Giving shape to time: An investigation into mixed-media installation

This research investigates ways of shaping time and identifying the characteristics of time that evolve in my art practice with reference to a synthesis of two and three-dimensional material, sound, and video. The nature of this study is a three-way material exchange between theoretical discourses, my practice, and audience response. The theoretical discourse includes a survey of the notions of time from different fields of knowledge from science, literature, anthropology, and memory studies. Additionally, an analysis of two contemporary installations, Normal & Nature by a Thai artist, Kamin Lertchaiprasert, and Going Forth by Day by an American artist, Bill Viola, is included.

Project 1, A solo show by Toeingam Srisubut, featured three art pieces: time-scape, container site, and ... and a real TV. The first project explored the potential media that can give shape to time and make the characteristics of time explicit. My evaluation of this project focuses on analysing the characteristics of time that grow out of my three works, and examining the audience's multiple readings of time that reveal various indicators, e.g. spaces, narratives, audience's and my memories, and certain Thai social and economic elements.

In Project 2, a sound and performance installation Rush Hour, narrative, space, and audience participation are considered specifically. I am testing out how effective the three indicators can give shape to time, and identifying the different characteristics of time of the installation placed in a specific environment of Koh Samui.

Project 3, a mix-media installation, When I grow rich, say the bells of Shoreditch, re-tested the three indicators. This project demonstrates my personal, cultural engagements and interpretations of these indicators. The research identifies further areas for potential studies within various aspects of time as well as practical ways of giving shape to it.

Supplementary material on DVD that accompanies this thesis may be consulted at the library of Chelsea College of Art and Design [http://www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk/contact.htm]