Monthly Archives: October 2017

2D Foundation Project 2: Forrest Gump

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Dadaism

Dada was an art movement formed during the First World War in 1914, in negative reaction to the horrors of the war. They were looking for ways to express anger towards the war. this is where art, poetry and performance produced by dada artists started surfacing and is often satirical and nonsensical in nature. Dada artists felt that the war questioned every aspect of a society’s capability. Their aim was to destroy traditional values in art and to create a new art to replace the old.  Some of the art works in this movement were dark and self-destructive. 

After the war, many of the artists who had participated in the Dada movement began to practice in a Surrealist

Surrealism

Surrealism is a cultural movement that began in the early 1920s. It was the aftermath; result of World War 1 when it destroyed the Western civilisation . It encompasses all forms such as art, sculpture, music, literature, film, and philosophy. The aim of this movement was to “resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality.” Artists painted illogical and occasionally disturbing images that allowed the unconscious to express itself. At its basic, the imagery is often strange and mysterious in an unsettling way to jolt the viewer out of their comforting assumptions.

Rene Magritte, The Son of Man 1964 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e5/Magritte_TheSonOfMan.jpg

One example of surrealism art is this painting, named: The Son of Man, by Rene Magritte. The painting is a self-portrait whereby an apple is placed in front, hiding his face / expression. Magritte wants his viewers to know that we humans always want to see what is hidden beneath the obvious. There is always an interest in the curious mind that is hidden in which the visible does not show us. 

Surrealism techniques includes Collage, Cubomania, Decalcomania, Eclaboussure, Frottage, Fumage.

Research on André Breton

André Breton was an original member of the Dada group and the founder of Surrealism in 1924. In early 1920s, Breton had changed his allegiance to another group of intellectuals who shared different opinions on art, not as nearly as dark and self-destructive as was the case with Dadaists. This is where he shifted to Surrealism. He was fascinated by the fine line between reason and irrationality, especially as manifested in dreams, erotica and mental disorders; all in which are reflections of Breton’s own interests. 

One of Breton’s fundamental beliefs was that he sees art as an anti-war protest. He presented the art scene with completely new concepts and ideas, such as the automatism – a principle in which writers and artists were encouraged to adopt a stream-of-conscious method, as well as spontaneous means of expression without any planning what so ever.

 

Working with halftone

Halftone is achieved by taking an existing image and reproducing it with a series of different sized dots. The closer and bigger the dots, the darker (and less detailed) the image; and the smaller and more spread out the dots are, the lighter (and more detailed) the image is. Halftones are often used for screen printing artwork. Screen printing involves breaking images down to simple colours. 

Working with Threshold

The Threshold command in Adobe Photoshop can create a neat one colour effect. A full colour photo can be turned into a black outline. The amount of black and white created by Threshold can also be adjusted through brightness and contrast when editing the original picture. 

 

Movie Quote: “We are all trapped here.” – 12 feet deep, 2017

 

   https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qWvEBk7aciQ/movieposter.jpg

 

Plot: This movie talks about Two sisters are unwittingly trapped under the fiber glass cover of an Olympic sized public pool and must brave the cold and each other to survive the harrowing night.

All 4 concept revolves around the same movie title. The final image of each concept are seen in a rectangular angled structure to suggest the ideal of being trapped. Concept 1 and 2 are slightly similar in style. Both uses threshold to create the final imagery. Concept 3 and 4 are more relatable to each other when it comes to ideation. Both revolves around the idea of teenagers and halftone used besides using threshold. 

Concept 1:  

The first image talks about how we; individuals, are always trapped within our own minds. (suggested by the not-so-obvious person portray in the negative space of the woman’s face.) There are so many things that we want to do, to explore, but are always reluctant to be daring, because often, the voices in our minds are telling us otherwise, and is holding us back. All these trapping revolves around time. ( suggested from the swinging pendulum ) However, all these thoughts in our minds are controlled by ourselves. (suggested from the hands that forms the shape of the mind ) We are in control of what we want to do, and how we want to lead our lives. 

 

Concept 2:

Concept 2 is inspired by concept 1. In this concept, the idea revolves around how in every disney fairytale books, the princess are always trapped and confined in the story ( suggested by the book text on the face ). As the story progress, they fight against time, WAITING ( suggested by the contrasting clock at the left side of the image; notice that the numbers on the clock is written in an old and vintage style, which suggested a long long time ago, as what every fairytales would called it ). They wait in their dreams, their minds, hoping that prince charming would save them in his knight and shining amour. ( suggested from the sword and shield ) .

