BFA THESIS 2023
THE STROKES OF TIME
V I S U A L I Z I N G T H E I L L U S I O N S O F T I M E
Time is a universal concept that shapes human experiences, influences personal and societal behavior, and profoundly impacts the natural world, making it a valuable and essential aspect
of our lives. The Strokes of Time focuses on a poetic approach by visualizing the illusions of time and examining the relationship between individuals and this elusive concept. The subjective and deceptive nature of time is explored through the lens of visual representation, exploring time as character design; this thesis reveals the unique illusions, perceptions and distinct relationships held by each person with time. By emphasizing the importance of recognizing the ever-changing nature of time, this study encourages individuals to challenge their own perceptions and understand the complexities of this universal concept.
Hair Spirit is a mythical creature embodying the essence of time. Its body is a cascade of long, lustrous hair, representing the ever-changing nature of time. With a vulture skull as its face, this creature evokes both the mysterious and the ominous. As a personification of time, it symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Its hair quality, which grows at an extraordinary rate, serves as a visual representation of time passing by. This unique and fascinating creature, existing as a testament to the power and mystery of time.
The Observing Stag is a fantasy creature, drawing inspiration from Norse mythology's Eikthyrnir and other forest creatures. Adorned with a variety of impressive horns and antlers, it symbolizes patience, endurance, and wisdom. Its impressive horns and antlers remind us of the passage of time and the accumulation of knowledge and experience. As a sage observer, it offers insights into time's cyclical nature. Like mythological stags, it traverses between worlds and accesses knowledge beyond the physical realm. Majestic and wise, the Observing Stag embodies the wisdom that comes with the passage of time.
The Goblin is a mythological creature based on Germanic and British folklore and other fictions. As an actual goblin, it trains individuals to live actively and responsibly. The Goblin understands the fast pace of time and provides lessons that help manage anxiety and stress while encouraging individuals to make the most of their time. Although the Goblin has positive qualities, its flaws reflect the complexity of time. It can be impatient, leading to anxiety and restlessness. The Goblin's lessons are a guide for living life to the fullest while staying grounded and in control.
The Sand Fairy is a fantasy creature inspired by mythology, folklore, and fantasy fiction. Emerging from the sands of time, it wears a stunning dress made of sand and floats gracefully in the air. The Sand Fairy embodies the qualities of sand, which symbolize the passage of time as it slips away, leaving its mark. This fantastical being encourages us to cherish the present moment and make the most of the time we have. Its sand dress is a poignant reminder that time is ephemeral and can easily slip away. The Sand Fairy's teachings remind us to live in the present and make the most of every moment, knowing that time waits for no one.
Spider Fly is a giant insect with spider-like legs and wings of a fly, is inspired by fiction and insects. This bug perches on your head with a weight that can be overwhelming, always on the move, much like how time cannot be caught. Its fast pace can make one anxious, like a buzzing fly that never stays still. Its wings represent the speed at which time passes, and its spider-like legs symbolize how time can entangle us in its web. It embodies the paradox of time, fleeting yet always present. Spider Fly's characteristics illustrate the ephemeral nature of time and how it can catch us off guard.
The Faceless Time Keeper is a fictional character, inspired by several fictions featuring time keepers depicted as men in suits. This character is a faceless man wearing a black formal suit, complete with a top hat, and holding a pocket watch in one hand and a cane in the other. The reserved, organized, and formal personality of an Englishman in a suit is linked to "time," as the character embodies the punctuality and precision associated with timekeeping. He is emblematic of the order and structure that time imposes on our lives. This character serves as a reminder that time is always ticking away, and we should use it wisely to achieve our goals.
The God of Death, inspired by Greek mythology's Father Time as the grim reaper, is a powerful personification of time. This character holds a big watch of life in one hand and a scythe in the other, signifying how time is fleeting and irreversible, and death is inevitable. The God of Death represents the end of time, and no one can escape its grasp. The watch of life signifies that time is precious and should not be wasted, as it is running out. The scythe is a symbol of the importance of making the most of our time, as it can be taken away at any moment. The God of Death reminds us that time waits for no one and that we should make every moment count.
Slippery Eel is inspired by Maori mythology. This character is a long and slippery eel that can't be caught easily and always manages to slip away. The characteristics of the eel align with time, as time is fleeting and elusive, and it always seems to slip away from our grasp. In various mythologies, eels have been used as a representation of time because of their slithery and unpredictable nature. The Slippery Eel embodies the same traits and reminds us that time cannot be caught or stopped, but rather flows continuously like a river. Just as it is difficult to catch an eel, it is impossible to catch time, and once it has slipped away, it can never be recaptured.
Ghostly Fog is a character personifying time, taking the form of a thick, eerie fog that envelops everything in its path. It appears suddenly and disappears just as quickly, much like how time can seem to move both slowly and quickly depending on our perception. Its ghostly quality represents the intangible and mysterious nature of time, as we cannot physically touch or see it, only the effects it has on our lives. As it moves, it alters our surroundings, blurring our vision and obscuring the path ahead, much like how time can make the future uncertain and unpredictable. In essence, it embodies the ethereal, ever-changing, and elusive nature of time.
Beetles in Jar is a personification of time inspired by the mythological belief about beetles. The character comprises a jar containing a group of large beetles that move when they sense anxiety, much like how we perceive time. The feeling of being trapped in a jar is an apt representation of the passage of time, with the jar symbolizing the constraints of our existence. It also depicts the unpredictability of time, with the beetles moving sporadically and uncontrollably. This personification of time reflects how we are constantly being pulled in different directions by the relentless march of time, much like the beetles trapped in a jar.
Hedgehog with Blackhole is a hybrid of a hedgehog and a mushroom. This tiny creature has black holes instead of spikes and can suck time away from its surroundings, making it a powerful force. It embodies time as an all-consuming force that can swallow everything in its path. Its hedgehog-like appearance, with its protective spines, symbolizes our resistance to the passage of time. However, we can't escape its pull. This creature highlights that time is always moving forward and that we should embrace it rather than fight it. Its black holes also represent how time can swallow up everything, leaving nothing behind. The Hedgehog with Blackhole emphasizes the importance of accepting time's power and flowing with it.
Floating Whale is a majestic personification of time inspired by various mythologies. This giant creature has six flippers and embodies the fluidity and flow of water that is often associated with the passage of time. The Floating Whale represents the way in which time moves steadily and consistently, like the movement of the ocean's currents. Its size and presence serve as a reminder of the importance and magnitude of time in our lives. As the Floating Whale gracefully glides through the ocean, it reminds us that just like the ocean's movement, time is always advancing and we must learn to adapt and move along with it.
