Category: Research

Project 4: Poetics of Time – “Into Another Dimension” (Process)

INSTALLATION ABOUT POETICS OF TIME

For this project, I knew I wanted to create an experience involving experienced time and implied causality which focuses on contrast in two different worlds/perspective (playing with space).

Since it’s my last project for Foundation 4D, I wanted to do something that is within my strengths which is using contrast. Making the installation engaging for the audience to interact, experience or learn something new.

 

RESEARCH – ARTIST REFERENCE (WEEK 11)

In Week 11, we had to research about the use of time in film, video, sound, performance art or interactive art installation. This exercise helped me figure out on which main concept I want to focus on which is bringing my audience into another dimension and removing them from the present time (relativity of time). I came up with an idea which is “The Blind Stimulation” for the audience to experience to see whether their time is being slowed down because they’re unfamiliar with how to do things as their sense of sight is being taken away. Hence, they have to do a certain task and complete it within a duration of time.

However, my idea changed after I’ve went through the work review and I came up with “Into Another Dimension” which will be further explained later. I’m still inspired by these artworks as it brings the audience into another dimension and helped me with the planning of the process of incorporating implied causality and setting the mood to bring out the reaction from the audience participating in it.

  • Shane Dawson – “Switching Lives With A Blind Person” (Interactive Social Experiment)

(Removing one of their senses; sense of sight in this case and doing normal, everyday task to see whether it affects the time they felt.)

  • John Cage – “4’33” (Experimental & Interactive Performance Art)

(This interactive performance art is about creating a quiet passage which creates and highlight tension as well as, letting the audience be a part of the artwork by listening to the sound made by them in the theatre.)

  • Andrew Myers – “Tactile Art” (Interactive Art Installation)

(Inclusivity of people with disabilities to experience and appreciate art through touching and using their imagination. Bringing them into another world despite not being able to see)

 

TIME

Personally, time for me is anxiousness and anxiety to me.

During my busy period, I’m always worrying about my deadlines and submission for school and work. Even when I’m free, I’m always trying to make sure that I use my free time to do something wholesome so I can improve my skill set and grow as an individual. Basically, I’m always worrying and stressing out about planning my schedule well.

Hence, inspiring me to create an installation that is an escapism from reality for a moment. Being able to forget about the present time and relax for a moment then, come back to reality. In addition, I wanted to know how time is felt differently to each of them, how it affects them, their views and feelings on it when being placed in a certain environment with a few regulations or procedures to follow.

 

IDEATION

Initial stages of conceptualizing:

Ideation:

  • Blind Stimulation
  • Tinder vs. Real Life (Playing with Space & Time: Virtual world vs. Reality)
  • Panorama (Record different people’s routine at a certain time of the day for 5 mins and create a collage, playing the videos all at the same time. Installation: Record 4D class at that same timing and put it as the last panel of the video collage)
  • VR Stimulation (Different dimension and playing with edited time)
  • Stay in a box/dark place with no time & light (Try to guess the timing or add distractions

In the initial stages of conceptualization, I was so stuck on my idea of “The Blind Stimulation” but I had a lots of options of documenting the process of coming up with the final installation. However, after consulting Serena, it lacked the aspect of ‘Time’. I was so stressed out and I couldn’t think of a way to make sure time was one of the strongest aspect and experience because I was focusing too much on the message I’m intending to rely to the audience after experiencing it.

Hence, I made a good choice to scrap it despite knowing I will experience time constraint because I want to be able to deliver the requirements which is experienced time.

Next consultation with Serena on Week 12

Initial Proposal (Not the final proposal): Click to view pdf file

The concept was focusing on experienced time that requires the participant to express the time they felt using their body and emotions (props will be given), responding to the visuals or soundscape given to them.

