Short Sequence (Barcelona), 2009

This is an example of a triptych idea involving the slatted style of changing billboard. The scene and composition of the image are chosen my me but the timing is determined by the mechanical pacing of the advertising device. By doing this, I am giving the power of photographic timing to the device. “The decisive moment” is no longer determined by the artist.

In this instance I made a photograph each time the sign was in mid-transition. This serves to blend the messages together as two different billboards are partially visible at the same time. The pacing of the images is very precise because it is in synch with the mechanics of the signage. The time between changes is evidenced by the family emerging from the shadow at right to catch a glimpse of the billboard in mid-shift. Other versions of this idea might feature more dramatic street narratives.

Exact sizing and framing details have not been finalized. Some sequnces might be more than three image and may use different criteria for the timing of the photographs.

Scroll down for larger views of the three images…