Society. Spaces. Screens

Abstract

This presentation introduces the experimental film-installation “Focus Puller,” recorded at Dream Screen Australia’s Virtual Production facility. The work examines the implications of virtual production technology, highlighting a shift in filmmaking where the emphasis is on objects in the foreground and mid-ground (mostly human) rather than the background. This shift arises from the limitations of the screens, which reveal their artifice when focused on. This critique of new technologies in creative practices extends into a philosophical realm, questioning how technologies overwrite other creative considerations in constructing new work. Utilising my ongoing experimental sculpture and performance strategy within visually immersive environments, “Focus Puller” critiques the technology it employs. The film encourages viewers to question their perceptual assumptions and the constructed nature of the spaces they encounter on screen. In an era where media and technology are pervasive, “Focus Puller” addresses the impact of digital media on artistic practices. It engages with contemporary discussions on how technological advances alter established norms in the arts and film production, highlighting how virtual production technology redefines filmmaking techniques and shifts aesthetic focus. By integrating elements of visual arts and live art performance histories, “Focus Puller” provides a multidisciplinary critique of the technological mediation of human perception and aesthetics. The film contributes to the broader discourse on society, spaces, and screens, offering insights into the evolving relationship between technology and creative practices.