My ideas were:

  • charades game allow the participants to see the visuals and listen to the soundscape and express the time they felt using their body
  • recording their actions, editing and remixing their movement and sound as the final outcome of the installation which will be shown on the screen. (too ambitious)

Feedback: The concept is workable but I shouldn’t be too ambitious and do something simple that expresses time strongly. – Serena

 

After the consultation, once again, I decided to scrap all the ideas and focus on the concept which is workable during the lesson.

“EXPERIENCED TIME THAT REQUIRES THE PARTICIPANT TO EXPRESS THE TIME THEY FELT USING THEIR BODY AND EMOTIONS”

Finally, I came up with an idea which is finally approved and expressed experience time.

APPROVED IDEA

The idea is having 4 people listening to two soundscape which includes a slow tempo and a fast tempo music which has the same duration. They have to express the time they felt using their body and emotions by painting in one single continuous line according to the tempo. The participants will be wearing the earpiece and half way through the soundscape, the observers get to hear the soundscape and know the reason why they’re painting in that manner.

Consultation with Serena & Lei on the same day

The idea and concept is there however, the element of experienced time is not strong in the way I’m going to engage the audience.

What was missing?:

  • Strong aspect of experienced time (relativity of time –> how I’m gonna bring them out of the present time)

Lei’s feedback was really helpful to make my installation to express experienced time well.

  • Remember the ‘before’ & ‘after’ experience of bringing them into the installation
  • Set the mood & their expectation by engaging them to bring them out of the present time (E.g. Remove your shoes and guide them to the wall in a calming voice –> set their expectations)
  • How I’m going to host and carry out the whole installation?

These feedbacks really helped me a lot to solidify and start planning the process of my final installation. For that, I’m so thankful because I’m able to incorporate my quirky side of hosting the installation, engaging and bringing them into another dimension in terms of relativity of time (:

 

REFINED FINAL IDEA

Idea: Interactive Instructional Installation – “Into Another Dimension”

Rundown of final installation before refinements:

  • Focusing on “Experienced time” –> Relativity of time (Bringing them out of the present time which is stressful due to our submission week)
  • Environment: Stressful to Peaceful/Calming when they enter the room of magic
  • I’ll be acting as another person and engage them to enter the room of magic.
  • Including the whole class to experience the installation and splitting them into two groups (slow tempo and fast tempo with the same duration).
  • Telling them the instructions and giving out the paintbrush for them to paint when they enter.
  • Set the mood and ask them to face the wall, play the soundscape, close their eyes and paint. (Switch off all the lights)
  • Express their body and emotions according to the tempo and the time they’re feeling.
  • Disrupt their moment by adding a reminder about their submission at the end of the soundscape.
  • There will be an instruction to turn around and open their eyes.
  • Lights will be switched on and I’ll scream “Back to Reality”. (Bringing them back to the present time)
  • Discuss about the time they felt as half of them will be experiencing the slow tempo soundscape and the other half is experiencing time listening to the fast tempo soundscape. Listen to their views and opinions about the whole installation.

 

RESEARCH – JACKSON POLLOCK

CONVERGENCE BY JACKSON POLLOCK, 1952

Jackson Pollock is an abstract expressionist artist who is skilled at drip style painting. I’m really attracted to his art style and this artpiece, Convergence, which is a manifestation of freedom of speech and expression. I’m inspired by his abstract style of expressing himself using colours and evoking deep emotions through his artwork. Hence, I want to incorporate painting and expressing one’s body and emotion whilst listening to a soundscape. I want the audience of my installation to be able to see their artworks and what how the soundscape influenced their expression and painting after the whole experience.

DOCUMENTATION & DEVELOPMENT

After trying out painting by myself whilst listening to a song, I realised it will be too messy if I want the whole class to paint. Hence, I changed it to colourful markers so I can reduce the paint dripping and the aftermath of the mess after painting during the installation.

Change: Painting & Paintbrush –> Colourful markers

TEST RUN 1: Participant – Umar (My younger brother)

Date: 7 November 2018

Objective of this test run: To check whether the tempo of the music varies and affects the time of the participants. (Selection of songs)

  • Test Run 1:  Listened to the fast and slow tempo while drawing on a paper to see how it affects his time and how he expresses his body and emotion by listening to the two soundscape.

