The benefit of making Art – Part 2

Creating art has given me a better understanding of the world. Recreating an idea through the creative lens of art requires in-depth study of that idea – the way it has been made, the way it looks, the philosophy behind it, in it.
Being able to create anything I want from my ideas and processes, l
earning new techniques, experimenting with the ideas and have created something beautiful even if my work of art does not make sense to others, this is already an advantage. Being an artist means being willing to engage with the world in a fresh way. It means to be able to observe things and express them in a personal unique way. This increases self-awareness, a sense of fulfillment and peace of mind in and after the act of creating. I create to communicate, to keep a discourse – ongoing – what matters to me, to us and to the world. And that’s really rewarding.

More than ever, I am pleased to have participated in the Colorado activist film festival. I didn´t win an award, but I didn´t lose either. It’s great to be able to attend such festivals.

However, insecure times like these need platforms and film festivals like Denver/Colorado. As long as festivals like this are allowed to continue, I still have hope in our society all over the world. On that note I want to thank again Sharlene & #CIAFF 2018 Team for organizing this festival. You already inspired me for a new project to be realized in 2019.

Colorado Activist Film Festival Detlef Schlich

Hagalaz explores the role that ceremony can play in the resolution of trauma. It offers an insight into how such ceremonies can transform previously shattered relationships and reestablish meaningful connections with others. The experience of suffering was recorded through narrative and a symbolic releasing of the past.

Medium – Christa Liebach
Ritual Designer, Photographer, Video and Sound Editing – Detlef Schlich
ⒸCute Alien TV 2018

Detlef Schlich is an interdisciplinary artist and ritual designer working with performance, photography, painting, sound, installations and film. His main concern is the exploration of the loss of boundaries between human beings and technology in the 21st Century, the emerging phenomenon of transhumanism in the digital age. His methodology is the creation of an alter ego, a mythical character, a contemporary manifestation of transhumanism which embodies the symbiotic relationship between the human experience and technology. Through these alter egos he can explore this fatalistic relationship in which human beings are losing their spirituality and seek methods of re-spiritualization through art. In his studio, he uses ritual performance footage as a source of inspiration. He then works with digital and physical media collaging both the charcoal, acrylics and digital to create a final piece of visual work.

 

Hagalaz: Selected for the Figueira Film Art Festival 2018 in Portugal.

They say that there’s never been a better time for artists, especially when it comes to making money via the internet. Well, it might be true to a certain extent that artists are no longer at the mercy of big-name galleries and dealers in order to sell their work. This might work for a lot of visual artists and craft maker, but I was always wondering how this applies to installation art, what is the material benefit of filmmaking or similar work of art that ignores all the fundamental selling points? How can I still be motivated to continue if I can’t make a living with it?

However, it seems that sitting in front of the computer screen in order to apply for film festivals and other open calls can help and makes sense but it takes at least the same time than making art, if not more. So here is my benefit:

I am happy to announce that I have been given the opportunity to engage with the Figueira Film Art Festival 2018 in Portugal. The organizers of this festival did a great job and attached e-mail just arrived. Paid Hostel for me and the film crew is provided and food with 15 € subsidized. Now I just have to find a way to convince the German Embassy in Dublin to send me a new Passport over here to West Cork in order to save the costs for a ticket to Portugal/Figuiera.

Thank you Figueira Film Art Festival for keeping me motivated making art. This is what I call a well organized and enthusiastic film festival.

Official selection E-Mail:

Bom dia / Good Morning

Conforme combinado apresentamos as nossas condições para estadia no Figueira Film Art 2018. Não são as que gostaríamos mas as que podemos oferecer.

As agreed we present our conditions to stay in Figueira Film Art 2018. They are not the ones we would like to present but the ones we can offer.

