Project 1: Curating Self

Component 1: Me

Component 1.1: This mid-shot that captures me performing the most mundane and unglamorous of activity, in which every living being partakes in, pooping. I chose to construct this image to convey the message that I’m candid and frank. Given that pooping is such a vulnerable act in which one’s putrid body waste is literally being expelled, one can do little to glamourise this act. Thus, by exhibiting this sight of me to my audience, I’m, therefore, candid and frank.

Component 1.2: This mid-shot shows a stapler stuck in a chunk of jelly which is in reference to my favourite TV series, The Office. I constructed this image to convey my love for odd and satirical humour. This reference includes one of my favourite characters, Dwight who is nothing but an oddball and wildcard. Dwight is a satirical character who takes life so seriously, such that it becomes completely humorous and comedic. Thus, this is my tribute to my favourite TV series.

Component 1.3: This long shot shows a sight from underwater and captures both the reflection of the bed of the pool as well as the ceiling of the swimming complex. I wanted to convey my love for the waters as it feels liberating both in a literal and metaphoric sense as it feels like a different dimension. Thus, the decision to include both the reflection and the ceiling in the picture to highlight the dissonance and detachment I feel when underwater.

Component 2: Object and representation of self

Component 2.1: This mid-shot shows an ice cream melting and disintegrating. Ice-creams have always been a constant companion in my life, especially in times of celebration and loss. Thus, I’ve manipulated the ice cream to reflect my emotional state specifically in times of sorrow and brokenness.

Component 2.2: This picture captures the vulnerability that I shared with the ice cream in this intimate moment. The act of relishing in an ice cream has always been a cathartic experience for me, or simply a form of escapism for that few minutes. The old and ragged, oversized army shirt is a typical attire that I feel most comfortable; which brings emphasis to the intimacy shared. The wide use of negative space also represents the sacred and initmate moment exchanged.

Component 2.3: This close-up shows me licking the ice-cream in an almost sensual manner. This again is to emphasise the vulnerable and intimate relationship that we share.

Component 3: My World

Component 3.1: This long-shot captures a common sight I see underwater. I wanted to convey the fear that gripped me when I tried to pick up swimming initially. I used to be terrified at the thought of being completely submerged in water for long periods of time simply due to the inability to breathe underwater. Thus, I constructed this image such that the viewer follows the leading lines (lane markings) into the unknown depths of the pool, thereby instilling a sense of anxiousness and fear in them as well.

Component 3.2: This mid-shot shows me with my arm stretches out, performing a freestyle stroke. It represents the vigour of the sport and more so, the spirit of perseverance I exercised. This stretched-out posture conveys some sense of strive and resilience. Moreover, by changing the POV of the camera, I was able to meet the camera’s gaze thereby making my struggle more relatable.

Component 3.3: This extreme long shot depicts me lying face-up in the vast empty pool. The waters which seemed so daunting to me initially is now a space of solitude and solace for me. This is seen in me floating on my back which is only possible in a state of complete rest. The vast empty shot of the pool emphasises the isolation and peace I gain from being underwater.

Project 1 Process: Curating Self

Component 1: Me

Component 1.1: I was inspired by this random image I found online years ago, of James Franco doing his morning business while drinking coffee and smoking; of which are all very cathartic activities. Hence, to capture him amidst these activities, Franco constructs an impression that he is candid and –chill. (lol)

Component 1.2:

Reference Picture (purposely chose yellow jelly to keep the integrity of the reference just because I love the office so much)

(I LOVE DWIGHT SO MUCH. and michael scott)

Process of making the jelly

Digital planning process

Component 2: Object and representation of self

These 2 pictures were shots that I omitted. The first one was lacking in a narrative as it was merely a mid-shot of an ice cream stick. While the second had a message, which was to convey the companionship shared between the ice cream and me, it was poorly executed. I looked like I was just holding the ice-cream downwards in a forlorn manner. Moreover, given the composition, the ice-cream was no longer the focus of the image thus I should have played with angles to better capture this “companionship” that we shared.

