Holography

Like Kinetics and Neon, Holography is a branch of the Art and Technology Studies department. Holography is considered part of Art and Technology because it allows students, after learning the basics, to incorporate different technologically based mediums into their work. For example, putting holograms on electronic equipment built in the kinetics lab or creating a neon frame for a unique finish to a hologram or incorporating a computer animation into a hologram.

Holography has been used by photographers, animators, filmmakers, graphic designers, illustrators, painters, sculptors, fashion designers and jewelry designers. Some well-known artists who have experimented with the medium of holography include: Helen Chadwick, James Turrell, Salvador Dali and Richard Hamilton. The staff will be happy to discuss with you how to utilize this medium to your advantage.

The following Holography courses are offered to undergraduate and graduate students.

Beginning Holography
(see the official course description)

This course is offered to undergraduate or graduate students who wish to experiment with a wide number of holographic skills and concepts. The following techniques are explored:

• Single Beam Reflection holography - this simple technique can be used to reproduce suitable found objects or existing three-dimensional artwork. Students are introduced to the concept of holographic space and can chose to work with Virtual or Real Images. Objects can be shown to exist behind or in front of the plane of the holographic film.
• Double Exposure - Holography can reproduce two or more three dimensional objects in same space. This technique can be used to montage images or objects together.
• Master Transfer - (copying holograms). Short runs of holograms can be produced which alter the image plane of the hologram.

Advanced Holography
(see the official course description)

For those who have completed the Beginning Holography course, advanced techniques offer more flexibility and impact:

• Rainbow Holograms - this is a one-step process that creates holograms which display the complete color spectrum. Multiple exposures using this technique can create pastel colors.



• Laser Transmission Holograms - these spectacular monochromatic holograms, viewable only in laser light, provide images with great depth and clarity. This technique requires a complex split beam process that results in a 'master' hologram that can be copied to control space within the image. An object or image can be used as subject matter.



• Master Transfer (making a hologram of a hologram). This technique involves copying a laser transmission master onto another hologram that can be seen in white light. It allows experimentation with the unique spatial aspects of holography. These holograms can take two different forms:
  
  
  • White light transmission holograms - extensively Rainbow holograms, these holograms are illuminated from behind and are produced on transparent film or plate. As the viewer moves in front of the image the colors in the hologram will change. These holograms can also be mounted on mirrors.
  
  
  
  • Reflection transfer holograms. These holograms are monochromatic, usually a deep red or green, unless sophisticated pre-swelling and multiple exposure techniques are used to alter and mix the colors. The image is again produced on a transparent plate or film and this technique can be used with other media for collage or montage.
  
  
• Stereogram/Multiplex Holograms (Very complex hologram - up to 87 exposures on one holographic film - provides a sense of motion). This technique combines knowledge of film-making, photography or animation, artists can produce holographic movies on a single plate of glass.

Graduate Studies
(see the official graduate projects course description)

Graduates can concentrate on any of the fore-mentioned processes, but must become familiar with the basics. They will have more freedom to use holography as a creative medium for their ideas.