  • Outcome of test run:
  • Feedback:

Points to note:

  • The surrounding can distract the participant from focusing on the soundscape and expressing their body and emotions.

Improvements to be made:

  • Make sure that the participant will close their eyes and minimise the amount of distraction by facing a wall.

 

Creating of Soundscape for Slow & Fast Tempo

Objective: Creating two different soundscape (slow & fast tempo) for the participant to focus and express their body and emotions according to the tempo. It helps with bringing them into another dimension and relaxing without any thoughts. The soundscape involves soft/fast tempo music and interruption at the end to bring participants back to reality.

Motive: Split the class into two to see if the tempo of the soundscape with the same duration affects their experienced time.

 

Soundscape 1: Slow tempo (Music: Nature Background Music)

Soundscape 2: Fast tempo (Music: Bangarang by Skrillex)

00:00 – 00:30 – Soft/Fast Tempo Music

00:30 – 00:39 – Interruption: A reminder about their submission – BRINGING THEM BACK TO REALITY (Special thanks to Gwen for recording this part for me <3)

00:39 – 00:41 – Instructions: To turn around and open their eyes

 

TEST RUN 2: Participant – Bella

Date: 9 November 2018

Objective of this test run: Trying out the whole setup including all the materials and persona that I’m going to play to bring the participant into another dimension. To see whether the instructions are easy to follow and I’m able to bring out the implied causality that I’ve intended.

  • Material used:
  • Test Run 2: Personally, I called participant to meet me in the 4D room without any prior knowledge so it will catch her off-guard. Hence, allowing her to experience the whole interactive installation and getting her genuine opinion about her experience. (Participant listened to the slow tempo soundscape)

02:23 – Participant’s reaction when she’s being brought back to reality, having to do assignments and a reminder of our submissions. Switched on the lights so the participant will snap back to reality.

  • Feedback:

Points to note:

  • Make them feel and see when they’re entering into another dimensions. (For audience’s experience)
  • Participant felt shocked when I approached her outside the room.
  • Felt peaceful when she entered the room and listening to the soundscape.
  • Soft tempo soundscape influenced her to draw in smooth and soft strokes.
  • Got pissed and angry because she’s being brought back to reality because she got reminded of school.

Improvements to be made:

  • Hand out the marker and load the music outside.
  • Tell the instructions to play the soundscape, close their eyes and draw inside the room instead of outside so the participants won’t forget. Keep the instructions simple.
  • To make them feel like they’re entering into a new dimension when they enter the door, let them see the led disco light when they enter and close their eyes when they’re listening to the soundscape. (as shown on the video below)
  • Environment of the setup:

Reflections:

Personally, I was got my intended causality and reaction. I was really satisfied with the outcome and through this test run, I made a lot of changes in order to make the installation process go smooth and easy to follow and understand for the audience. Not forgetting, letting them experience the relativity of bringing them out of the present time.

 

FINAL TEST RUN : Participant – Whitney

Date: 11 November 2018

Objective of this final test run: To see whether the installation process is smooth and whether I memorised my role.

  • Final Test Run – Whitney

  • Outcome of final test run:
WHITNEY’S ARTWORK
  • Feedback –

Points to note:

  • Use mahjong paper instead because not enough space for everyone to draw on.

Improvements to be made:

  • Decided to include everyone in the class to participate (use the whole left side and back area of the wall)
  • Changed the place of the LED Disco ball so it covers more of the room to set the mood.         (From the middle of the class to the front area near the door facing the walls – Light effect more magnificent)
  • Make Whitney my assistant to record the whole installation, scan and make beeping sound when they enter the room of magic (another dimension). Add onto the audience experience of the installation.

 

RUNDOWN OF INSTALLATION PROCESS

How it will go down on the final day of installation:

 

  • Materials used –

Participants: Phone with soundscape downloaded, Earpiece and Marker

Actors: Me & Whitney with headlights to shine onto the audience to throw them off.

