News/Research

Summer Research Reports: Eda Er on Marbled Narratives

10 Oct, 2024

Summer Research Reports: Eda Er on Marbled Narratives

BCNM is thrilled to support our students in their summer research. Read about Eda Er on Marbled Narratives!

I am currently immersed in developing an installation project that blends the traditional Ottoman marble art technique, Ebru Sanatı, with contemporary audiovisual elements. Ebru, often referred to as "marbling," is a centuries-old art form that involves creating intricate, swirling patterns on water, which are then transferred onto paper. This art form has deep cultural significance in Turkey, where it has been used for decorative purposes in books, calligraphy, and various other forms of artistic expression. My goal is to reinterpret this ancient practice through the lens of modern technology, creating an interactive audiovisual installation that could potentially serve as the focal point of my dissertation.

Over the summer, I dedicated considerable time to researching Ebru Sanatı, delving into its history and techniques. To gain a more hands-on understanding, I traveled to Istanbul, where I took intensive marble art classes from a master artist. This experience not only enriched my understanding of the craft but also allowed me to experiment with diHerent materials and methods that could be applied in a contemporary context.

During my time in Istanbul, I also began to gather the essential tools and materials needed for my installation. I purchased various specialized paints, several marble art sets, and other materials like contact microphones and light sources. These items will be integral to my project as I work on integrating sound and visual elements into the traditional Ebru technique. The contact microphones, for example, will capture the subtle sounds of the marbling process, which I plan to incorporate into the installation's audio component. The light sources will be used to highlight the fluid dynamics of the paint on water, creating an immersive visual experience for the audience.

In addition to gathering materials, I have been working on modeling a potential installation setup. This involves experimenting with diHerent ways to project the patterns created by Ebru onto larger surfaces, as well as considering how to incorporate motion sensors and thermal cameras to add interactivity to the piece. The idea is to create an environment where the audience can influence the marbling process in real time, either through their movements or by interacting with specific elements of the installation.

Back in the United States, I am in the process of setting up an atelier at CNMAT (Center for New Music and Audio Technologies) to continue developing this project. This space will allow me to experiment with the integration of Ebru Sanatı into new media art, exploring how traditional techniques can be reimagined in a modern context. I also intend to document this journey, recording my progress and the various challenges and discoveries along the way.

The next major milestone for this project is to construct a full-scale prototype of the system and conduct a test performance this fall. This will be a crucial step in refining the technical and artistic aspects of the installation. My research will continue to focus on the historical and cultural significance of Ebru Sanatı, while also exploring its potential applications in contemporary art. Additionally, I am working on creating a custom patch that will allow the audiovisual components of the installation to interact seamlessly, ensuring that the final piece is both cohesive and impactful.

Ultimately, this project aims to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, paying homage to the rich heritage of Ottoman art while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of new media art.