The visual and auditory representation of space and time in Roman Opalka’s multimedia works

Abstract

Problem definition: The formation of various arts is achieved based on a theoretical basis and these foundations have created operational differences between the arts for the performing way of the art work, thus becoming a significant basis for the artists with the new spatial and temporal changes. Meanwhile, the multimedia artists have formed a new field in which at least some studies have been conducted in Iran and the need to identify its obvious and hidden aspects is still felt. Classifying the types of multimedia art, the present study aims to investigate how the visual and auditory representations of the space and time are performed in Roman Opalka’s multimedia works. Objective: The aim of this article is to identify the concepts of space and time in the multimedia works of Roman Opalka as a case study as well as to explain the effect of visual qualities of these artworks. Research method: The present research has been conducted based on an analytical-descriptive approach and the required information has been collected using library method. Results: Activating the realm of indexical signs, both visually and aurally, Opalka seeks to enhance the connection between the art and the world in a quasi-scientific way, preventing the works from being mere illusions. In addition, drawing the attention of the audience and art toward the existence and consciousness, Opalka attempted to provide a sense of the time invalidity through creating multidimensional readings. The time reading in Opalka’s works is conducted in a linear and nonlinear manner and also the space and time in them are flowing and dynamic having metaphorical meanings such as the concept of death and declination.

Keywords

• multimedia art
• roman opalka
• visual representation
• auditory representation