Thanks Jay.

This was not an easy task, unlike the DC video I did for you which was fairly straight forward. Also, the actual art itself is at complete opposite ends of the spectrum, aesthetically as well as in meaning. DC’s Tower of Light’s strength was its WOW factor, Ichibot’s episodic.atomized gets under your skin and exploits your anxieties.

As usual though, with all my work, I had no clear plan in my head, I just turned up at BiW and experimented basically, shooting a ton of footage, watching it back and then deleting most of it and starting again, with a different approach.

In the end I chose to focus on the hospital building which I think is perfect just by itself and oozes the typical disquieting, melancholic atmosphere Ichibot is so expert at creating. One of the problems I encountered though was how to give, what is a static installation, some life and movement. I did this by adding the sepia, aged film look and using the camera as the perspective of the “creature” on the bed, with it/him looking around and focusing on his surroundings. The classic “Dutch” camera angles used in many horror and suspense films I hope help to evoke the mood of the piece and give some sense of narrative.

Ichibot is working on a custom soundtrack for the film which should appear at some point in the not too distant galaxy.

Left by Arahan Claveau on August 1st, 2008

Very good work Mr Arahan, I love the whole atmosphere of the video. I love creepy stuff like that so it was a treat viewing it. Ichi does some awesome work and it’s nice to see a video of it

Left by Klink on August 1st, 2008

Hey thanks a lot Klink, was a lot of work so it’s nice to know at least two people like it!

Left by Arahan Claveau on August 2nd, 2008

“… remember, this is just files these are just programs, how can little plus and minus signs scare you …”

james argues from features of the medium to conclusions about what it can represent; a representational fallacy. is james never moved by a painting or drawing? if he is, how can dried oil paint or traces of graphite touch him?

well chosen soundtrack, arahan.

Left by selavy on August 2nd, 2008

Ara, I love what you’ve done with this machinima, it really does capture the uncomfortable sense of “wtf is going on here?” of Ichi’s installation and amplifies it.

I agree with what you’ve said, Selavy — art is greater than the sum of its parts, no matter the medium.

Left by nebulosus.severine on August 2nd, 2008

Much thanks Selavy & Neb.

James’ argument is nonsensical of course but I suspect he probably realised that as he was saying it. I used the quote Selavy gave above in the video precisely because it is at odds with what we are seeing. I would love for James to see it and hear if his thoughts have changed retrospectively.

I’ve been affected on many profound levels by Second Life art, it doesn’t happen very often admittedly but it is certainly possible, the emotions are just as tangible and valid whatever the medium.

There is no other artist quite like Ichibot Nishi in SL and he deserves recognition for his talent, so it was great to hear all the enthusiastic insights in this weeks podcast.

Left by Arahan Claveau on August 2nd, 2008

arahan you are the sweetest boy on the wrong side of the equator.

Left by Ichibot Nishi on August 2nd, 2008

Aww shucks Ichibot.

Left by Arahan Claveau on August 3rd, 2008

Critical machinima. I enjoyed that a lot.

This whole porject is a conversation, not an academic press textbook. I get James’ idea, but it hits like “it isn’t real, so it doesn’t matter” – I get this from my Game Design students who want to justify virtual carnage. Doesn’t change the fact that girls starve themselves over digital images, one hung herself over an “avatar” (fake Myspace).

They’re just ones and zeros, but they’re formed into human shapes. The sterility of SL is something that is punctured here; you can imagine blood on the floor.

Left by patlichty on August 4th, 2008

What I meant by that is that all of us might speak prematurely/offhand at times, and in thsi format, the goal is to work it out.

Left by patlichty on August 4th, 2008

Great, thank you Patrick.

“The sterility of SL” is something that is hard to alter, and that’s what hits you with Ichibot’s work, he refuses to compromise and the end result is potent. You know all about that Patrick, Second Front are expert at playing with the audiences usual perceptions.

I think James is interested. It’s only natural to question the concept and value of virtual art, it is a very modern development and we’re all part of a reciprocal conversation.

Left by Arahan Claveau on August 4th, 2008

Just noticed the link for the video above is broken, try these:
http://blip.tv/file/1134772?filename=ArahanClaveau-episodicatomizedByIchibotNishi801.flv
http://blip.tv/file/1134772?filename=ArahanClaveau-episodicatomizedByIchibotNishi936.mov

Left by Arahan Claveau on July 8th, 2009