Professor Helen Liggett
In Fall 2023 Urban Design Discourse explored the interconnections among public spaces, image creation and inhabiting the city. The course presented background on notable public spaces in Cleveland as well as history and theory of representation and photographic documentation.
During site visits students explored how the image and urban life come together in the design, representation, use and meaning of public space. For example, students were asked to consider how public space is both physical and social. They analyzed of how successful space is both on the ground and in our heads. If design is an ongoing process then it’s complexities include echoes of previous eras as well as currents events. If cultural norms define how space is experienced than this includes patterned exchanges as well as change encounters.
The final project built on observations and analyses made during the term to move to the level of participation in the production of meaning about public space. How does Res Publica (that which belongs to us all) also require contributions from us all? Students used the model of “The Walk”, familiar to urban theorists, to produce linear photographic sequences of nine or ten images. They also wrote memorandum framing the work. They were guided by Ranciere’s notion of seeing truth in the ordinary and Giudo Guidi’s injunction to concentrate on communicating to others.
The goal was to contribute by giving viewers tools for (re) interpreting urban life.
Andzelika Malkowski
Walking – a Trace of the True
In exploring the concept of Period Eye, my artistic journey delves into the interconnectedness of visual perception, personal experiences, and diverse perspectives while navigating the streets of Cleveland. Drawing inspiration from Baxandall's insights, I recognize that despite the general consistency in how we visually perceive our surroundings, the interpretation of sensory data is profoundly shaped by our individual visual histories. As I walk through Cleveland, I am captivated by the city's multifaceted nature, where every observer's lens reveals a unique tapestry of experiences. This encapsulates the diverse observations one may have while traversing Cleveland, underscoring the richness that Period Eye brings to the interpretation of colored art and architectural marvels. As viewers engage with the sequence, the interplay of colors and structures invites them to explore their own perspectives, acknowledging the subjective nature of visual perception and the profound impact of personal experiences on artistic interpretation.
Cassidy Delfine
Walking - a trace of the true
Walking is a piece of everyday life which offers a unique experience as we travel through urban landscapes. With my exploration, I aimed to create a sequence of images that contained a continuous flow throughout. The continual manner of the images tell a story about the city of Cleveland captured by a lens. Observing these images becomes a journey in itself such as walking is a journey to a person. The images are not frozen moments but living moments of urbanism. Through the sequence, my intention is to show the connection between diverse spaces mirroring the human experience of exploring the city. Elevating what is the ordinary daily walk into an exciting visual adventure where urban landscapes begin to have a relationship. These spaces invite viewers of the images and the people who stumble upon these urban areas to engage with the space as it serves them.