 

Concept 3:

Concept 3 shows troubled teenagers and the negative influences by their peers that polluted their minds. Many teenagers nowadays are obsessed with all sorts of gaming on the different devices that advancement in technologies has created. ( suggested the gaming tools in the background ) Teenagers are also picking up smoking at a very young age ( suggested from the packet of cigarette.) Usually, a disturbing image is often shown on the front packaging of a cigarette box. In this case, I swap it for an illustration of a teenager diving into a pool filling with the other teenagers that are of the same age. This suggest a warning sign of how these young adults are diving into a trap; a trap that seems all fun and excitement on the outside, but will slowly develop into a negative impact on their future.

 

Concept 4:

Concept 4 talks about how students nowadays are trapped within education itself; or at least thats how I feel. ( suggested from the lines and strokes down the faces of the girl in the image. ) The lines / strokes formed into a barcode, which represents money; that education is a money draining system, despite it having a positive or negative impact on our future. Are we studying what is worth studying? or are we just wasting our parents money away as each day passes. This trapped feeling in the world of education at our age made me question myself what exactly are we studying for. 

 

 

Silkscreen Printing 

 

Silk print is a popular method for applying designs on tote bags. It works like a stencil, in which the artwork is burned unto a mesh and empty areas are covered with chemicals. After which, ink is applied and pushed through the mesh, onto the tote bag. As the silkscreen printing is done in a way that allows the ink to bond with the fibres of fabric, it is said that the print is durable and does not peel off. 

To me, the process does take up some time, therefore timing is key when executing silk printing. The pressure from our hands and the amount of black ink also plays an important part on the final result. However, after several practices, it gets better. Overall, it was not a hard process but rather, a fruitful one. 

 

Final Works

Reflection:

Through this project I learnt that ideation is a very important step that will affect the overall composition of the entire imagery. Sometimes, having too many ideas will create many different objects and items that will clutter the whole image. What works best is to have a focus idea on each different piece of work. That way, the final image can be understand and view easier without being too complicated for viewers. 

 

 

4D foundation Project 2: The subverted object

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I must say, I am in love with project 2.

…….

Task 1:

Firstly, we were all given an object as the star of this assignment. My object turns out to be a watermelon; a solid fruit with contrasting colours from the skin to the meat of the fruit itself. We were then tasked to photograph our object where we denote the context of the object; a translation of a sign to its literal meaning. For example, capturing the object’s physical attributes, its practical function, how do we interact with it and where do we usually see this object. 

Brainstorming session 1

We did a short brainstorming session in class to help us better understand our object.

Some questions asked: ( and my on-the-spot answers )

What is the position in relation to the individual? Near

What era is it from? When humans are born??

What historical figure can it be associated? Egyptians 

What material do you see it wrapped in? Plastic bags

How does it get around? Humans are the transport 

What scent does it go with it? refreshing, sweet 
these questions gave me some ideas on how I can photograph the watermelon for task 1. For example, taking a shot of the watermelon in my kitchen to show that the position of the object in relation to me is near. Or taking a lady carrying a NTUC bag containing a watermelon walking out of the supermarket to show how the object get around. 

Task 2:

connotation; the suggesting of an additional meaning, apart from its primary meaning. This is where we subvert the object’s meaning through other elements of our shots. 

Brainstorming session 2

We were given several action verbs where we had to think of how we could portray our object based on the given actions. 
We were then questioned as to how a removal, replacement, 
or redefinition of the object is able to subvert its meaning. 
These 2 exercises gave me inspiration and ideas. Such as turning the watermelon into a helmet; or juicing it and staged it as though they were fake blood. 

 

Artist References

Rene Magritte – A surrealist artist that is known for creating witty and provoking images. His work are often depicting ordinary objects in an unusual context.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/205054589256397865/
In the 2 photographs, we see how he changed the meaning of the photograph just by 
changing his interaction with the subject (his wife) through body language. It made me 
questioned; is his relationship with his wife beautiful on the outside but unpleasant 
behind close doors? Is he playing a prank on his wife or is he for real? Is his wife 
oblivious to what was happening or is she just acting along? 
Magritte’s work inspired me to create photographs that changes the context of a watermelon between the good and bad; for example : enjoying the watermelon vs depicting it as a bloody and gross wound. Or enjoying a watermelon dessert vs having the watermelon placed on a naked body in a bath room. The contrast created is really mind blowing when 2 photographs are placed side by side. 

