. The FEAR acronym acts as a loose and arbitrary framework, giving them just enough structure to experiment freely whilst documenting the design revelations made.

Note: This was originally developed for the Motion Graphics and Animation degree, but proved such an interesting method of design and production that it has been added to the Interactive Media Design programme.  It now runs in both courses.