Visual jockey
A visual jockey ( VJ ) is a video artist in the context of music events (parties, concerts, etc.). He expands the audio performance (e.g. of a DJ ) with a visual component. He uses computer technology (2D / 3D animations , VJ software, etc.), analog and digital video technology and creates his visuals in real time on a display medium ( television , monitor , projector , etc.).
Origin and delimitation of terms
The abbreviation VJ developed based on the concept of disc jockeys (DJ) and light jockeys (LJ). The visual jockey is not to be confused with the video jockey . The moderating activity of a video jockey in TV music programs differs significantly from the artistic performance of a visual jockey.
In German-speaking countries, especially in the VJ stronghold of Vienna, there has been a debate about the designation of the VJs for several years. The term “visualist” is spreading more and more as a term for a person who, in the broadest sense, creates video art using the technology of a “classic VJ”, but who acts independently of the context of the music event. On the one hand, there is a reference to the independence of video art produced in real time. On the other hand, with the better conceptual demarcation to the pure "video jockey" but also new trends in the scene can be described. Recently, there has been an increasing trend towards the live generation of content and the use of projection mapping . In contrast to the classic VJ, which uses existing material (in the form of video clips, animations, photos, etc.) in live use, the visualist generates the material in real time during use. For this he uses so-called generative software. Through the use of video mapping and the distribution of projection objects throughout the showroom, the modern VJ (or visualist) also breaks away from the directional gaze focused on a single rectangular screen.
VJ as a job
It is a relatively young job profile that only emerged through the development of the associated technologies (especially projectors and PC graphics) at the beginning of the 1990s. To date, there has not (yet) been a separate training course leading to a visual jockey degree, rather an artistic, freelance activity that requires not only visual creativity but also technical skills.
software
For the VJing developed specifically for their needs can software be used.
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hardware
A wide variety of video devices can be used to create and edit visuals , which can be roughly divided into the following categories:
- Player (video device) , e.g. B. Laptop, DVD player, Korg Kaptivator, Roland P-10 Visual Sampler, video bass
- Video or image mixer , e.g. B. Panasonic MX 10, Edirol V1-HD
- Digital video effects device , e.g. B. Korg Kaoss Pad Entrancer
- Player (video device) , e.g. B. monitors, televisions, projectors, LED displays
- Control devices or so-called controllers for MIDI, OSC, DMX etc. a.
See also
Web links
- Video culture , Swiss label / platform that promotes VJ culture and networks VJs , organizes VJ camps and VJ get-togethers.
- From experiment to theory - a look at the Berlin VJ scene
Individual evidence
- ^ Sense of hearing and sight Coop YouTube. On the visual handling of music from the 1920s to the present day. In: Springerin, spring 2010 issue 2 vol. XVI