Three Generations

The artwork "Three Generations" is a spin-off of the installation "2022-Window". It consists of three windows, arranged similarly to the original installation. The three windows symbolize the artist, their mother, and father, representing three generations of their family who been apart for three years. Each window represents their individual spiritual journey.

My new window design and concept

I use the same size and construction as the 2022 windows for the 3 new windows that I plan to hang on the wall. These windows represent me, my mom, and dad, symbolizing the fact that we haven't been together three years. I will paint our faces and add masks use wire to weld the opening and closing doors, and laser engrave our faces behind the window sash.

In China, bars are commonly installed on flat windows to prevent theft or suicide attempts by jumping out of the building. During the epidemic, these bars also served as a means to prevent residents from escaping through their windows. I believe this could be a useful reference to consider when adding bars to my own windows.

At school, I discovered two materials suitable for creating railings: one is pre-made cross iron railings, and the other is wire loops.

I'm testing the installation of railings on the window sash to evaluate its functionality.

To ensure success, I plan to conduct experiments before creating three new windows. I experimented with old windows and considered various materials to line the back of the window sash. In my workshop, I found random materials and used yellow transparent plastic paper to test how it would look. Additionally, I searched the metal workshop for reflective or mirror-like iron sheets that could replace the plastic paper.

Creating a portrait of the family members.

I drew the side profiles of my family members at home for drawing while experimenting with the window. Later, I placed the drawn faces behind the window door sash, creating an animated effect as shown on the right.

Three Generation

Chinese window research

Chinese windows have a rich and lengthy past that can be traced back to the Shang dynasty (1600-104 BC). Initially, these windows were crafted from wood and paper, and they were frequently adorned with elaborate carvings and designs.

The symbolic meaning of Chinese windows Chinese windows have a symbolic meaning as well as a practical one In Chinese culture, windows are often seen as a symbol of hope and opportunity are also seen as a symbol of the connection between the inside and the outside world

The window as a symbol of the connection between the internal and external worlds: The window is also seen as a symbol of the connection between the internal and external worlds. This is because windows allow people to see and interact with the outside world, even when they are at home. Windows can also be used to bring the outside world into the home through the use of natural light and fresh air. These symbolic meanings of Chinese windows can be associated with your window installation artwork in several ways. For example, I can use windows to represent hope and opportunity or to indicate a connection between the internal and external worlds. You can also use windows to create a sense of openness and transparency, or to create a sense of privacy and protection.

After I researched the Chinese windows, I had a new inspiration and idea for a change Instead of using the size and structure of the 2022 windows, I reworked the design and changed It to the structure of the Chinese windows, and I particularly liked the lattice symbols on the Chinese windows and the meaning behind the symbols.

So I set about quickly drawing two patterns imitating the Chinese window symbols, with the intention of iterating and installing them on top of the window sash. As shown on the right I have carried out a re-design of the dimensions, I have reduced the size of the original 2022 window by directlyhalf, which has the benefit of being lighter in weight, easier to move and also more secure.

But then I had a video conversation with my mum and I discussed with her my idea for the window installation and my mum gave me great advice: “Three family members, three generations ( mum and grandmother), three different places and three years without a reunion", so I'm going to use three generations as my themeItalso occurred to me that the three window symbols could be used to design new symbolic motifs with our threedifferent personalities or hobbies

Here are some things that each of these three generations enjoys:

•Son: playing football

•Mum: taking care of plants

•Grandma: completing music pieces

Start to Making...

Laser Cutting…

Chinese window fabric material research

Window paper was a durable type of paper in ancient times. It was typically soaked in oil before use and was also used to make oil paper umbrellas. This paper was thicker and denser than ordinary paper, allowing for writing on both sides. As a result it was often used for gluing windows or walls instead of being discarded like regular paper.

Although oil paper is durable, it is still paper and can break during severe weather conditions. To address this issue, ancient people created window panes with borders of various sizes and patterns. The more divided the panes were, the better the window could disperse damage caused by wind and rain to the paper. The introduction of latticework significantly extended the lifespan of paper mâché windows.

After completing the primary framework of the window, I had to determine the appropriate fabric for the window sash before I could add my laser engraved symbolic woodcarving. Although I had previously researched Chinese paper windows, I decided against using this material due to its complex crafting process and instead considered oil paper material.

Tracing paper vs Paper nylon

I inquired with the textile workshop instructor about materials that could replicate or come close to the effect of Chinese paper windows. She suggested two options: tracing paper and paper nylon.

Tracing:

Good: It is firmness, with no need to stretch, easy to stick, free to pay

Bad: easy to be break

Paper nylon:

Good: its softness can make a nice quality , more similar to Chinese paper window, it’s not easy to be tear and puncture.

Bad: not free, need to be stretch so that not easy to stick

I prefer to use tracing paper because it is easier to stick on windows compared paper nylon. I have tested both and did not notice any significant difference. However, I need to be cautious while using tracing paper.

After researching how to paint wood, I discovered that in order to apply woodstain paint effectively, I need to first clean the surface of the wood from dust and impurities. Using oil or PVC cleaner will help create a smooth film on the wood, allowing for even application of the woodstain paint.

Using PVC to glueing the tracing paper on the laser cutting pieces then glueing them on the window

I installed the bow handle on the window door leaf, but it didn't match the style the window. Therefore, I wrapped it with twine to give it a vintage appearance.

Yayoi Kusama's "The Infinity Room" is an immersive installation that uses mirrors and thousands of LED lights to create the illusion of infinite space. This sensory experience is both calming and disorienting, with constantly changing patterns of colours and shapes. I was looking to incorporate the concept of the infinity room into my own window installation, consider using mirrors to create the illusion of infinity, using patterns and shapes to create a visually stimulating environment, and using a mirror as a backdrop for laser engraving.

Acrylicmirrors are made of a lightweight material that is less prone to breakage than. The mirror is coated on the acrylic surface, providing a reflection quality similar to that of glass. Additionally, acrylic can be laser cut, making it a feasible option.

I started to give feedback on Yayoi Kusama's research and study of acrylic mirrors, I used a laser to cut the negative side of the human portrait, I initially intended the whole face to be made up of mirrors, but before the laser engraving, I accidentally put the acrylic mirror in the opposite direction, resulting in the opposite part of the engraving being without a mirror However, due to this mistake I was pleasantly surprised that all parts of the reverse side were faces, so I decided that I would keep the faces not mirrored, and that mirrors would surround the faces.

Three Generation—Windows