21/04/2025 -23/07 /2025 | Week 11 - Week 14
Huang jiaqi | 0371553
Motion Graphics & Compositing | Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Task 4 / Abstract Motion and E-portfolio (40% Individual/ Group of 2)
Table of Content
1. Module Information
2. Lecture
3. Project
4. Feedback
5. Reflectio
Module Information
Lecture
Task 4 / Abstract Motion and E-portfolio (40% Individual/ Group of 2)
TIMEFRAME: Week 11 – Week 14
DEADLINE: Week 14
DESCRIPTION:
1. Students will synthesis the knowledge gained in task 1, 2 and 3 for application in task 4. Students are to create an theme based abstract motion graphic video that consist a good audio visual say it in 3D/2D, mix media or any experimental visual output that has strong theme.
2. Students describe and reflect on their competencies within the design studio context, supported by evidence.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Students are to use information for any proposed channel (*existing or fictional)
• create mood-board that reflects their concept/idea
• storyboard
• animatics
• explore appropriate audio to uplift the motion tempo
2.The Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities Portfolio (TGCP) is a document that collates all assessments produced in a module and reflects a student’s acquisition of the Module Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities. Each student develops an ePortfolio, a web-based portfolio in the form of a personal academic blog. The ePortfolio is developed progressively for all modules taken throughout Semesters 1 to 6 and culminates with a final Portfolio in printed form produced in the final semester. The ePortfolio must encapsulate the acquisition of Programme Learning Outcomes and Taylor’s Graduate Capabilities to showcase the distinctiveness and identity of the student as a graduate of the programme.
The Primal Gaze
Team：Huang jiaqi -0371553
Guan yu-0373820
Source of inspiration
In today’s media-driven society, women are constantly subjected to scrutiny, not only through traditional beauty standards but through the omnipresent lens of the digital world. The pressure to conform to aesthetic ideals leads to rising levels of appearance-related anxiety and fragmentation of identity.
This project focuses on the cultural phenomenon of the gaze—an invisible yet persistent force that dissects, evaluates, and objectifies women. Instead of using literal male eyes, the gaze is represented metaphorically through the eye of a dog, symbolizing a primal, instinctive, non-human observer—cold, emotionless, and ever-present. This metaphor avoids the clichés of "male vs female" and dives into a deeper, more abstract critique of how beauty becomes surveillance.
Concept Development
This abstract kinetic work, The Primal Gaze, is inspired by the phenomenon of gazing and disciplining the female look in contemporary society. Instead of directly depicting the male gaze, I chose to use a dog's eye as a symbol. This kind of gaze is primitive, instinctive and indifferent, representing a kind of ubiquitous but unnoticeable social sight, which has no emotion but is enough to cause anxiety and self-division to women in a long period of time when they are being watched.
Through fragmented images of faces, distorted rhythms and noisy textures, I hope to present the psychological state of women who are gradually breaking down inside under aesthetic pressure.
Objectives
Use abstract dynamic effects to express the invisible oppression of "staring culture" on women's psychology
Experimental combination of photographic collage, dynamic images and non-narrative structures
It triggers the audience's reflection on "aperance standard" and "female identity"
Show your design ability in concept development, visual expression, technical execution and critical thinking.
mood-board：Visual language and reference style
Symbolism：
Dog’s Eye: A metaphor for a raw, instinctive, emotionless gaze—non-human, yet constantly present in society.
Female Facial Features: Eyes, noses, and facial fragments used in collage form to symbolize objectification and disassembly of identity.
Color Palette：
Black / White / Grey: To convey emotional detachment, coldness, and internal silence.
Artistic References：
Barbara Kruger: For her use of stark typography layered over image, critiquing social norms.
Dada Collage: Fragmentation and anti-aesthetic methods that rebel against structure and order.
Glitch Art: Aestheticization of digital breakdown and visual chaos, symbolizing emotional overload.
Feminist Experimental Video Art: Non-narrative, body-focused, politically charged motion formats.
Figure 1.1 mood board
Split-Frame Diagram
Figure 2.1 Split-Frame Diagram #1
Figure 2.2 Split-Frame Diagram #2
Project PDF
Video Process
Final Video
Feedback
- Good
- Work on layers
- Done with the video layers
- Continue with topography, add words
- At the end of the video, maybe put a sentence or a question. Tell people who watched the video what you want them to feel, understand or get from the video.
Reflection
Reflection
Experience
Working on The Primal Gaze was an eye-opening journey into the power of abstract motion graphics as a tool for social commentary. Translating a complex and sensitive topic—female anxiety—into moving visuals required me to think beyond literal representation and experiment with metaphor and symbolism. One key experience was using the dog’s eye as a primal, non-human stand-in for the societal gaze. This decision challenged me to balance abstraction with clarity so the audience could feel the cold, detached scrutiny without relying on clichés. Throughout the process, I deepened my skills in collage techniques, glitch effects, and layering typography over moving images. It was both technically demanding and creatively rewarding to see how fragmented visuals and distortion can evoke psychological disintegration and vulnerability.
Observation
While developing this project, I observed how powerful simple visual elements can become when paired with strong symbolism. The use of monochrome colours—black, white, and grey—effectively conveyed emotional detachment and internal silence. The fragmented female facial features highlighted how society often reduces women to parts instead of acknowledging them as whole beings. I also noticed that experimental motion graphics rely heavily on pacing and repetition. Small changes in timing, layering, and glitch intensity dramatically altered the emotional impact of the piece. Peer feedback reminded me of the importance of typography; adding words and a closing statement can guide the audience’s interpretation and leave a lasting impression.
Findings
Through this project, I found that abstraction and metaphor can communicate themes more deeply than literal visuals, especially for complex social issues. The primal dog’s eye succeeded in unsettling viewers without directly confronting them with explicit human imagery. I also learnt that the combination of Dada collage, glitch art, and feminist experimental video art creates a unique language for expressing psychological fragmentation and societal critique. Lastly, I realised the importance of ending with a question or statement that invites reflection, encouraging the audience to question their own role in perpetuating the gaze. This project strengthened my belief that motion graphics are not just decorative—they can provoke thought, challenge norms, and give voice to under-represented perspectives.
Comments
Post a Comment