My Work

There are 5 posts filed in My Work (this is page 1 of 1).

Creating the Third Place

1. Why did you choose this space or object to photograph?

The central exit was my selected space as it represents the threshold between work and play for me. I’m usually only within the physical construct of the ADM faculty because of mandatory appointments like class or project meetings. Thus, being in school is somewhat dreadful since it meant that work has to be done. However, beyond this threshold, work becomes an option and I’m allowed to play and or relax. As cliché and stupid as it sounds, I feel more liberated when I interact with that space/threshold and push through those doors.

                            

2. What are some of the characteristics of this alternative virtual space you had created collectively?

It is a public space where the individual can contribute and interact with other contributors to give a host of perspectives about a specific topic, in this case, about a space, also known as ADM.

Due to the multitudes of sentiments conveyed about this physical space, #1010ADM can transcend its simple physical presence and is now personified online, in which specific places now carry their idiosyncratic features. For instance, as much as points of exits (doors and stairways) exists physically as a barrier between physical spaces, they are also synonymous with the notion of a gateway to another mind space – respite.

3. Under what circumstance will this alternative virtual space change?

This virtual space may change when contributors remove their content from #1010ADM, this is destructive as it creates a deficit to the online persona of ADM. In the event that everyone removes their posts, ADM then ceases to exist beyond its physical concrete walls and is void of attachments or sentiments.

4. How does this project relate to what we discussed in the lecture regarding co-creation, the concept of Do-It-Yourself (DIY), Do-It-With-Others (DIWO)?

This is almost similar to DIWO, only that sentiments are shared instead of ideas. This could also be a microcosm of the mechanics of DIWO and its benefits. #10101ADM could exist as an online persona of ADM only because its contributors had the incentive and stake to share. This made their contributions genuine and thoughtful. In the same sense, perhaps DIWO can only work if its contributors are equally invested.

Noise, Listen, Sound and Silence

Today, we did a short performance that allows us to dabble with different facets of sound, mainly noise, sound, silence and listening.

We interpreted noise as an auditory experience that you can’t tune out or escape from even if you wanted to. Sound as a sound wave that your eardrums picks up, but have yet to be interpreted. Silence as ambience noise since silence is impossible if one has hearing abilities. And lastly, listening as an act in which you interpret of your auditory experience.

In this class exercise, we arranged a series of clips that started out with static television noise, the imaginary sound of a balloon popping, the ambience of a rainy day and a visual of the same static. This is so as the ambient noise of the rain is similar to tv static so we decided to screen a visual of static so that our audience can draw parallels between the two sensory experiences and interpret the sound as static instead of rain.

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