This short film was a collaborative project with Ana Azparren.
Using the theme of ‘Provoke Change’, we hoped to change the everyday routine of the general public of Bath by creating subtle diversions and links to overlooked sections of their immediate environment. We used string, frames and chalk to lead people out of their accustomed trance and back into an alert, observant state.
I came up with the idea on my way to university whilst listening to music. It dawned on me how completely cut off from the rest of the world I became the moment I put my headphones on. I wanted to draw people away from loud advertisements and other people to bring them back to the long lost areas of Bath that I found beautiful and interesting.
We wanted to avoid physically obstructing the public’s path, or producing anything too glaring, to prevent the diversions from becoming more interesting than the highlighted sections. After thinking about different methods of provoking this change in habit, we came up with two methods; one was a line from the centre of high street, where a constant flow of target people travel, to the framed area of interest; and the other was to insert a enlarged magnifying class over select areas.
The magnifier was noticed the most. Many people stopped mid-stride in order to get a closer look. The strings, chalk lines and frames were mainly noticed by children.
I think, even though the magnifying glass got more attention, the line method was the most effective method because it encouraged people to focus on the highlighted section of the environment rather than the diversion itself.
Provoke Change Video:
http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/educational_and_howto/watch/v18472725cJh62Yww
