Unit 4: Tangram compositions

Tangrams

Stability

Iteration #1

Iteration #2

Iteration #3

Final Iteration

My final iteration is sort of a combination of my three previous iterations. I really liked the composition of iteration #2 with the triangles pointing towards the square, and I think the edges parallel to the edges of the paper add to the stability. I think the square also contributes to the stability by being oriented with the paper, aka all the edges align. I also liked the trapezoidal section of both iteration #1 and #3, and I like how the flat base of the trapezoid is emphasized using color contrast. After experimenting, I decided that the grey background added the best sense of stability because it is a softer color to contrast with black and white. My final iteration uses the edge alignment (shape orientation) and color contrast to emphasize points of stability. The central square is white so that your eye is drawn to its stable nature, and the top triangle is white to emphasize its stable base. I like how the whole composition is symmetrical and how the colors contrast to form points of emphasis. I wonder what would happen if the black shapes were white and the white shapes were black.

Movement

Iteration #1

Iteration #2

Iteration #3

Final Iteration

I chose the third iteration, but made some slight changes. I chose to move the square away from the corner of the paper and keep it at a tilt. This makes the beginning of the line seem more unstable. I chose to tilt the smaller triangles so that they are not in a straight line, contributing to the instability. I also chose to adjust the final triangle to make it look less balanced and more wobbly. I chose the biggest shapes for the top because it is naturally hard to balance them above smaller shapes. The composition is asymmetrical to look unbalanced and create a sense of movement. I like how the contrast of white on black brings out the shapes and points of connection. I wonder if there is a better way to angle the final, largest triangles so that it gives a sense of more movement.

Universal Symbol

Iteration #1

Iteration #2

Iteration #3

Final Iteration

I chose the candle as my final iteration because it utilizes the different shapes well and is an uncommon solution to the problem. I really liked how the parallelogram was used, because in many symbols it is a hard shape to utilize well. I think the candle is also a very obvious, yet unique, symbol compared to houses or trees. I think the contrast of black on white works well to outline the symbol. I like how the base of the candle and top of the base have corners of the triangles protruding from the edge. I wonder what it would look like if the parallelogram was tilted a different way.

Activity #1: Calder

3D Tangrams

Iteration #1

Iteration #2

Iteration #3

Critique Notes ––– Iteration 3 is the most interesting structure but the mobile (iteration 2) has the most potential. I should try experimenting with other ways of hanging the tangram pieces or new ways of putting the pieces together. I think making more shape with the wire instead of straight would be more visually appealing. The mobile may also be more effective if it is larger, which the final version will be.

Final 3D Tangram

Reflection

For this project I chose to work without a specific word or concept, but rather, whatever came to me. I started with the simple sculpture and cut each tangram piece, connecting them all together by the slots. I also experimented with tabs to attach the pieces as well. After making one tabletop structure, I decided I wanted to try a mobile. I was inspired by Alexander Calder's work and wanted to work with wire. I found it really difficult to work with the wire so it was hard to get the tangram to hang exactly how I wanted. Out of my three iterations, I chose the mobile because it held the most potential, and I thought it would be more effective in a larger size. I also realized that the wire work in my prototype was sort of unappealing and bland. The biggest challenge was definitely working with the wire because it was too thick to manipulate easily. My final mobile was difficult to balance and get to hang how I pictured. I was inspired for the wire design by spirals, and then further inspired by the spool of wire. My two big triangles are hanging on a spool the bounces up and down, much like a slinky. I really wanted my mobile to interact with space and move freely. I also wanted each piece of the tangram to hang in a different plane. As pictured in the third (right) image, the pieces do hang in different planes in space. I think emphasis is drawn to the two big triangles hanging off the slinky because it has the most volume and hangs lowest. Your eyes are drawn to it because it is bigger than the other pieces. I really like the shadow aspect of the mobile, especially because it look different from every angle. I love how mobiles interact with space by moving freely and can be interpreted differently.

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