Metamorphosis Violin Prop

Process

Research Extracts from Text Analysis

Kafka wrote his novella in 1915, it can be inferred that the play is to be set at the same time. In many ways though, it feels a bit like a play out of time.

The mood of the play is absurd and melancholy. As the text develops, we are first shocked by Gregor’s transformation and must watch the Samsa family come to terms with the changes in their son.

Focus on Grete, the protagonist Gregor’s sister:

• Grete’s values evolve. She begins idealistic and caring, acting as Gregor’s only tie to the outside world. As she grows up she begins to resent him and sees caring for him as a duty to the family. She eventually begins to act in what she sees as the best interest of the family which involves disposing of Gregor. The moral of the story is that an individual must be sensible and take on the problems of the world as they grow to maturity. Grete acts in accordance with this notion.

• She is 17 years old, on the cusp of adulthood. She comes of age intellectually in this text. She is a skilled violin player.

Distorted violin visual research

Transforming Violin

I opted to develop a design for a violin for Gregor’s sister, Grete. The project brief required a prop that changes or transforms in some way: this violin has deformities that it sheds and mother-of-pearl inlays that are revealed as Grete’s character comes of age and establishes control within the story.

Metamorphosis environment collage, a focus on a twisted vision of reality, earth tones

Creative Rendering

Technical Rendering