 

  • Setup – Left side of the wall and back area
Environment in the room

Setup: Walls covered with plastic with mahjong paper on it. LED disco lights to set the relaxing mood of the room.

 

FINAL PROPOSAL

Click link to view pdf version of the proposal.

Project 4: Poetics of Time – Research

For this project, I’ve decided to discuss three different works:

  • Shane Dawson – “Switching Lives With A Blind Person” (Interactive Social Experiment)
  • John Cage – “4’33” (Experimental & Interactive Performance Art)
  • Andrew Myers – “Tactile Art” (Interactive Art Installation)

My aim for this project is to create an interactive art installation that helps people or raise awareness regarding time and space instead of being a disturbance.

Artist Reference 1: “Shane Dawson – Switching Lives With A Blind Person”

Shane Dawson is a content creator on Youtube who is known for creating videos related to raising social awareness and conspiracies about the world in a humorous yet touching approach. He was inspired to create this video due to his curiosity about how a blind person carry on with their daily activities despite lacking their sense of sight which is essential and having a family history with cataract which worries him about his future.

0:00 – 4:53 : Molly, the blind person in this video explaining the various type of diseases that someone with sight impairment can be diagnosed with, will be assisting the normal guys go through the blind stimulation experience.

7:16 – onwards : Shane Dawson and his crew experiencing the lifestyle of the blind doing daily activities such crossing a road and buying stuff using a blind stimulation.

Subject: Experiencing the life of a blind person.

Form: The medium of this work is expressed in a video which uses edited time. The visuals of the interaction of the guys with normal sight and Molly are compressed and arranged in a way that will evoke emotions that will make you empathises with the blind and understand the lifestyle of a blind person.

Context: (Interactive Social Experiment)

Objective of this video is to remove their sense of sight and using the sound and their other senses to navigate around the space around them. Due to their unfamiliarity of losing their sight, it affected their navigation and movement in their surrounding space as they’re lost and affected their time as everything they do is slower since they’re not used to it. Hence, creating a challenge for the normal guys with the sight to overcome this blind stimulation experience.

Content:

It’s interesting how a blind person is assisting the guys with normal sight to go through this experience who are panicking and having anxiety attack as they entered the new realm of the blind’s world. For Molly, due to the routine (measured time) of using rhythmic movement of swinging the cane from left to right to assist with movement and coordination to move forward, she is used to navigating without her sense of sight. In addition, timing and sound is essential. As time pass, the blind learn how to manage their illness and it becomes a routine and cycle of working things out using sound and space to carry on with their lives. The normal guys going through blind stimulation experience headache and have a fear of moving because they have no sense of depth perception. Overall, their other senses such as their hearing heightened and their dependency on sound increases during this experience.

Incorporation of this artwork into my installation:

  • Reaction of going through blind stimulation
  • Navigating through space and rhythmic timing of sounds in our surroundings

 

Artist Reference 2:  “John Cage – 4’33”

John Cage is a musical instructor who created a famous music composition which consists of entirely silence.

Subject: An anarchy of silence which is unconventional in a musical theatre.

Form: Musical compositional art piece which consists of nothing but silence but focuses on the surrounding sound in the musical theatre. The silence of the choir and band and the sound/noise created by the audience is part of the interactive art. Hence, the audience is a medium of this interactive art piece too.

Context: (Experimental & Interactive Performance Art)

The objective of the interactive performance art is the reaction of the audience in the theatre and the simplicity of the concept that which allows the audience to stop hearing and starting listening to the muted sounds in our surrounding.

