#BULBINMOUTH

#BulbinMouth is a 2-minute 2D animation about a boy who is intrigued by social media posts showing light bulbs inserted into people’s mouths. Attempting the same stunt he finds that he cannot remove the light bulb—necessitating a visit to the hospital emergency room. With light bulb removed and massive bandages on his face, he exits the hospital to find himself surrounded by others who have copied his stunt.

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#BulbinMouth is a metaphor for humans’ inane curiosity and quest for attention. Part of growing up is trying some crazy stunts and learning from some glorious failures.

Color and form suffuse my motion graphics work to create expressively rich narratives with humorous twists. With a particular interest in color’s emotive power, I use a saturated palette to shape a mood and atmosphere that effortlessly draws in my audience. The results are deftly crafted videos that transform life’s small failures into cleverly timed visual treats that please both the eyes and the funny bone.

Silly videos on YouTube are one of my dirty pleasures. Often, when I am in a sour mood and need a laugh, I seek out stupid videos as a pick-me-up. On one such occasion, a friend sensing my mood, sent me a link to a video of a man who had put a light bulb in his mouth and couldn't get it out. Interestingly, I discovered that there were a lot of YouTube videos on this subject! I was struck by the stupidity of this prank and I couldn’t stop laughing. It was then that I decided that the topic of a light bulb stuck in a person’s mouth would provide a wonderful story for my motion graphics video entitled #BulbInMouth.

It has always fascinated me that prank-based reality TV shows are very popular. What are the psychological reasons that people like to watch others in silly situations? In trying to figure this out, I discovered the concept of schadenfreude—pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune—and realized that it was a powerful tool for storytelling. As Dana Boadway Masson, animation director at Killerjellybean Animation observed about my video #BulbInMouth, “I like this film very much. It's quite a poignant statement on society and social media.” Attention to detail and an ability to laugh have always shaped my creative voice. Whether a light bulb in a person’s mouth or a rigged cell phone that explodes when the user makes a call, I uncover the silly and superficial to shed light on human nature.

Saturday, May 29 – Saturday, June 16, 2018

Reception: Thursday, June 7, 6 - 8pm

SVA Chelsea Gallery

#BulbinMouth by Jingqiu Li will be part of the 2018 MFA Computer Arts Thesis Exhibition, which brings together selected thesis projects from SVA MFA Computer Arts graduating students. The exhibition will be on view from May 29 through June 16 at the SVA Chelsea Gallery, 601 West 26th Street, 15th floor, in New York City.

#BulbinMouth is a 2-minute 2D animation about a boy who is intrigued by social media posts showing light bulbs inserted into people’s mouths. Attempting the same stunt he finds that he cannot remove the light bulb—necessitating a visit to the hospital emergency room. With light bulb removed and massive bandages on his face, he exits the hospital to find himself surrounded by others who have copied his stunt. #BulbinMouth is a metaphor for humans’ inane curiosity and quest for attention. Part of growing up is trying some crazy stunts and learning from some glorious failures.

Jingqiu Li is a visual designer, who received her MFA in Computer Art with a concentration in motion graphics from the School of Visual Arts in New York City (2018), and her BFA in Computer Game Art Design from China Academy of Art in Hangzhou (2015). From 2015 to 2016, she worked as a UI designer for Jiejing Technology Company (Hangzhou), where she contributed to the mobile and web user interface associated with the educational management application Xiaomaizhujiao. Her inventive game designs have received various awards, including Finalist at the Seventh Independent Student Game Festival Competition (2015), and Second Prize at the Third Chinese College Student Design Contest (2015). Flora’s elegant UI, game and motion graphic designs are recognized for their astute use of color, space and humor.

SVA MFA Computer Arts emphasizes creative experimentation and a multidisciplinary approach to making art with computers and emerging technologies. Dedicated to producing digital artists of the highest caliber, the department guides each student in the development of a personal artistic style in a course of study that is individually tailored to meet his or her needs. Students come from around the world to study in this MFA program, which has distinguished itself with nine Student Academy Awards. mfaca.sva.edu

School of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for more than six decades.  With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprised of more than 6,000 students at its Manhattan campus and 35,000 alumni in 100 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the College’s 31 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, visit sva.edu

The SVA Chelsea Gallery, located at 601 West 26th Street, 15th floor, is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00am – 6:00pm. Admission is free. The gallery is fully accessible by wheelchair. For more information, call 212.592.2145.