ROUTINE

Routine is a series of photographs documenting the passing of my grandfather through his daily routine. These lifeless remnants constantly seek for his impossible return, yet, it is as though he has never left us. The process of creating this series allowed me to reflect on how short amount of time we have with our beloved ones around us before they eventually leave.  It reminds us of the importance of cherishing them before it becomes too late.

 

The series consist of both black and white and coloured images. The black and white images are meant to portray him in the midst of carrying out his routine with an apparent lack of his presence while the coloured images are his favourite belongings that constantly remind us of his presence. I attempt to bring out the longing I feel for him through the usage of both mediums.

 

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Reflections:

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Photographs that were taken out/replaced/ had already been shot but decided not to put in/a different angle from the final one:

 

1

Class commented that the beads were too close for the first draft.

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This photograph is too close and rigid (aka stiffly staged).

2

This photograph has the similar problem of being too staged.

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Originally, I thought that this angle was not bad but it lacks the little tinge of “human presence” there, unlike the final photo.

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Decided that this will affect the flow of the final presentation by hindering the smooth flow of thought, I took out his picture.

3

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Due to the similar problem with the television shot, I chose to take it out.

Final Presentation Layout:

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To this living one, I hope you will never leave me behind.

Chiaroscuro

We did this chiaroscuro charcoal drawing using the reduction method whereby we will coat the entire paper with a layer of charcoal before slowly rubbing off. I became more aware of how light plays a part in developing shapes and dimensionality of objects. I have also attempted to create the gradual mid tone grey Prof Woon Lam told us to. Although I still feel that I may be a little conscious over the forms of the objects and focus, I am still working towards the ideal.

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These are the final compositions for my 2D project.

From top to bottom of each piece:

1.1) Disgust:

Notice that there are many thick blobs and thin lines with many gaps in between. The thick blobs represent the intense feeling of disgust while the thin lines shows that they want as minimal contact as possible. The gaps also depict distance.

1.2) Longing:

Many clustered lines together in the left to right direction. Indicative that all thoughts are directed towards a certain person or object. However, this person in question may no longer be present hence the lines should be faint as they are based on memories. Towards the end, the lines get more and more faded, just like how memories are, overtime.

1.3) Suffering:

Small patches eventually merge together to form thick black patch in the middle before separating into small patches again followed by another thick black patch. These represents the small jabs of pain that eventually accumulate overtime and how this accumulative pain will fade for a short period before the process starts again.

1.4) Amusement:

Since it is under cheerfulness, it should feel light. There are overlapping big swirls to depict joy and how it surrounds your entire being at that moment.

1.5) Grouchiness:

It is an on and off thing, rather similar to moodiness. Notice how the black blobs of grouchiness fades into a stage with less intensity and then comes back later.

2.1) Triumph:

Notice the thickness and width of the swipes. They are “loud” and call for attention. The distinct areas of black and white are very contrasting which gives off a very strong feel suitable for triumph.

2.2) Guilt:

Small black specks everywhere because when a person is guilty, he or she will be constantly self conscious and be highly suspicious of people. They will have this jittery feeling that frequent their mind. The concentrated black blobs will be instances where he or she will be afraid that others will expose what they are guilty about (intense).

2.3) Hatred:

Sharp curvy lines with many intersections can be a representation of blades. Rage and anger can sometimes get to the point where you want to destroy something completely. Hence, I am using the idea of blades slicing through a medium to represent the intensity of it.

2.4) Hostility:

Uniform rectangular blocks overlapping each other give off a very rigid, individualistic and zero tolerance kind of feel.

2.5) Panic:

It comes in waves, like a impending sense of”doom” which will get more intense as the time passes by. Notice how the \\\\ lines and patches gradually darkens and thickens with ink.

3.1) Eagerness:

Strokes are energetic, including a variation of curvature to indicate motion. It shows the free flow of energy with subtle connections.

3.2) Depression: 

We will look at the composition in stages. At the initial stage of depression, you are clear of what you are upset about = shown with a thick distinct line. As depression develops, you start to get confused between the events and your mind keeps going back and forth, trying to discern what actually upset you. (Mixture of black and white paint) After which, in the serious case of depression, you slip into oblivion. You hardly know what is going on and you live in your own world = faded towards the end.

3.3) Humiliation:

This feeling does not set in immediately, time is needed for the initial shock of realisation to sink in. Notice multiple small crosses of denial eventually sums up and fade towards a thicker patch of black where the humiliation sets in.

3.4) Confusion: 

This has rather faint strokes of curves that can be seen, the rest is a blend of black and white paint. Vague background is created with the grayish effect, neither black nor white.

4.1) Excitement: 

Motion lines with action are depicted by a larger difference in the curvature. The ups and down represent the fluctuations in the mood of the person and the apex of the curve represents the climax.

4.2) Enthrallment: 

Circles throughout the pieces indicate focus like how someone is captivated by something among the surroundings (dots and wavy lines).

4.3) Infatuation:

Intense but short-lived passion where sometimes people get blinded by it. (Depicted by the blending of black and white with different tonal range to show the intensity)

4.4) Isolation:

The black patch (you) are distantly surrounded by many faint lines (people around you).