When We Were Free
Audiovisual installation and short film
Task
Create images from sound
When We Were Free is a work of oscilloscope music that references the precarious role of computing in contemporary media transmission. It also continues the tradition of using visual music as a vehicle for sociopolitical commentary or opposition (e.g. Hans Richter). The title is a reference to Milton Mayers 1955 account of the development of fascism in Germany in “They thought they were free.” It is meant to be an open question as much as a statement, not unlike the “what if” questions created by abstraction in other types of visual and poetic work.
When We Were Free is a single channel experimental animation, kinetic typographic film and experimental stereo sound work. It was created using an LG OS5060A oscilloscope and digital video and audio production software. The process used to create the film facilitates a direct relationship between sound and image; the images recorded from the screen of the oscilloscope are created by the stereo audio heard in the film. HD and 4K versions are available.
Looking forward to solving more design problems through in-depth research, iteration, and user centered approaches.