VIDEO DESCRIPTION:

Play, download and edit the free video In Darkness, Reaching out.

Inspired by the curious practice of forced rhubarb growing, a ritual only to be carried out by candlelight, this animation is drawn with light. Long exposure photography and LED lights were used to meticulously draw the plants growth frame by frame, a slow meticulous process that can only be achieved in total darkness, mirroring the special local tradition of the famous Rhubarb Triangle. There’s something poignant to the human experience reflected in the rhubarbs' relentless drive against the darkness to prevail, and that this brings about a sweeter, more tender, delicate taste.

Starting with the movements of the body as a template for exploring the structure, form and shape of the rhubarb; root strength from legs and torso for the strong, towering, red stem, leading up to free flowing movement of the arms to mimic the soft, curled, green leaves unfurling, reaching out in its search for sunlight. All visuals, as indeed life on Earth, only exist because of light, and my practice explores its ethereal qualities, and investigates moving image as an illusion created by the brain.

Music by Electric Sylvain

Collaborators – Charlotte Blacker, Luke Turner, Alex Hunter, Luke Dale, Jon Wallace

Commissioned by Wakefield Council for Wakefield Rhubarb Festival 2020, and funded by Arts Council England

Download, play and edit free videos and free audios from In Darkness, Reaching out using RedcoolMedia.net web apps