Se for necessário uma “Carta de convite” personalizada agradecemos que nos indiquem os dados necessários

If a personalized “Letter of invitation” is required, please provide us with the necessary information

____________________________________________________________________________________________                

Alojamento / Accomodation

– Uma noite de alojamento no Hostel 402, sujeito a disponibilidade. Contactar diretamente para reservas@hostel402.pt com conhecimento para ffa2018so@figueirafilmart.com

– One night accommodation at Hostel 402, subject to availability. Contact directly to reservas@hostel402.pt with knowledge to ffa2017so@figueirafilmart.com

Alternativa / Alternative
– Comparticipação em despesas de alojamento até ao limite de 15€
– Contribution in accommodation expenses up to the limit of  15€

Refeições / Meals

Em parceria com restaurante Jet 7.5   (7.5€ refeição)

In partnership with Jet 7.5 restaurant (7.5€ meal)

– 15€ Comparticipação
– 15€ Contribution

Os valores indicados são garantidos para todos os dias que pretendam ficar connosco, e também para acompanhantes

The indicated values are guaranteed for all the days that wish to stay with us, and also for companions.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Estas condições estão disponíveis para um elemento, de preferência o Realizador, por cada filme.

These conditions are available for one element, preferably the Filmmaker, for each film.

Despesas de viagens não incluidas.

Para quem chega de avião a Lisboa ou Porto podemos tentar organizar o transporte para a Figueira da Foz, por favor enviem-nos pormenores de chegada logo que possível.

Travel expenses not included.

For those arriving by plane to Lisbon or Porto we can try to organize the transport to Figueira da Foz, please send us arrival details as soon as possible.

Hagalaz explores the role that ceremony can play in the resolution of trauma. It offers an insight into how such ceremonies can transform previously shattered relationships and reestablish meaningful connections with others. The experience of suffering was recorded through narrative and a symbolic releasing of the past.

Hagalaz mantra rap by Detlef Schlich
Lyrics and ritual mantra rap by Crystal Liebach

Percussion:
Wooden stick beat – Crystal Liebach
Blue plastic canister drum – Detlef Schlich

Medium – Crystal Liebach
Ritual Designer, Photographer, Video and Sound Editing – Detlef Schlich

Concept – Detlef Schlich, formerly known as Transodin

ⒸCute Alien TV 2018

Director Statement

I am an interdisciplinary artist and ritual designer working with performance, photography, painting, sound, installations and film. My main concern is the exploration of the loss of boundaries between human beings and technology in the 21st Century, the emerging phenomenon of transhumanism in the digital age.

My methodology is the creation of an alter ego, a mythical character, a contemporary manifestation of transhumanism which embodies the symbiotic relationship between the human experience and technology. Through these alter egos I can explore this fatalistic relationship in which human beings are losing their spirituality and seek methods of re-spiritualization through art.

In my studio, I use ritual performance footage as a source of inspiration. I then work with digital and physical media collaging both the charcoal, acrylics and digital to create a final piece of visual work.

The Art and Torture of Product Advertisement

mutlogo
Eventually after a long, long period of producing a product video for a crowdfunding page I found my energy back to reflect on it. What does it mean to find a compromise in order to achieve a piece of art? How can I be still valid as a visual artist and how can my art advertise the product?
Creating this video for multiEngine@easyGoing involved directing, acting, sound and video editing, and guiding the script or rather writing a guideline-storyboard etc. etc. for this video from scratch on.

jerganFassungroh 001
Product advertising is any method of communication about the promotion of a product in an attempt to induce potential customers to purchase the product. Well, I never had the ambition to work for a commercial product or advertising agencies and I don´t plan it in near future, but creating a visual compromise was a challenge and I think I´ve done it.
What I found eventually convincing: the keywords and the mission of creating multiEngine@easyGoing. Among other things it was safety, security, privacy, peer-2 peer communication and the VPN server in Iceland. It rings my bell because it means this product is supposed to support and keep democracy!jerganhack2
One big trap where I was falling into was to assume that the product founder knows best. Eventually it turned out that it is very common that the business owner is uniquely unqualified to see his company or product objectively. Too much product knowledge leads him to answer questions no one is asking. He’s on the inside looking out, trying to describe himself to me on the outside looking in. That made me realise that It’s hard to read the label when you’re inside the bottle.
For some reason, advertisers want their ads to look and sound like ads. Working for days on just a couple of seconds in order to create something special in after effect just for the sake that the multiEngine inventor disagreed to use it because it was to arty is very frustrating ….but a learning curve: Never start  working to precise without double checking the idea with the founder or producer of the product. It can be very frustrating….and it was!! Which is another reason why I am not enthusiastic about working for an agency.
However.. It was great though to work together with my performance team from former video installations and I am very thankful that Corina and Mick use to be part of this project, because this still keeps it there where it supposed to be: In the landscape of Art.
Nevertheless…I like the outcome but make your own opinion about it.
Videoclip multiEngine@easyGoing
jerganhacked2
 
 
 
 
 

Are we not all a bit multiEngine@easyGoing?

