Three Transitions

A way to connect with one’s inner self

Images by Peter Campus

Three illusions seem to be displaying multiple self- identities. Some of these look real and others an illusion. Peter changes the image of himself various times. In the first image, he may be escaping his self by using violence. By cutting himself with a knife in the back, then piecing himself back together could exhibit a sense of pain. The second image looks as though he is covering his face with a new version of himself. The last photo shows the burning of a self-portrait as if he is trying to illuminate himself completely. As I watched this video, I don’t see a significant story behind his work. However, he seems to be portraying the visual images of his self-worth.

In my opinion, he is trying to show the audience the different emotions he feels about himself through Video Art. Possibly, to identify how he seems himself during this period. This was during the 1970s. His illusions could reflect a time when people seemed chaotic yet, free. Taking a more in-depth look at the first image again, his back is to the camera, and he is cutting through his coat, which resembles pieces of paper by the fold. It is like he is trying to escape himself. The video ends with him taping back together the cuts. This could be symbolizing his scars. Viewing the second image, he is trying to hide who he is with shiny reflective paint. I feel like he is trying to cover his imperfections, maybe something he doesn’t like. It’s almost nauseating, the way it looks 3D, or something similar to it. In the last image, he is burning his self-portrait so that nothing is left, but darkness. I believe he is trying to communicate different feelings or moods about himself, potentially trying to find out who he is or a tragedy he has been through.

When comparing these videos to today’s television, It seems like there was a thought process behind his message. He was able to reveal his different personalities through Art. Tv is mostly about acting. I feel like he was real in this video, he wanted the audience to feel his pain. Also, to appreciate the work that was put into creating this method of self-reflection. There was a broad range of creativity with the different elements used in each transition. I found this video captivating and eccentric.

Watching this was challenging compared to how we watch TV today. This does expand the know-how because for some, this can be hard to figure out. I was only able to do this by repeatedly watching the videos, each time picking up on something different. Even though this is just my view of what I think the meanings of each transition are. Where as, tv is just a natural understanding to me.