Production of Work

The first task was to work with Local Authorities to identify the most suitable site in each location. Sites were chosen that would provide a large pedestrian space with clear, accessible ground surfaces, and that were in close proximity to areas of cultural redevelopment.

 

A production team was assembled; bringing together the essential skills and resources to make the installation possible. This team comprises expertise from the East Midlands itself as well as specialist contractors from Canada, USA and Austria.

 

Under Scan required the development of a database of 1,000 video portraits of local people from the East Midlands. This was created by setting up video sessions within communities in all five locations. A team of expert video artists and facilitators was recruited from the region and given the job of directing and managing the video process. Local people from a range of ages, backgrounds and cultures were given the opportunity to participate in the portraiture process.

The production team created a design for the installation that was tailored to relate to the architecture and urban space presented by each site.

 

Working in partnership with Local Authorities, Arts Council England, East Midlands, and other public bodies the final design was then used to gain licenses and permissions required for the installation to be built in public spaces.

 

Each presentation of Under Scan involves a technical preparation period of between five and ten days. The production team arrives with the equipment and rigging infrastructure. At the beginning of this technical period the computer control room is assembled and all equipment safely rigged, powered and calibrated. The surrounding ambience is controlled by ensuring that light pollution from nearby shops, buildings and street lights is reduced.

 

The artist and his team programme the control systems and ensure that the computer tracking system enables video portraits to be placed in the path of pedestrians crossing the space. The light projector, at an elevation of over 20 metres, is focused to create the required ‘interactive space’ within which the portraits will appear.

In October 2005 Rafael Lozano-Hemmer delivered free public lectures in each city that would show Under Scan. This was open to artists, students and anyone interested in his work or public art in general.  The artist’s insight into producing highly complex artwork in public spaces, offered an important opportunity for artists, curators and audiences to engage in debate about contemporary ideas surrounding the role of visual art in cities and communities. 

The five film-makers who were employed to shoot video portraits for the Under Scan database had a training day with the artist, a technician from his team, and the project manager. This allowed everyone involved to meet and work together to create a coherent approach to offering the public an open platform for expression in front of the camera. None of the performances recorded have been censored.

 

During the presentation of Under Scan, and in each location, there was an opportunity for selected practicing artists to meet and work with Lozano-Hemmer, ensuring that the techniques used in Under Scan can be replicated or developed in other artwork within a variety of contexts. A publication celebrating Under Scan will be created following completion of the installations.