Behind the scenes: 3 ice creams were killed in the making of this production. The first one was from Macs and it melted within 4 minutes thus I decided to switch it out for this chocolate-coated ice cream instead as the coating would help to retain its shape longer.

Behind the scenes for Component 3

In-class exercise: Sound

During class, Serena introduced different genres of sounds and its respective applications in the specific field of film. We were later given some time to make our own diegetic sounds.

This activity was useful in arousing our awareness to the sounds around us, thereby preparing us for our upcoming assignment. Sounds that seem organic (i.e. crunch of the biscuit, footsteps and flipping of the book) are pleasing and soothing to the ear due to the low pitch and regular rhythm. That being said, the soundtrack of the water fountain sounded rather feverish due to the punctuation of high pitches and high timbre. Mechanic sounds like the door switch and the beeping of the door sound inorganic due to the constant intensity, rhythm and pitch.

Shaking a pouch of coins

Water Fountain

Vending Machine

Cutting up blue foams using wire cutter

Scrunching up of plastic wrapper

Opening a can

Lighting a lighter

Knocking a metal plank

Footsteps

Flipping through a book

Door switch

Door beeping

Crunching on a biscuit

Crackling of the cigarette

Project 2 Process: Subversion

Thought-process & Planning

When I first drew “broccoli” as my assigned object, I was pretty bewildered as I could not think of any subversion of the top of my head. After inspecting the brief, it occurred to me that I could manipulate the texture and form of broccoli and subvert it into trees or as a landscape for the natural environment.

I started to brainstorm on concepts and looked into creating images similar to that of Tatsuya Tanaka, in which he warps reality by shrinking human figures while highlighting the features of everyday common items. Below are some examples of his work.

However, I didn’t proceed with this concept as this application of visual subversion seemed to lack depth or thought. Thus, I decided to look up socio-political references to broccoli in an attempt to brainstorm for more ideas. Thankfully, I ended up at Urban Dictionary and had pleasantly arrived at this discovery.

At this point, I was certain that this direction bore potential since it was subversion on a visual and figurative scale.

Since both broccoli and weed are consumed in similar fashions, it would be interesting to draw parallels between the 2 processes and to reflect them accordingly. The following pictures document my planning process. Images are screenshots of works on Pinterest.

Execution

The execution of component 1 was pretty seamless given how straight-forward the brief is.

Now, moving on to component 2. As seen in my planning process above, I wanted to capture the use of marijuana in its stereotypical fashion; being abused by a teenager. Thus I constructed this image that best conveys that in which porn is playing in the background, and the weed is laid on top of the book, The Catcher in the Rye (the hallmark of teenage angst).

However, I thought back about the class exercises that we did, where we had to decipher the relationship between the text and image; anchorage and relay. And I realised that this direction that exemplified teenage angst, would not grant me space to develop my concept in component 3. Thus, I decided to go back to the drawing board to think of other developments for marijuana.

I recalled watching some documentaries on the use of marijuana as a medicinal treatment for people suffering from anxiety or depression and thought that exploring the health benefits of marijuana could give me some ideas. After researching for a bit, I found out that marijuana “appears to help the body clear out the toxic accumulations…of amyloid beta”. The build-up of amyloid beta is said to lead to Alzheimer’s Disease. (online article: https://www.sciencealert.com/marijuana-compound-thc-removes-toxic-alzheimer-protein-from-brain)

At this point, I knew that this direction was worth exploring as I could play on the paradox and irony of the perception of health for the elderly.

While editing the poster for Component 3, I felt that I could have gone with a more lighthearted treatment and tone so as to further tinker with the paradoxical relationship between weed and broccoli. The image below is an example of a lighthearted poster, conveying the notion of health at an elderly age, by Dean Bradshaw. However, my shots were taken in a manner that conveys sombre and solemn emotions. Thus, I decided to emulate typical hospital health posters instead.

Just some behind the scenes shots. This is Melissa Mak, the friend whose grandma I borrowed (haha lol). We were trying out different angles as her grandma didn’t know how light the lighter.

This was us teaching her how to light the lighter.

And her struggling. So cute.

