The Shape of Contemplation

– The Secret of the Golden Flower

The Shape of Contemplation is a celebration of the restorative, calming powers of contemplation. Conceived during 2018, the idea currently exists in the form of a model for conversation and a film.

Designed as a meditative aid to contemplation, the film can be viewed for as long as the audience desires. Whether watched for five minutes or all the way through it’s an opportunity to relax, tune out and tune in to nature.

Direction, Music Composition and Music Performance by Nick Fogarty

Director of Photography and Video Editor, Ben Yaman

In January 2019 the film ‘The Shape of Contemplation’ was exhibited at The Island, as part of the ‘here,now’ exhibition which celebrates the work of the five young artists on Creative Futures.

The film features audio from conversations (see The Shape of Conversation) between the artist and participants, where the participant was asked to consider:

The Shape of Conversation is a model for reflective conversation that takes place in a one to one setting. The participant makes an arrangement from left to right using a Triangle, Circle and a Square.

They then answer three questions with Square relating to transitions, Triangle to Challenges and Circle to the seasons. The arrangement dictates the point in time that these questions relate too.

Inspired by the I Ching, an ancient Chinese book of change, the conversation seeks to take the participant on a considered journey through the challenges, transitions and natural changes of their past, present and future.

Thanks to Creative Youth Network for the opportunity to be a part of Creative Futures. Thanks to Rising Arts and Paper Arts for their support in creating this piece.