Flowing

Walking, a film by Ryan Larkin works as art by removing associations. The world in the film was without associations or metaphors. The viewer sees the transparent outline and pulsing energy of the walking people. An ever changing music is heard throughout the film. The flashing energy of the transparent walking people in the film is contrasted by the dull background on which the people walk. The living energy of the people in the film seems resistant to associations. The energy of the people can become anything. It can be all metaphors at once, and it can change from association to association with fluidity. It never becomes tiresome. The film is free from metaphors because the people with just their pulsing energy can not be tied down to one metaphor. The film removes associations and brings the viewer closer to a free flow of thoughts for the mind. In this way it works as art.
The film defamiliarizes because it shows people in a way that is not common in everyday experience. It shows through the film of everyday existence into a more universal view. The film doesn't decontextualize because the subject never changes. The act of walking remains the same, but the film shows it can be extraordinary or ordinary.