Early Explorations + Mark Making Tools

IMG_4238 IMG_4239 IMG_4240

These are the initial sketches that I have come up with to explore with different mediums for expressing emotions.


The mark making tools that I used are as follows:

IMG_4119

1. Pandan leaves

IMG_4120

2. Aluminium Foil

IMG_4121

3. Garlic Mesh

IMG_4232IMG_42304. Different types of brushes


IMG_4241

The bottom left section is made with Tool 3, using the garlic mesh. The rest of the 3 prints are made from Tool 1, using different parts of the pandan plant.

IMG_4231

This mono print is made from Tool 4, using different brushes with Chinese ink. 

IMG_001_01

The above mono print is made with Tool 1 and 2.

IMG_006_01

The above mono print is made with Tool 1, 2 and 3.

IMG_002_01

The above mono print is made from Tool 2, strings and masking tape.

IMG_009_01IMG_003_01

The above two mono prints are made with Tool 1, 2, 3 and strings. The garlic mesh showed results of an interesting pattern by itself. The prints made with garlic mesh and aluminium foil looks geometric while prints made with pandan leaves and the strings looks inorganic; this balances the whole composition.

The second mono print is made with the leftover ink from the rubber piece after the first piece, showing greater contrast. The negative shapes allow the viewer to identify the difference between the textures of objects.

Hanging Heavy On My Eyes by Ang Song Nian

Hanging Heavy On My Eyes_01       Hanging Heavy On My Eyes_02

September 2015                                                                     October 2015

Song Nian, A. (Photographer). (2015). Hanging Heavy On My Eyes [Photograph], Retrieved from http://www.2902gallery.com/index.php/series/hanging-heavy-on-my-eyes/


Gerald Chua

Preliminary Reading

Ang Song Nian’s artwork focuses on Haze, which consists of a series of photographs with different shades of grey. It shows Singapore’s air condition due to haze from September to October 2015. He presents his photos in a calendar format to document the daily haze condition in Singapore. From the gradient of each photograph, I could infer that the photographs were probably taken from dawn to daylight, representing the perpetual situation he faces every morning. His concept of documentation effectively highlights Singapore’s prevalent issue of haze.

Secondary Reading

In comparison with his other works, there are some similarities and differences. Ang Song Nian’s works focus on environmental issues and the relationship between Human and Nature. “Hanging Heavy On My Eyes” is an abstract approach while his other works are more figurative. In his other works, the audience is able to get the information directly from the physical subjects in the photograph. On the other hand, “Hanging Heavy On My Eyes” is not as straightforward as his other works, which made it possible to engage the viewer to think deeper, and thus, understands his intention after multiple layers of questions.

Lesson 01: Observing 3D Object

IMG_4122_01

My 3D object is a wine bottle opener. It is made up of 2 different materials – stainless steel and hard plastic. The stainless steel gives off a chromatic texture while the hard plastic gives off a smooth texture. The colour composition of the bottle opener is made up of 2 different contrasting colours – silver and black. Black shows that the object is sturdy while silver shows that the object is sharp and strong.

The bottle opener is quite symmetrical at first sight but it is not if you take a second look. The spiral at the lower third of the object breaks the symmetry for its functionality. The grooves on the handle was designed for the user to have a better grip. The curves on the two long ends of the bottle opener allows the user to have a comfortable grip on it.

The bottle opener is well-designed in both aesthetically and functionality, thus our minds are able to come up with a mental picture of a bottle opener subconsciously even if we do not use it often.

The Dominant is the handles and the edges which stands out with its material and surface area. The Sub-Dominant is the body of the bottle opener with holds everything in place. The Subordinate is the translucent cap for the end of the bottle screw, occupying the least surface area and only be seen when you take a second look at it.