The Virtual Space. Videos that Resonate.
Photo Credit for ‘Play’ Button: Alexander Shatov
During the Pandemic video watching increased. Many of us were looking for uplifting and engaging topics in response to the heavy and relentless news content that understandably generated anxiety, worry and fear. We needed a way to redirect our thoughts even if only for a little while.
I think for some (myself included) a new element in viewing behaviour was driven by a sense of restlessness and distraction. This state of being often accompanied us during our day-to-day as these unprecedented times were (and remain) concerning and unsettling.
This restless ‘state’ could understandably impact our ability to devote our complete attention to things like settling into lengthier form videos, movies and narratives in general. Although we had ‘time’ we were not always able to invest the time… due to our emotional state.
Using our search engine browser to source shorter videos and instruction also gave us a little power and control, as we used this virtual tool to guide us through educational, DIY, cooking, art, music and comedy videos. We could quickly source information related to all aspects of the pandemic, and then shift our gaze to other content of interest (often entertainment, tutorials and much-needed humour).
Below is just a few art-related videos that I have viewed, forwarded and had the privilege to revisit at different times during the Pandemic. Whether I have needed to reconnect with the narrative and visual messaging in the moment (ie the first link: “How to be at Home”), or just watch and wonder about the creative and sensory content.
The threads that connect the three videos shared are the lens of ‘awe’ from which I view them, and the sustenance they provided in relation to relaxation, self-care and the much, much needed redirection of my thoughts!
“How to Be at Home”. NFB Link.
Image Credit: Andrea Dorfman + Tanya Davis • Retrieved from www.nfb.ca • 2021
I found this animated short film from the National Film Board’s ‘The Curve’ Series incredibly moving and powerful, providing meditative moments through softly spoken words and affecting imagery. Such resonance of emotion and sentiments were evoked in me, even upon first viewing.
The narrated poem and animated visuals acknowledged with genuine care, compassion, and emotional impact these ‘need-to-be-heard’ messages:
… ‘it is okay ‘not to be okay’ at times…
… ‘this journey of worry and loss is unique to each of us’…
and yet, … ‘we are often collectively woven together through many universal threads of lived experiences, uncertainties, challenges, and the resulting feelings of loneliness, heartbreak and loss’…
“Lean into loneliness — and know you’re not alone in it. Filmmaker Andrea Dorfman reunites with poet Tanya Davis to craft tender and profound animation on the theme of isolation, providing a wise and soaringly lyrical sequel to their viral hit How to Be Alone. Part of THE CURVE, a collection of social distancing stories that bring us together.”
“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”. NFB Link.
Image Credit: Jam 3 • Retrieved from www.nfb.ca • 2021
I find this project fascinating on a different level. Conceived and created by the collective minds of Jam 3 (a design & experience agency). From being invited into this real-time space where AI-generated information is presented through motion and changing forms and colours…. to engaging directly with the experience as viewer and participant. This is an interesting conceptual piece where the AI-generated collection of emotional responses is tracked through Twitter data with an aim to capture the “emotional waves of the pandemic” (joy, confidence, sadness, and fear).
“This is an experiment to make the emotional impact of the pandemic visible. Explore hundreds of thousands of Tweets, organized by sentiment. Follow the curves, layers, and patterns of our collective feelings. What you’ll see is a story of resilience. People making sense, finding solace, and moving forward. ”
“Murmuration”. Project 64. Youtube Link.
Image Retrieved from: Sadeck Waff Youtube Channel • 2021
I enjoy the sensory experience of watching and just being with the curated visual forms of this interesting video. Beautiful movements by French choreographer Berrabah Sadeck (Sadeck Waff • Youtube Channel) being seamlessly performed by the ‘Studio Attitude’ dancers.
Stunning visuals with such fluidity of form through motion. The harmony of concept and choreography through creativity, dance and collective collaboration. Connecting with my dancer roots I find the rhythm of movement, music, highlighted gestures, and the language of dance so incredibly engaging, relaxing and grounding.
“Another point of view. Nature inspires us. There is magic everywhere, the key is knowing how to look, know how to see and listen in silence, like a cloud of birds forming waves in the sky, each individual has his own identity, but an irreplaceable place in the whole.”
Other Videos Choreographed by Sadeck Waff:
Video Link for Chorégraphie originale créée par Sadeck Waff.
What types of videos have you been watching during this time? Are there any videos that you revisited in the pandemic for humour, learning, comfort, solace or inspiration... ? How did you view this activity?… as distraction… self-care… or were you just in auto-pilot? Did you share with others or just enjoy the moment solo?
Let me know if you would like to share any links or your ‘video gems and discoveries’ with others?
