36

lotte schreiber and norbert pfaffenbichler´s 36 is a rigidly mathematical and graphic composition based on the number in its title. All of this video´s elements, including its length, are variables of this figure. three apparently independent fields of perception are linked to stefan németh´s synchronized soundtrack. in the left field, thirty-six vertical and horizontal white lines run through various patterns of movement according to a binary digital system (0=vertical, 1=horizontal). they eventually unite in six squares with amorphous animated miniatures.
the right section of the screen contains a palette with patches of color reminiscent of gerhard richter. the colors combine and recombine in ever-changing mixtures as if they were controlled by an electric relay.
at the bottom of the picture are two overlapping squares which portray the video´s temporal axis. they provide the underlying rhythm in a manner similar to a metronome, though they move in a linear direction toward the visible end.

36 refers to both aesthetic traditions of abstract painting and the structural approaches of early geometric films (such as those of walther ruttmann and hans richter). at the same time, other associations arise, such as early video games and their restricted movement, which was limited to the main axes.
when watching 36, an unbelievable tension and concentration develops for the viewer, caused not least by the clarity of the concept and the reduction of the means.

(gerald weber)

Orig. Title
36
Year
2001
Country
Austria
Duration
2 min
Category
Avantgarde/Arts
Orig. Language
No Dialogue
Downloads
36 (Image)
36 (Image)
36 (Image)
Credits
Director
Lotte Schreiber, Norbert Pfaffenbichler
Sound
Stefan Németh
Available Formats
Digital File (prores, h264) (Distribution Copy)
Aspect Ratio
1:1,37
Sound Format
stereo
Frame Rate
25 fps
Festivals (Selection)
2001
Helsinki - Avanto Media Art Festival
Graz - Diagonale, Festival des Österreichischen Films
Weimar - back-up festival. new media in film
Luzern - VIPER - Int. Film und Video Festival
2002
Rotterdam - Int. Filmfestival
Zürich - VIDEOEXperimental; Video & Film Festival
Tokyo - Image Forum Festival
Barcelona - Sonar Int. Festival of Advanced Music
Hongkong – Microwave Int. Media Art Festival
2003
Windsor - Media City
Bochumer Videofestival
Barcelona - Sonar Int. Festival of Advanced Music
2004
Tampere - Film Festival
Buenos Aires Festival Int. de Cine Independiente BAFICI
Barcelona - Sonar Int. Festival of Advanced Music
Pesaro - Film Festival