DEATH’S HAND IN MINE

Motion Poster

As part of Old Dominion University's Fright Night, an immersive Halloween art exhibition showcasing work from 15 Art Department classes, I was invited to contribute a piece centered on the "Divine Comedy," specifically the "Violence" circle of Hell from Dante's Inferno. My artwork, created within the dimensions of 30in. x 22in., was displayed alongside chilling drawings, paintings, sculptures, and installations throughout the Barry Arts Building, offering visitors a haunting exploration of the nine circles of Hell.

Role

Motion Designer

Client

Old Dominion University Art Department

Date

Softwares

September 2024

Photoshop, After Effects

CHALLENGE

For this project, I designed a Halloween-inspired poster that could stand strong on its own while also fitting seamlessly into a larger group of works. The poster was crafted with a compelling visual presence to capture attention, while an animated projection was created to bring it to life, adding dynamic movement and enhancing its eerie atmosphere. The goal was to create a piece that functioned both independently and as part of a cohesive display, with the projection elevating the overall experience and deepening the viewer's engagement.

INSTALLATION DURING “FRIGHT NIGHT”

October 25, 2024

RESEARCH

Researching what the "Violence" circle of Hell represents in Dante's Inferno was vital in inspiring on how I decided to portray the environment.

I discovered that this circle of Hell is reserved for those who committed acts of violence against themselves, others, and/or God. The punishments vary and are not limited to, yet include:

  • Burning in Rain

  • Attacked by Armed Guards

  • Drowning in Boiling Blood

CONCEPTION

Using Adobe Photoshop, I carefully sourced and combined various images to create a digital collage representing the seventh circle of Hell: Violence, from Dante’s Inferno. The piece blends intense imagery and symbolic elements to capture the chaos, suffering, and brutality of this circle. By incorporating layered textures, stark contrasts, and surreal distortions, I aimed to evoke the torment of those condemned to violence, creating a haunting visual that reflects both personal and societal destruction.

PROCESS

Using the static poster as the guidelines, I created animations in Adobe After Effects to be projected upon the poster. The animations consisted of clouds, birds, glowing eyes, rain, and lightning.

FINAL

Utilizing Photoshop and After Effects to create a seamless looping transition from static to motion within the poster,