A Deep Dive into Ivan Morison’s Artistry and Its Revelations

Unpacking White Horses

The 16mm film, titled White Horses, emerges from explorative visits to lifeboat stations and seaside towns, showcasing the sea’s dual nature—both a source of wonder and a realm filled with hazards. This project aims to reveal the complex roles that the sea plays in the lives of coastal communities. To gain insight into the artistic process and deeper meanings behind this work, a conversation was held between artist Ivan Morison and Rosy Gray, Head of Living Art at The Sainsbury Centre.

The Creative Vision Behind White Horses

Commissioned to mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), White Horses features a site-specific installation that can be seen in coastal areas around Britain. Central to its unique presentation is a large, temporary circus tent, acting as an exhibition space that enables the project to travel and engage with different communities.

The Tent as a Symbol

The choice of a tent serves not just as a venue but also as a metaphor for transience and an outsider’s perspective. The architectural structure invites viewers into a setting that represents both temporary presence and the notion of movement.

Cinematic Techniques and Themes

Morison’s adoption of 16mm film, his first experience with this medium, allows for captivating portrayals of the ocean’s energy—capturing the movements and relentless nature of the sea as an ongoing metaphor for change and continuity. The film presents a collaborative narrative deeply rooted in personal connection, portraying various individuals from coastal communities and reflecting on their intricate ties to the sea, their labor, and the various uncertainties that permeate their lives.

The Film’s Structure and Storytelling

Structured as a non-linear narrative, the film weaves together the voices and stories of its subjects, bringing forth a tapestry of emotions—joy, vulnerability, and the quirky essence of coastal existence. Morison strategically decided to wait until filming was completed before developing the footage, allowing for moments of unexpected discovery during the reflection process.

Soundtrack as a Complement

The auditory experience, crafted by composer Chris Hope, features field recordings layered on analog tape. This design choice enhances the film’s atmosphere, reflecting themes of fragility and impermanence, enriching viewers’ emotional responses to coastal life.

Highlights of the Project

• 🎪 The utilization of a circus tent enhances themes of mobility and transience.
• 🌊 16mm film uniquely captures the dynamic essence of the sea.
• 🎥 A reflective filmmaking process reveals authentic moments and stories.
• 👥 Offers personalized insights into diverse coastal communities.
• ⚓ Themes of labor, precariousness, and belonging are explored vividly.
• 🎶 Sound design mirrors the film’s motifs of fragility through degrading tape loops.
• 🚤 The project engages with communities with historical ties to the RNLI.

Key Insights into the Film’s Impact

• 🎪 The tent embodies impermanence, emphasizing community memory and experience.
• 🌊 16mm analog film offers tangible qualities, evoking nostalgia and connecting with traditional coastal practices.
• 👥 The film’s collaborative nature allows for an intimate narrative without imposing external narratives.
• ⚓ Spotlight on the demanding work and lifestyle of coastal communities also brings up economic challenges.
• 🎶 Analog sound design deepens themes by paralleling visuals with auditory textures.
• 🚤 A touring model fosters reciprocal relationships between artists and the communities they depict.
• 🎥 A reflective, risk-taking artistic journey enhances narrative depth.

Conclusão

White Horses exemplifies how art can merge medium, space, and story to unfurl layered meanings. The tent serves as an architectural metaphor, mirroring the delicate balance between permanence and ephemerality inherent in coastal lives. The tactile qualities of the film resonate deeply with viewers, encouraging a contemplative engagement with the beauty and unpredictability of the sea.

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