Taylah Trang Ly
Prairiewood High School
SOUNDCHECK
Graphic Design
Installation and digital media
Audible social chatter, tweeting birds, laughing children, honking traffic, pouring rain: we are subconsciously guided by the sounds that surround us. My body of work expresses my experiences with hearing loss within the context of constantly advancing technology. The idiosyncratic juxtaposition of vivid hues and monochromatic images represents both my inner conflict and my resolve in confronting my adversity. Amalgamated into a singular immersive experience, the auditory and visual components of my work are intended to engage the postmodern audience in a soundcheck of my subdued world and encourage them to reflect on the significance of their own hearing.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Klawe Rzeczy, Jasper Johns, Xu Bing, Hannah Höch.
Marker's Commentary
The combination of photographic imagery and coloured rectangles results in a compelling graphic design work that is visually both minimalistic and impactful. By incorporating shapes and photographic elements, the artwork references the graphic traditions of Russian Constructivists like Alexander Rodchenko and Kazimir Malevich. The deliberate simplicity in the composition showcases a refined comprehension of semiotics and graphic design principles, exemplifying this body of work's sophisticated artistic sensibility.
The design employs a nuanced use of metaphorical qualities within the black and white photographs, aiming to evoke a profound sense of nostalgia, intertwined with the visual essence of analogue sound. The intricate interplay between the coloured grids and squares exemplifies a meticulous and deliberate approach to design, drawing inspiration from the principles of Russian Constructivism. The deliberate choice of photographic images resonates deeply, serving as an allegorical representation of the thoughtful connection between music and sound in an era predating digital recording. The design seamlessly amalgamates form and concept, skilfully crafting a visually and contextually rich and refined composition.