 

Final 3 photographs for Task 1

Watermelon dessert by the pool

In this picture, I showed the physical properties of how a watermelon can be enjoyed, with the removal of part of its meat; and replacing it with a combination of ice-cream and other toppings, with the outer skin of the watermelon as a bowl. Placed against a slightly blurry background of a pool, which suggested a delicious watermelon dessert that can be enjoy on a hot sunny day by the pool. What I love about this image is that if you look closely, most parts of the image is blurred out, however, the 4 pieces of watermelon bites in the middle is in focused. This allows us to focus more on the texture of the watermelon. 

Here are some test shots where I find the most suitable background to depict a the pool.

 

 

Dogs eat watermelon too!

My friend who owns a poodle told me that dogs eat watermelon too. Therefore audiences need prior knowledge of this fact to be able to understand this photograph. Here, I wanted to capture the dog eating the watermelon, but in a more interesting way. It took me several test shots before concluding the best shot. In this image, you will notice the dog’s head disappearing into the watermelon. This suggest the relationship between the dog and object; a hunger and thirst for the watermelon. Notice that the background is a setting of a living room, which also suggest that the owner of the dog treats the dog well; by providing not-your-typical dog food. 

Its extremely hard to capture a photo with an overly active dog. It took me several ( a lot ) of test shots before arriving at a perfect one.

 

 

Drink your water-melon

I am a huge fan of watermelon juice and I drink it at least thrice a week. In this photograph, I have my model and object placed in the center with a half body close up shot, with the model looking straight into the camera. Her eyes and smile suggested her enjoyment while drinking the watermelon.

I actually did a few test shots of her interacting with the watermelon juice, however I felt that the close up shot of her having the straw in her mouth depicts the strongest relationship between her and the object. 

Final 3 photographs for Task 2

Camouflage me please watermelon helmet

The watermelon acted as a helmet for my model who is wearing an army uniform. The green “helmet” and uniform blends in well with the green plants in the background. This suggested a solider trying to camouflage and hide from his enemy. Does the audiences need prior knowledge in conjunction to this image? No. It is a norm in Singapore for soldiers to be fully green. Here, I changed the context of the watermelon by showing that it is not only an object that can be eaten, but can also be acted as a source of camouflage tool ( in this case a helmet ) in time of desperate needs. 

HAHAHA I had a fun time shooting my brother. Through the test shots, I was finding the perfect expression/ body language and interaction with the grass to portray a scene of wanting to hide and be camouflage.

 

 

Bleeding watermelon

I guess no one would ever associate watermelon; something so delicious and edible, with wounds and blood. Here, I changed the context of the watermelon into something deadly; suggested by the background tool of a chopping board and knife. This photo was shot from the back shoulder of my model , where you are able to see parts of her face and strains of her hair falling. This provide the photograph with a eerie and mysterious sight. This main focus of this image is the fresh cut wounds on her arm (created with glue and makeup), where it blends into the flesh of slices of watermelon, which can be depicts as the model’s own flesh. I love how the warm red tone is saturated in the center, contrasting the cool blue tone at it’s surroundings. 

In the test shots, I find it hard to connect the different elements (wound, watermelon, knife, model, chopping board) all together into the photograph. Until I found the right angle to take shot the photo; the back shoulder of the model.

 

 

Sacred butt

In this photograph, I change the context of the watermelon by shooting this scene in a bathroom; as suggested in the background. A watermelon which is often placed into one’s mouth is now placed at the most sensitive part of a human body. The watermelon cut into a shape that perfectly covers the butt of the model, and it placed against his skin. The arm and hands of the model provides the photo with a balanced proportion. The watermelon can be depicted as a protective layer to cover up the vulnerable naked body.

There is no test shot for this photograph as it was taken within 3 tries. The model was shy..