Some estranged thoughts: This grandma was really suffering from dementia and while it was pretty comical to have to explain my plans periodically to her, it was also pretty pitiful. Despite having done this project, I still do not believe that smoking marijuana can directly alleviate people suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease as many of the research papers published acknowledge that their findings and derivations are still inconclusive. But of course, I still hope that medicinal marijuana could be legalised in Singapore as a relaxant. This would definitely be helpful in navigating through one’s anxiety amidst an episode of memory loss.

Project 2: Subversion

We were tasked to subvert objects in this project and the object assigned to me was, broccoli. I subverted the broccoli into marijuana. Since both objects are typically consumed by their users, I drew similarities between the two processes of consuming the broccoli and marijuana. This is explored in component 1 and 2 respectively.

Component 1.1: This image shows florets of broccoli laid out on the kitchen countertop and features a knife in the background. By portraying the broccoli in florets, its form and texture were better explored and captured. Moreover, placed in a kitchen setting, our interaction with this object and the tools used were also conveyed.

Component 1.2: This picture shows the broccoli florets baking in the oven and captures the method of preparation in the consumption of the broccoli. It documents a change in the texture of the florets, in which it begins to char.

Component 1.3: Finally, this picture features the consumption of the broccoli and highlights the charred textures of the baked broccoli. It also captures our interactions with the broccoli.

Component 2.1: The broccoli is subverted into marijuana in this component. Marijuana was given the nickname, broccoli, due to the similarity in texture and colour.

Drawing parallels to component 1.1 which depicted the preparation of the broccoli for consumption, I laid out the broccoli as one would in preparation of smoking marijuana. This is seen in the shredded up tiny florets which resemble the act of breaking up weed clusters. The tools used for consumption also gives the viewer clues of the process – lighter and joints. This image also features the typical belongings of an elderly such as the ointment bottle, comb and medication. These objects are placed in this manner so as to challenge the audience presumptions of a stereotypical user of marijuana and the intents of consuming this drug.

Component 2.2: This picture shows the broccoli florets being rolled up into a joint. It captures mainly our interaction with the subverted object and the preparation for consumption. This image also affirms the notion that the consumer of marijuana, from the 2.2, might be an elderly due to the loose skin and wrinkled fingers; as well as the colourful ornamental beaded bracelet on the wrist in the background.

Component 2.3: This picture shows a joint of the subverted object, marijuana, being smoked and consumed. It captures the interaction (the act of shredding up) and tools (paper, fire & metal) used for oral consumption which is similar to the consumption of broccoli as seen in component 1.

Component 3: This poster features an elderly lady smoking on marijuana (“zoomed-out” picture of 2.3). The poster emulates a typical poster seen in clinics, with its solemn and serious treatment, so as to convey the importance of this grave situation.

The message of this poster was to rally support from the general public by informing them of the health benefits of marijuana for Alzheimer’s patients. This is a pitch from the Alzheimer’s Disease Association in Singapore.

The anchorage of the poster is, “Picture of Health” which plays on the paradox of health and drugs. Since the act of smoking marijuana is commonly perceived as an abuse of drugs by delinquents, the image challenges this preconceived notion. It reveals the health benefits of smoking marijuana for the elderly, and champions that “health” for the elderly has to be supplemented by the use of this drug. Moreover, the subversion of broccoli adds to the irony of the message. The relay is the paragraph of text following it, which informs the audience of the cause.

Critique:

Could have emphasized more on the object, broccoli.
Relay message should have included the mention of broccoli. For instance,”Marijuana is as healthy as brocolli”.

Submission

In-class assignment 1: Scale & Frame

Piercings have always been a form of expression that documents our journey with self-affirmation or self-discovery. Piercings have also played an important role in religion. Therefore, it would be interesting to feature all of Siti’s piercings as an embodiment of her past and religious beliefs.

Extreme close-up of her ear, featuring her piercings

Close up of her part of her face and her ear

Long-shot taken from the bottom, featuring her fashion-forward dressing

Bird’s eye long-shot of her outfit

Location: Roundabout Driveway of ADM

Date taken: 20 August 2018

Model: Siti K