Just volunteering with friends the visual content for a software presentation project. The keynote will be soon, probably in 2 weeks. We start to send invitations next week. Respond is urgently required due to restricted space. You can let me know via this post if you want me to put a notice regarding a place or rather reserve a place for you. The keynote will be streamed via social network and takes place here on one of the next Sundays in Castletownbere around 4 – 5 pm isch. Food, drinks and music will be provided after the announcement. Hope I see you here.
Here the links to my friends article in the irish time from today

Big dreams and a hint of eccentricity on Beara

Video: The Last Human Part III – MYSTICAL ENGINEERS – A Visual Essay concerning Transhumanism

Detlef Schlich & Corina Thornton in a visual essay in 3 parts about
the human condition in times of transhumanism. A Cute Alien TV production
with the participation of DIT/BAVA Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Transodin – Detlef Schlich
The last human – Corina Thornton
First Camera Operator – Mick Eile
Second Camera Operator – Jens F.
Third Camera Operator – Detlef Schlich
Special FX – Mick Eile
Catering and Directors Assistent – Sigi Berndt
Make Up Artist – Marie Claire Hodgson
Light – Mick Eile
Electricity and Forest Support – Owen K.
Concept, visual and sound editing by Detlef Schlich
Director Detlef Schlich

Video: The Last Human Part II – TRANSCENDING REALITY – A Visual Essay concerning Transhumanism

Detlef Schlich & Corina Thornton in a visual essay in 3 parts about
the human condition in times of transhumanism. A Cute Alien TV production
with the participation of DIT/BAVA Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Transodin – Detlef Schlich
The last human – Corina Thornton
First Camera Operator – Mick Eile
Second Camera Operator – Jens F.
Third Camera Operator – Detlef Schlich
Special FX – Mick Eile
Catering and Directors Assistent – Sigi Berndt
Make Up Artist – Marie Claire Hodgson
Light – Mick Eile
Electricity and Forest Support – Owen K.
Concept, visual and sound editing by Detlef Schlich
Director Detlef Schlich

Making of "The Last Human"

Detlef Schlich & Corina Thornton in a visual essay in 3 parts about
the human condition in times of transhumanism. A Cute Alien TV production
with the participation of DIT/BAVA Sherkin Island, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Transodin – Detlef Schlich
The last human – Corina Thornton
First Camera Operator – Mick Eile
Second Camera Operator – Jens F.
Third Camera Operator – Detlef Schlich
Special FX – Mick Eile
Catering and Directors Assistent – Sigi Berndt
Make Up Artist – Marie Claire Hodgson
Light – Mick Eile
Electricity and Forest Support – Owen Kelly
Concept, visual and sound editing by Detlef Schlich
Director Detlef Schlich

0 (2)
The Hooker!!!

0 (3)
MASK from the left. Unfinished.

0
this is the basic/initial sparke idea of this film!

0 (4)
First Props or rather sculptures developed.

2 (2)
Meeting the Team.

2
Testshots with light.

DSCN5736
Working Make Up Artist.

3
Establishing light with moving body’s is not easy.

4
This person is not a horse it has a proper dentist!

7
Special FX Man Mick.

10
To find the right angle for legs is sometimes very effective and aesthetically too,

16
The set up for this paper hill took us a little bit time but eventually worked very well. Eventually we archived it that the whole setting looks like made by nature, 🙂

6 13 14 17 19 20 23 24 25 27 DSCN5728 DSCN5733  DSCN57401DSCN5803 DSCN5774  DSCN5807

The making of "The birth of Transodin" or "How to explore the concept of transhumanism through artistic expression?" Part I

Slide1 Slide2 Step 1: ResearchSlide3 Slide4 Slide6 Slide7 Slide8Step 2: Drawing – Observation and Understanding

