That guy is brilliant!
Jun 06
The Perfect Human just struck me. It made me walk in silence for quite some time, even though I was with other people. Contemplating. I love when people play with multiple layers of meaning. And this one had tons. I find immense beauty and intellect in it. The Perfect human is a short film by Jørgen Leth. Sofia Design week presented works of students from the Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam. Their task was to create a poster for the film obeying certain rules. The rules were given by the teacher and consisted of 5 specific obstructions. The obstructions differed for each student. I went deep into students’ feedback on the project. It was fascinating to see how their perceptions varied. Some hated the project, thought it was stupid and a complete waste of time. Others found deeper meaning and really played with it.
This made me think of how we all deal with life and obstructions. We think we are never as pretty, rich, smart, creative, energetic, brave, etc as others. Our environment and society are not always as positive and nurturing. Some perceive these as real impediments to lead their dream life and use them as excuses to not fulfill their full personal potential. They usually use the “Only, if…” beginning of a sentence. Others, perceive obstructions as challenges. As their personal battles. They don’t seek them but think that obstacles and hardships make them change for the better. Grow stronger. And there are those that actually seek obstructions. They find complete freedom overwhelming. Feel lost in it and find it simpler to progress in a regulated environment. When with limited choice they are able to pick a direction.
So these were some of my contemplations provoked by the project. You go take a look at the film and then at the project. You’ll definitely think of something different than me. Something that relates to you and your life. That’s the beauty of people. Their imperfections cause differences which make the world so vivid and fascinating. That’s why I love my relationships to people and spending time with them. They are my source of the other layers. The ones I need to fill in my multilayered appreciation.
The Perfect Human- Jørgen Leth
Jun 01
I like Sofia for it offers many opportunities for the creative soul. Be it buildings, streets, fashion, whatever. In the western world things have been pretty much framed and regulated, already. You go there to draw on other people’s experience and obtain a point of reference. But Sofia, being underdeveloped in that sense offers so much potential for entrepreneurship and good design work. This fills me up with enthusiasm. The urban contrasts such as old and new, communist and modern, cheap and expensive are overwhelming. Some call it eclectic. I like that! Sofia Design Week
Check this one out, as well:
