UNIT 4 Project Proposal Template

Centre name Ravensbourne University Centre no. 14271

Student name Joey Clifton Candidate no.

Project title Hallucinations & Psychedelic drugs

Date 18/02/19

Pathway Media Production

Section 1: Rationale (approx. 150 words)

I chose this project to explore as I feel it is a relevant topic in today’s youth society,

not only is it relevant but is a subject that can be interesting to all types of different

audiences and intrigue them into learning about the topic themselves. The project

also has the potential for me to explore experimental processes of photography and

create visually interesting surreal outcomes using different techniques and post

production editing. With the concept of the project being something that is creatively

envisaged by the mind, variety of different outcomes I can make is almost unlimited.

This will develop my skills as a practitioner through experimenting with different

techniques. I found an interest in creating surreal outcomes through working with

Photoshop and adjusting the colors of images to create unrealistic depictions that I

find visually interesting which confirmed my desire to study photography on the

course.

Section 2: Project concept (approx. 250 words)

The concept of this project is to explore the effects of psychedelic drugs and how they

cause hallucinations. I wanted to explore the testimony of people who have

experienced hallucinations from psychedelic drugs and create photographic

outcomes that help to visualise these scenarios. From the testimonies I will be able to

compare the effects of different drugs and experiences. I also want to look closer at

how they have been affected by different cultural movements and where they

originated from. For this I will conduct research into the role that they have played in

mythology and various literatures that involve hallucinations and psychedelic drugs.

Creating photographic outcomes that depict a visual representation of what the texts

describe. One of the challenges that I may find I encounter when completing the

project is that I may struggle to find enough testimonies from people who have had

the experiences I need to base my outcomes off of. One solution to this would be to

find testimonies online as secondary research as opposed to asking people in

person. The target audience for my project is very diverse, I’m aiming it at people

aged 17-40 due to the topic being somewhat sensitive but at the same time I feel is a

topic that can be interesting for people of a much older age also. The type of person

I’m aiming it at could be a festival goer, art enthusiasts, chemistry

practitioners/students and people who may have experience hallucinations of used

psychedelic drugs. I feel that the outcomes I create could be more enjoyed by people

who have an understanding of the topic or who have experienced it themselves as it

gives them a sense of intertextuality when viewing the photos. In terms of format for

displaying my images I want to create a website as I believe it will be the best way to

reach my intended audience and also be shared within communities. A website also

means I can create an aesthetic that suits the images and if the photos include bright

colours an electronic display will be the best way to present the strength and vibrancy

that colours add to an image.

Section 3: Evaluation (approx. 100 words)

I plan on evaluating my work constantly throughout the project to find constructive

criticism and find out where I could improve on all aspects of the project. My blog is

one way that I can self-evaluate my work and reflect on it. I will also have regular

tutorials with my tutors to gather their opinions on where I can improve. Finally I will

be posting to social media and hopefully receiving feedback from my target audience

that will help me to evaluate my work.

Proposed research sources and bibliography (Harvard format)

Primary research

Testimonies from people who have experienced hallucinogenic states.

Movies

M. Richard. (2013) The Enclave [ONLINE]

Books

Masters, R. (1968) Psychedelic art.

Owen, T. (1999) High art: a history of the psychedelic poster.

Sacks, O. (2012) Hallucinations.

A., M., 1994. Acid Dreams: The Complete Social History of LSD: The CIA, the Sixties, and Beyond. Grove/Atlantic, Inc..

Documentaries

Mann, R. (2008) Know your mushrooms. [ONLINE]

Vice land. (2017) The Psychedelic Toad, Hamilton’s pharmacopeia. [ONLINE]

Websites/Photographers

Paille, B. (n.d.) Photographer. [ONLINE] Available at:

https://gbuffer.myportfolio.com/human-of-somewhere

Mosse. R (n.d.) Photographer. [ONLINE] Available at:

http://www.richardmosse.com/projects/artist-statement#home

Art2day (n.d.) Available at: https://www.art2day.co.uk/digital.html

Project action plan and timetable

Week Date week

beginning

Activity/what you intend to do -

including independent study

Resources/what you will need to

do - including access to resources

Research

Week

Feb 25th Gather enough research to create

base of the project and start

creating mood boards of ideas

Library/internet

Books listed in proposed research

1 Mar 4th Use mood boards to develop ideas

and plan shoots around the

research gathered.

Watch The enclave

Internet access

2

Mar 11th Begin test shoots trialling different

techniques of photography.

Create risk assessment and shoot

planning paperwork for shoots.

Get testimonies both primary and

secondary.

Camera equipment/lighting/models

3

Mar 18th Continue to experiment with

different photography techniques

with the aim of creating outcomes

Photoshop and editing software

that resemble hallucinations

Post to social media and take on

feedback.

4

Mar 25th Start to develop images with post

production editing to experiment

more.

Laptop and editing software

5

Apr 1st Begin to narrow research direction

to develop idea for final outcome

Tutorials to evaluate work with

tutor.

Library/internet

6

Apr 8th Planning and gathering necessary

equipment/ models for final

outcome. Creating risk

assessments and permission forms

Shoot final outcome (allow time for

re shoot/error)

Begin looking at presentation and

printing.

Camer equipment

Lighting

Access forms

Permission forms

Risk assessments

7 Apr 15th Edit final outcomes and produce

them in finally decided medium.

Editing software

Access to printing (potentially)

8 Apr 22nd Final evaluation and finishing Internet acces and printing access.

presentation of outcomes