After looking at numerous dioramas both in actual exhibits and pictures over the internet, here are several of my observations and comments on scale dioramas:
1. Dioramas are a 3D depiction of a geographical area, a scenario or a snap shot of an event. Since dioramas seek to portray such (usually a historical theme) they must convey a consistent visual image. Elements such as uniforms, weapons, vehicles, terrain, weathering etc. must be consistent with the diorama's depicted time period and story line. Just like in movies depicting some historical event, elements of a scene must be logical, technically sound and make sense for the observer. Examples of inconsistencies in dioramas would be "factory finish" vehicles in muddy terrain, incorrect uniform patterns, illogical positioning of vehicles or personnel, etc.
"Roman's wearing wrist watches" is a good film that points out several inconsistencies in movies that are similar to mistakes that one can make in dioramas as well. The bottom line is that making a diorama is somewhat like directing a film production but with more technical and historical constraints plus the fact that it is simply a snap shot and not a dynamic motion picture.
2. Just like a movie, dioramas must convey a story and a compelling story at that. A diorama where you have a bunch of soldiers standing around appearing to be doing nothing elicits much less emotion and interest than one where they are either marching or attacking or some other identifiable objective. Just like a good murder flick, there must be a motive. Many of the really remarkable (and big) dioramas have multiple stories going on simultaneously and this increases the diorama's complexity and adds more depth to it.
3. As the rule applies to other models - "Size does matter". A large diorama which is equally well made as a smaller one will certainly be much more interesting. The larger a diorama is, the greater the potential there is to depict an epic event.
4. People are the most important element of a diorama. Most, if not all, award winning dioramas contain figures. As discussed earlier, dioramas need a story or a motive and only people (or in this figures) are capable of conveying motive(s). Tanks, planes, ships, cars, robots and other non-figure models do not have personalities of their own and are merely instruments that people use to carry out their motives. Without people in the background, a diorama is devoid of emotion and personality which seriously dampens the creator's effort to weave a compelling story. Remember there aren't many films without actors and actresses. The rule of thumb therefore is - "The more people in a diorama, the better".
These are just my opinions and observations andnot gospel truth. Anyone is free to agree, disagree or amend any of these points that I have raised.
HONG KONG - (continued from page 1)
So to all of you who would care to visit Hong Kong, not going to these places will make your trip practically a waste of time and money. You will need at least half a day to really go around these shops at Mongkok and hopefully have enough money to splurge on your favorite, hard-to-find model kits.
