BLUR ROUGE SERIES

A series of audiovisual works that creates a fictitious universe. Chantre draws inspiration from the non-place that people find themselves in when talking on their cell phones. They are neither “physically” present with the people around them, nor with the person they are talking to.

The works present various fictitious landscapes that are hazy, airy and luminous, blending together into a perpetually rotating movement. The Blur Rouge series is part and parcel of Chantre’s fascination with the use of light in sculpture, with empty spaces and with semi-transparent structures.

 Exhibition and performance :
– Limestone Coast Video Art Festival, Mount Gambier (AU), 2018
– Quebec Digital, NYC, Blur Rouge (vidéo II), New-York (US), 2015
– Festival de vidéomusique de Montréal, Blur Rouge (vidéo I et II), Montréal (CA), 2015
– Écran noir de la Nuit blanche, Blur Rouge (vidéo I et II), Montreal (CA), 2015
– Mois Multi, Blur Rouge Carmin, Quebec (CA), 2015
– File Electronic Language International Festival, Blur Rouge (vidéo II), Sao Paolo (BR), 2014
– Biennale internationale d’art numérique (BIAN), Maison de la culture Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Blur Rouge Carmin (installation), Montréal (CA), 2014
– Mutek Image, Blur Rouge (performance), Montreal (CA), 2013
– Festival international du cinéma francophone en Acadie, Blur Rouge (performance), Moncton (CA), 2013
– Festival de la imagen, Blur Rouge (vidéo I), Manizales (CO), 2013

Biennale internationale d’art numérique (BIAN), Blur Rouge Carmin, Montreal (CA), 2014. Photo : Sébastien Roy

BLUR ROUGE CARMIN INSTALLATION  (2014)

The interactive audiovisual installation creates optical confusion by fragmenting the projected image into volumes. The public sees two- dimensional and three-dimensional images at the same time. Through hand movement, the viewer is invited to explore these images.

Optical confusion
Unlike a traditional screen, the image is not flat since it is multiplied by the reflections inside the structure itself. Several perspectives of the same image are visible simultaneously, creating stereoscopic effects that give the perception of depth and volume. The multiplied image creates a special optical confusion as the volumetric images are stacked, staggered and superimposed. The contours of these volumes are blurred, creating confusion in the viewer’s perception of materiality. The stereoscopy is made even more powerful by the transparent plates placed at specific angles to create an effect known as Pepper’s ghost. This technique is traditionally used to make seemingly holographic characters appear on the stage.

Audiovisual interaction
The public is invited to explore the audiovisual content using an interface built into a pedestal in front of the installation. The viewer can control the movement of the 3D visual elements by moving one hand along the X, Y and Z axes. This approach is designed to draw viewers into a process of observation and appreciation.

Technique: Plexiglas structure, motion sensor for one hand, 3D game engine, multimedia software, music software, 1 computer, 1 video projector, two to four speakers.

Dimensions: 152.40 x 30.48 x 91.44 cm (5 x 1 x 3 feet)

Credit:
Music, 3D modeling and animation, programming and concept: Manuel Chantre / Device design: Manuel Chantre / Programmer consultant: Sébastien Gravel / Assembling : Brendan Matkin

Biennale internationale d’art numérique (BIAN), Blur Rouge Carmin, Montreal (CA), 2014. Photo : Danny Pereault

Mois Multi, Blur Rouge Carmin, Quebec (CA), 2015. Photo: Keven Langevin

BLUR ROUGE PERFORMANCE 

In this audiovisual performance, Chantre controls live generative visuals, musical sequences and sound. Here, the visual software, initially created to design 3D video games, departs from its initial function to create a live work.

Chantre “sculpts” live landscapes using rotation as the primary movement informing the evolution of forms and images.

VIDEO I (2013)

Technique: DVD player or computer, screen or video projection, speaker

Dimensions: Variable, 360 x 200 cm, minimum size for the projection screen

VIDEO II (2014)

Technique: 3D game engine, multimedia software, music software, computer, video projector, two to four speakers, audio effect unit

Dimensions: Variable, 360 x 200 cm, minimum size for the projection screen

Press: 
– Mention, Nipora, Blur Rouge videos, Montreal (CA), 2015
– Article, Mon Saint-Roch, Suzie Genest, Blur Rouge Carmin, Quebec (CA), 2015
– Mention, Méduse.org, Blur Rouge Carmin, Quebec (CA), 2015
– Mention, LaPresse.ca, Blur Rouge Carmin, Quebec (CA), 2015
– Mention, Mon Saint-Roch, Blur Rouge Carmin, Quebec (CA), 2015
– Mention, Jeu Magazine, Blur Rouge Carmin, Montreal (CA), 2015
– Mention, File Electronic Language International Festival, Blur Rouge vidéo II, Sao Paolo (BR), 2014
– Mention, Le vadrouilleur urbain, Blur Rouge Carmin (Web)
– Mention, Accès culture Montreal Blog, Blur Rouge Carmin, Montreal (CA), 2014
– Audio interview, CIBL, Electrons Libres, Blur Rouge, Quebec (CA), 2013

Credits:
Music, 3D modeling and animation, programming and concept: Manuel Chantre / Device design: Manuel Chantre / Programmer consultant: Sébastien Gravel