Coverage

When it comes to filmmaking, the bulk of the labor and craft is often not physically visible. Years of script-writing, set, costume, prop design, and production overall is condensed into typically a few hours at most. Therefore, my mural hopes to bring attention to the unnoticed; to celebrate the beauty of the unseen. I’ve physically collaged Pratt Film students’ vinyl stills and layered them with dark ink strokes that are an abstracted interpretation of the open-concept ceilings of the Film/Video building; these ceilings, characterized by large pipes and running wires, not only set the Film/Video building apart from other Pratt facilities but reference the high ceilings of stage sets. Set ceilings are designed this way to better facilitate the use of film equipment, while the mural’s dark strokes intend to partially obscure yet also accentuate the collaged vinyl stills. It sparks interest yet keeps an air of mystery. 

The title, “Coverage”, speaks to both the physical covering of elements within the piece and the piece’s intention to “cover” or discuss all aspects of filmmaking. 

The mural’s primary motif is the pixel. The pixel could be interpreted as the atom of film’s biology. Pixels and grid language are seen all throughout the piece; they are squashed and stretched, they weave between the foreground and background, they are both organic and geometric. Their diversity speaks to their limitless potential to contribute to a greater whole. 

The piece was constructed with heavy emphasis on including the original students who created the vinyl stills; being that they are the ones who pioneered the mural’s existence and the ones who interact with this mural the most, incorporating their vision is an absolute priority.

Coverage means to shed light on the actual labor and creativity that takes place in the Film/Video building; to celebrate what goes unnoticed, reminding film students that their work is important, their work is meaningful, and their work cannot be replaced. Film is a unique labor of love, and every layer of it deserves acknowledgement and praise. 

Created under the guidance of Corinne Ulmann and Jim Finn.

Photography by Aditri Bhattacharjee (MS, Packaging, Identities and Systems Design ’27, Instagram: @aditri_bhatt)