David Crawford / SMS-Tokyo Japanese
Stop Motion Studies - Tokyo

SMS-Tokyo is a 2003 commission of New Radio and Performing Arts, Inc., for its Turbulence Web site. It was made possible by a grant from the LEF Foundation.

Installments

Artist’s Statement

Stop Motion Studies - Series 8   Stop Motion Studies - Series 8
All imagery was shot in Tokyo, Japan on October 27, 2003.
 
It is said that 90% of human communication is non-verbal. In these photographs, the body language of the subjects becomes the basic syntax for a series of animations exploring movement, gesture, and algorithmic montage. Many sequences document a person’s reaction to being photographed by a stranger. Some smile, others snarl, still others perform. Some pretend not to notice. Underneath all of this are assumptions and unknowns unique to each situation.

The Stop Motion Studies extend my long-standing interest in narrative and, in particular, look at the subway as a stage upon which social dynamics and individual behavior are increasingly mediated by digital technology. As one of the most vibrant and egalitarian networks in our cities, subways bring people from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds into close contact with each other. This process plays a significant role in shaping both the character of a city as well as our individual identities.
 
Stop Motion Studies - Series 9   Stop Motion Studies - Series 9
All imagery was shot in Tokyo, Japan on the morning of October 28, 2003.
 
 
Stop Motion Studies - Series 10   Stop Motion Studies - Series 10
All imagery was shot in Tokyo, Japan on the afternoon of October 28, 2003.
 
 
Stop Motion Studies - Series 11   Stop Motion Studies - Series 11
All imagery was shot in Tokyo, Japan between 8:50 AM and 10:10 AM on October 29, 2003.
 
 
Stop Motion Studies - Series 12   Stop Motion Studies - Series 12
All imagery was shot in Tokyo, Japan between 10:10 AM and 11:45 AM on October 29, 2003.
 

Related Links
 Last Updated: 08.12.07 Top of Page