As an multidisciplinary artist I use digital medias like digitally altered images, video, performance, 3D animation, drawing, painting, sculpturing and installations to explore the human condition through artistic expression.
I am interested in process as a meta narrative; after my research I started to work with mark making and collages. As starting point I used mixed media like charcoal, ink, acrylics, PVA, plastic nets and other media. I mount images (containing expressions of our consciousness and synapses) on canvas. In order to explore the tensions between digital tools and analogue selves I transform them physically via intense mark making into  synapses (metaphorical).
Connecting my brain and personal mind with the physical world through mark making, applying a visual copy of my own neurons and synapses to the canvas is  a very personal journey through my consciousness and everyone in this blog is welcome to take part of this experience.

Slide9 Slide10 Slide12 Slide13 Slide14  Step 3: Developing and Preparing the Performance

Slide19
A journey, back from Sherkin Island, where my College is based, was an initial sparkle. The mountain range next to Baltimore made me realize that we are surrounded by brainwaves.


Slide17Inspired by a metaphorical hint surrounded by the physical waves of West Cork and after all my physical and spiritual artistic “exploring the brain(or rather my brain/neurons/synapses)” sessions I decided to explore the subject through a ritual performance:

Drawing and Painting with Brainwaves!brain_wavesAgenda: Hanging upside down from a tree and painting with 4 different colours (Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta) brain waves to a canvas.

Slide21 Location: Clonakilty, Castlefreke

castlefreke4  castlefreke3
castlefreke2
Through my research I found out that the origin of the “Hanged Man” is said to be connected with the sacrifice of Odin, the chief of the Norse gods, who according to mythology, hung upside down in a tree for nine days to gain entry to the underworld and learn the meaning of the runes.

Transhumanism
Many of the HANGED MAN Tarot Cards refer to the Norse god Odin and his hanging from Yggdrasil, the world tree.

Slide29
The Tree Yggdrasil supposed to be the Tree at Castlefreke, Clonakilty.
The Tree Yggdrasil supposed to be the Tree at Castlefreke, Clonakilty.

The 4 liquid Alpha, Beta, Theta and Delta Brain wave colors supposed to be attached to my head. I use first aid gloves for this, to make sure the canvas gets uncontaminated Brainwaves. The gloves normally used during medical examinations and procedures that help prevent contamination between caregivers (the artist) and patients (the canvas). Perfect.

Slide22

 An appropriate medium!

Slide31 Slide30 Slide32 Slide33

The Team

Transhumanism
Jens (Dragger 1/”Making of” photographer) Sigi (Health and Brain Wave Inspector), Thomas (Human Sound Machine).

Transhuman Contemporary Art
James (Dragger 2/knots, strings and string camera specialist)

Step 4: The Hanged Man Performance

As a precondition to his self sacrifice Odin was wounded with his own spear and had to pull out one of his eyes. I saw already a good chance to replace or rather emphasize this with an attached action camera eye as metaphor for the move from humans to hybrids (Transhumanism).

Transhumanism
His view of the world is very different from the rest of us who walk upright. Thus, this waiting becomes a time of trial or meditation, selflessness, sacrifice, prophecy.

Slide34
Slide35

Slide37 Slide36 Slide40 Slide39 Slide38Transodins birth (the performance)

Slide42 Slide43 Slide49 Slide48 Slide47 Slide46

Step 5:  Exploring the concept of transhumanism through artistic expression!

After revisiting images of my performance I choose some appropriate as starting points for future work. I still want to explore the concept of transhumanism. I continued and altered my images -digital- with the process of producing similar populations of genetically identical individuals. Slide52 Slide53 Slide54 Slide55 Slide57

tarot
This new way of seeing things often leads to insights and enlightenment. Answers become clear, solutions to problems are found.

Slide82 Slide84 Slide86 Slide89 Slide90

Slide91 Slide93 Slide95 Slide100
Previous examples of my work show a way how to explore (probably) any subject through artistic expressions. I will continue with this issue in order to show my progress in my next blog. I hope that everyone got some inspiration how to save the world through art 🙂 .  On this note…. All the best for now xx  Transodin