For art's sake

La Horla Collective was born out of the recognition that there are often too many gatekeepers controlling access to the art world. By challenging the status quo we aim to provide a platform for artists whose work may not fit within traditional frameworks. Through La Horla Collective, we are breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive space where diverse forms of artistic expression can flourish.

The Problem

Brighton's artistic community is renowned for its vibrancy and competitiveness, featuring numerous talented artists and well-established galleries. However, this saturation poses challenges for emerging artists seeking recognition and visibility amidst the bustling scene. Securing gallery space or exhibition opportunities can be particularly challenging, as venues often favour established artists or impose stringent selection criteria. For artists whose work may not align with mainstream tastes, finding a platform to showcase their unique voices becomes crucial. These artists deserve a space to express themselves, even if their art doesn't cater to mass audiences.

The Solution

The response was to create a recurring event dedicated to showcasing artists that may otherwise be overlooked. We intended these nights to be a celebration of all aspects of DIY art, allowing participants to perform or exhibit their unique talents while also giving them the opportunity to sell their work connect with a new audience..

Each of our three founding members holds a specific role for each event: coordinating performing talent, liaising with visual artists for our Artists Alley, and crafting the visuals that ties the evening together. We aim to ensure seamless coordination with contributors and venues to cover all aspects of the night. With a commitment to celebrating individuality, every performer is treated as unique, ensuring each night unfolds with its own distinctive flavour. We aim to present 3-4 showcases annually, each with its own unique theme. This approach allows us to dedicate the time and attention needed for each evening while offering attendees fresh and engaging experiences.

The Animation Process

As a founding member of the collective, It is my sole responsibility to provide animated visuals for the evening. This includes imaginative scenes in between acts which add texture to the overall experience of the event, as well as bespoke sequences designed to elevate each performance.

To help understand my contribution to the performance visuals. I have outlined below a brief overview of how I go about creating an animated scene from initial idea to final show night execution.

It All Starts with An Idea

To begin I usually illustrate the piece as a single image. The rationale being that if a still can encompass the mood of the music it can only improve with the addition of animation. The piece may end up in a different style E.g 3D animation may be more fitting than a 2D sequence. But at it's heart all scenes lead back to the initial concept sketches.

Developing the Concept

With the concept in place I then ascertain the most appropriate way of bringing the idea to life. where possible I try to push myself to learn new techniques to help keep the idea fresh. In this instance I used a combination of Blender and aftereffects to build the scene. Liquid simulations were a steep learning curve to navigate, however with persistence and perseverance I was able to achieve the desired result.

Finalising The Animation

With the footage exported and imported into premiere, I then edit the rushes to fit with the track. While all care is taken to compliment the track, it must be noted that these sequences are performed live, therefore each edit is looped allowing the performer the space to let the music flow naturally. If a track runs longer than anticipated, we are covered.

The Performance

Utilising the VJ Program 'Touch Viz' The animated loops are loaded in sequence to ensure the correct footage marries up with the performance. In the case of the performer Horla (pictured) we have a set of cues pre arranged which allows us to stay on point. Therefore each performance flows as a continuous expression, travelling smoothly through each motif.

While in the future our intention is to create a more structured process by updating our suite of tools, at this point in time we are enjoying the DIY approach. As by keeping the process completely live, we are adding tension to the performance and ensuring that each show is unique.

Lessons learned

Over time, our event format has transformed from chaotic to structured. We started with a DIY approach, projecting visuals onto a makeshift sheet over a ping-pong table. Today, we've secured a new venue with a suitable stage and lighting setup, enabling us to elevate the atmosphere with live visual mixing while maintaining our DIY ethos. As a public speaker, navigating my role has been a learning curve. Introducing each performer and engaging the crowd has challenged me, but my skills have improved with time, though there's always room for growth.