WORKS INSPIRED BY
DMST103
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Rongyan Zhang
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University of Rochester
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DMST103 • Rongyan Zhang • University of Rochester •
Project
Statement
Capture light and structure across sites and devices
My exploration in Assignment 2 is a continuation and extension of the theme of division and reorganization in Assignment 1, where I tried collage, boundaries, and recombination of visual elements. In this project, I focused on the interaction of light, the organic patterns of trees, and the different perspectives provided by different photographic equipment.
This series of photos documents my travels in different places, capturing how light changes cities and natural landscapes. The presence of trees in multiple images serves as the subject of organic division - branches split the sky and intertwine to form complex compositions that mimic collage-like natural layering. These structures resonate with my interest in finding visual boundaries and reorganizing space.
In addition, I explore the subjective experience of different cameras and lenses, using SONY RX100 VII, Fujifilm, Leica digital cameras, and various bokeh lenses to study how technological changes shape the final image. The differences in depth of field, focus, and blur effects help me with my research on perceptual and visual fragmentation, just as I did earlier in Assignment 1 when I tried to reconstruct an image by layering and modifying an existing photo.
The concept of reorganization is present not only in natural and artificial lighting conditions, but also in my choice of tools. The differences between different photographic techniques introduced new forms of segmentation, attempting to use light and camera lenses as tools for deconstructing and reshaping reality.
I aim to reveal how perception is constructed and manipulated - whether by light, nature, or the camera itself. My work invites viewers to reconsider the way boundaries define our visual world, and how photography can serve as a tool for recording and transformation.
Graphic Design·
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Thread of Connection
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Graphic Design· · Thread of Connection ·
By adding different pattern effects, filters, and detaching the original subject in the picture from the background, recombining and adding different effects, I hope it uses dark red as the main color tone and the shape of branches as connections to present a serious, sad but conflicting effect.
I used fluorescent colors to stand out from my name and used gradient colors to incorporate the title name of Thread of Connection into the "wound". I hodl an exhibition called “Thread of Connection” on campus. I want to use my artworks to design a poster for publicity.
MY ART LIFE
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Memories of Light
Memories of Light, as a non-linear interactive word game I designed four main scenes: Foggy Forest, Silent Lake, Abandoned Theater, Ruined City, and finally back to the forest. Here, the player takes light and memory as clues to embark on a journey of search and self-reflection.By choosing different paths and ways of interacting, gradually collect "fragments of light" and trigger deep memories. I designed three endings, and most people, if they make the wrong choice in the theater, can only reach The End 1 : Oblivion. The other 2 endings: The End 2 : Eternity, The End 3 : Reality can only be accessed once you make the right choices at the Theater to get the hidden memory.
So, I added a similar prompt for "Go back to the previous level" to every option that might not unlock the hidden story, as well as the following one at the very beginning of the info section：
Hints:
- When you see the shadow -- please always be brave to talk to her/him.
- When you make the right choice at the second scene, there would be //''no more choice to go back.''//
- There is still chance and hints -- only when you realize “'you are missing something...''
The light not only illuminates the scene, but also connects the protagonist with the past: the fog light in the forest, the reflection of the lake, the stage light in the theater, the sunset under the bell tower, all carry the fragment of memories of the protagonist and the "she". The fragments of light are actually fragments of regret that must be picked up and faced by the player. When the player finds the fourth shard of Light, reads through her diary, and finally makes a choice in the Final chapter forest: go to her, stay, or leave with memories. This is not a "win or lose" story, but a process of reconciliation. So the ending that each player walks out of is a reflection of their mind.
I wanted to make this game because I was always attracted to the "light" when I was taking pictures. It is like a silent memory, flashing in every place, in every corner. For me, photography has always been not only about documenting reality, but also about finding the past and capturing fleeting emotions. In making this project, I combined my photographic memories, my thoughts on "loss" and "forgetting", and my personal experiences of not being able to say goodbye. The game is my dialogue with light, memory, and an unfinished story, and my attempt to find a gentle ending to the irretrievable through written narrative.
