Unity Assignment

This week we were tasked with finding or creating images which represent one or many of the following traits:

• Proximity
• Repetition (emphasis on similarity)
• Repetition (emphasis on variety)
• Continuation
• The grid as organizing factor
• An example of a chaotic, unreadable image
• An example of a non-objective expression of unity
• An example of a figurative expression of unity

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My first is a photo linked directly from aerial photographer, Alex S MacLean's website:

Circular Housing Development
Alex S MacLean's

Sun City, Arizona

Ref #: LS_5343_16
Link to the image: http://cdn.lightgalleries.net/4bd5ebf97479c/images/LS5343_16-2.jpg

I absolutly love this photo.  MacLean sure has an eye for his craft.  This image captures proximity with the close groupings in which the homes were built.  Repetitious similarity is expressed by the "cookie cutter" design and variety is present in the "made do order" aspect.  Each home is a unique representation of a base model, ergo, you have the same thing but different. Continuation is shown in abundance throughout the circular grid pattern.  The grid itself is round in an infinite pattern on each tier.  It is definitely unreadable, there is no start or finish nor legible characters. The photo also captures unity without argument by the aforementioned traits, many units forming a whole.  Lastly, the example of a figurative expression of unity is found in the representation of a community.  Again, a great photo with so many levels of depth.  It says so much and at the same time holds something different for everyone.

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Ironically my second photo was my first choice.  It is the first image I sought after once I read what the details required were, it made sense and just clicked.  Again, I am using another image from the web.  I scoured around for any of my own photos to use but alas, I do not have any.  Here we have a photo of Marines standing at attention:

Department of Defence website
Address: http://osd.dtic.mil/photos/Jun2004/040604-F-6655M-169.jpg

I think it also captures every element I am looking for.  Proximity, similarity  and variety (I can't bring myself to use the word repetitious as I hold the Marine corps core values and code anything but), and continuation and a grid in the formation.  Is it an unreadable image? I would say that is up for debate.  Marines in general display both a non-objective and figurative expression of unity.  This picture captures that very well.  Another winner all the way, with the assignment and in general in my opinion.... oorah.

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Repetition, emphasis on variety:

Jay-z, The Blueprint 3's (album cover)

This image contains variety in its form and shapes but remains one unit because of the color scheme (or lack of) and theme of musical instruments.




Grid as an organizing factor:

Pebble Tile Mosaic
http://www.coverallstone.com/tile/home/

We see a grid here in the loose sense of the word.  It's slightly apparent, which is the look this tile company is going for with their product.  A neat type of disorganization used to make the floor and/or wall come together.  I originally wanted to go with a tile floor pattern but noticed it was both used and mentioned many times in class.  Great minds think alike......




Repetition, Similarity and Continuation:

http://medicalartspressblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/team-building.bmp

I searched for a specific image I used to see on a wall of a previous employer's presentation room.  I found something almost exactly the same.  This picture was used as a metaphoric image of teamwork.  Its designed to show strength in repetition.  The hands grabbing the others wrist have a pattern that is continuous.  The original image means to have identical arms.




Proximity:

Terracotta Army (far)

Terracotta Army (close)

While this is a 2D design class, the Chinese Terracotta Army stands out in my mind as a artistic expression of unity.  I feel the way they utilized a massive display of numbers in close proximity makes a great example.  They are quite a sculpting feat.  I think a photograph taken from a good angle could capture the essence of this assignment as much as I believe my first two selections have.

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As much as I tried to brainstorm an image for each bullet, I came up with ideas that fit multiple concepts.  I'm happy with my selection.  I find it ironic that photography, architecture, and sculpting found its way into my assignment when I am extremely fond of sketches and computer generated art.  I chalk it up to expanding out of my comfort zone.  At least I can be proud of the fact each image was thought of before I even hit a key on my computer!