 

 

Final poster for Task 3

“我的美人“

When text is included into the photograph, it is turned into a poster where the text given a clearer explanation of the visuals in the poster. Let me first explain the background story of this poster. This poster is an advertisement about a Chinese novel where the title/heading of the poster reads, “我的美人” which means my beautiful lover. The text on the watermelon skin shows a short write-up about the novel. It tells a story of a woman who wishes to be a famous celebrity, but can and never will succeed. Until she met this man who is able to help her achieve her dream. With that, she tries to seduce him to gain his attention. “我的美人”,  sounded similar to the word “watermelon”. The word “watermelon” holds no other meaning other than being a fruit. And this is the exact interpretation of how the guy is to the main lead in the story. He is depicted as “我的美人”, but in actual fact he is just an object like a watermelon where u can just eat it and throw the skin away. Yet the watermelon is placed near the naked, most vulnerable part of the human body; which suggest that the guy in the story held a close relationship with the female lead; and acted as a protective layer. 

 

 

 

Gaia’s Ikebana: Research, Process and Final

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Ikebana Research

Originated in Japan, Ikebana is a Japanese art of flower arrangement. It is express as a form of art; just like how we relate to a painting or sculpture. By using materials such as living leaves, branches, grasses, flowers and a beautifully sculpted plant pot as its base, it is brought together and arranged in a way that relates a closeness with nature. In short, it is an art form where by the arrangement is a living thing connecting nature and humanity together. 

Over the years, ikebana has developed into many different styles of arrangements. 

Popular styles include:

rikka (standing flowers)

seika or shoka (living flowers)

nageire (flung flowers) styles when making arrangements in bowl-shaped vases

moribana (piled-up flowers) style when using dish-like containers

Traditionally, Ikebana is seen in rooms where guests are normally received. However in recent years, they are often seen in living rooms and entrance halls, as well as building lobbies and shop windows. 

The style that I will be venturing into for my final project will be the Moribana style. The word Moribana means “piled up flowers”. In Moribana, flowers are arranged in shallow containers called utsuwa. There are three main types of flowers and branches used in these arrangements. The longest branch, called shin, represents heaven. The medium branch, soe, represents man. And the shortest branch, tai, represents earth. 

There are 3 key points to note when arranging the Moribana style. – Balance, graceful lines, and Minimalism. 

 

 

Lets 1st look at my 2 3D sketch models before I talk more about how I relate my final work with the Moribana style.

3D Sketch Models + 2D Sketch Analysis

Test model 1

The shapes in black shows how the model can be further improved.

Other views of the same model

Test model 2

The shape in black shows how the model can be further improved.

Other views of the same model

 

 

SEASON Mind Map

Taste/ food research

The season that I had randomly drawn was Autumn. In my research, I found out that Japanese peoples’ lives revolve around the country’s four distinct seasons. The climate changes, the landscape changes and the food eaten daily changes as the seasons give way to each other.

Each season has its unique foods. The Japanese believe in aligning their diets and eating habits with the season. In Japan, autumn is known as the best season for hearty eating. It is sometimes called “食欲の秋” ( shokuyoku no aki), which literally means “Autumn Appetite.” Japanese people believe that their appetite increases because of the bountiful amounts of good food during this season.

Below are 2 types of popular food during Autumn 

Yakiimo are simply roasted sweet potatoes, and they are quite possibly the most popular autumn snack in Japan. It can be said that roasted sweet potatoes remind Japanese people of autumn. Street vendors pulling carts and selling roasted potatoes are a staple of autumn in Japan. 

Kabocha, also known as “Japanese pumpkin”, is a common autumn vegetable with tough green skin and orange flesh.  Kabocha is used in a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Pumpkin desserts such as puddings, pies, muffins, and more, become popular during the fall. They are also cooked in various ways (can be simmered, baked, fried) and served at restaurants and home.

 

Final Display

Although I am exploring Popular Autumn foods in Japan, I wanted to include add a western fusion into my final food display. This is because by doing so, the food will be able to suit the taste of people all over the world while at the same time, learn about Japan’s Autumn food culture. For my dominant, I created a creamy Kabocha pasta. Topped with slices of Kabocha, bacon bits, cheese, and parsley. The pasta is then placed into the bowl-like skin of a Kabocha that acted as a serving bowl. Like every other western dish, the sweet potato acted as a side dish ( which is my subdominant ) and with that, I topped it off with a little sour cream ( in the shape of a cone which acted as my subordinate ). 

Because of the heavy and eye-catching structure of Kabocha pasta at the bottom of the display, Balance was created when I placed a simple looking up-right branch, and include an additional subdominant ( the orange flower) to balance out the heaviness at the bottom. The base plate is a simple white square plate that fits the entire display nicely; which creates minimalism.