Content: The simplicity of the concept creates an anarchy of silence because of an unpredictable outcome which allows the audience to listen to the sounds around them and appreciate it. It’s another form of musical sound and every single time this musical composition is played, there’s always a different outcome of the sounds created by the audience and that’s the beauty of this piece. It’s experienced time as this art piece evokes different emotions such as boredom, restlessness (me), agitation. The perception of time differs for each audience in the theatre due to different expectations of a musical theatre experience. Personally, the 4’33 musical composition felt really long to me and I became really restless but I got the point of this art piece. I became more aware of the sounds created by the people around me and that itself is an interactive experience of a life art piece.

Incorporation of this artwork into my installation:

  • Reaction and thoughts of the participants due to their expectations regarding a certain topic
  • Perception of time (Experienced time) of doing something that you’re forced to do or in an awkward situation

 

Artist Reference 3: “Andrew Myers – Tactile Art”

Because My Balloons is Made Up of Screws

Andrew Myers is a tactile artist that uses nails to create a sense of perception of depth. Using screws of different heights, the artist creates topographic-like portraits by inserting the screws into wooden boards, making images with the meticulous gaps and grooves.

expressed movement and action – Fading Thoughts

Subject: “Please Touch the Art”

Form: An oil painting that uses nails to create a sense of perception of depth of the contours of the portraits’ face.

Context: (Interactive Art Installation)

Interactivity and inclusivity of people who are blind or those with low vision to appreciate art despite their disabilities. The art are meant to be felt to fully experienced and it focuses on making the experience more engaging (good experienced time).

Content:

For the Fading Thoughts artwork, it is inspired by a documentary made by film maker Benjamin Pitts. Through the different heights of the screws on the artwork, it expressed movement and action of the fan blowing the parts of the man away which can be felt by our hands. Usually, in art galleries, as viewers we are not allowed to touch the artwork hence, people with disabilities could not fully enjoy the beauty of it. Hence, by creating art pieces that allows people to feel it, allows everyone to have a good viewer experience of the art.

Incorporation of this artwork into my installation:

  • Remove perception of depth through sight for the participants and allow them to experience it through their other senses.
  • Experience and using all their senses to appreciate art.

 

Compare & Contrast:

Despite the three works are different in mediums/forms, it focuses on experience, reaction and sound relating to time and space.

 

Differences in usage of time in each artwork:

  • Shane Dawson – “Switching Lives With A Blind Person”:

Measured time – (Lifestyle of a blind person; the routines they do to navigate their way, communication and rhythmic movement of the cane to assist movement in life)

Edited time – (to evoke emotions from the audience by rearranging impactful scenes together.)

 

  • John Cage -“4’33”:

Experienced time – (Perception of time differs for everyone due to their expectations of the event they’re attending)

 

  • Andrew Myers -“Tactile Art”:

Experienced time – (The viewing of the art pieces will be more engaging for those who are lacking in the aspect of sight by touching the artwork)

Biological time – (Using their body part(hands) to feel the artwork and evoking emotions through this experience)

 

Similarities in usage of time in each artwork:

  • Requires participation and time of the audience (Interactivity)
  • Brings them out of their comfort zone (Entering a new realm that the audience is not used to)
  • Experience of audience participation of interacting with the object or situation (space) and their reaction based on their experience. (Different perspective and reaction in terms of emotions)
  • Every artwork uses linear time.
  • Manipulation of time –> Different perspective before, during and after experiencing with the artwork.

 

Focus on my final installation: Reaction/Experience, Perspective, Sound, Space through depth & Time. (Emotions)

I want my installation to be an interactive experience that uses sound and space through depth and navigation. Creating a reaction and an in-depth first-hand experience of the lifestyle of a blind person for the participant. It takes time to realise and empathise with someone’s lifestyle (Perspective). Focusing on experienced time.

Project 3: The Impossibilities Of Being (Process)

COMPONENT 1: VISUAL SEQUENCE

CHOSEN LOCATION: ***MENTAL HOSPITAL***

TEST SHOTS FROM CHANGI GENERAL HOSPITAL

Went to CGH to check out the location for filming.

 

INSPIRATION OF IDEA

 

For my chosen location, I’ve decided to pick MENTAL HOSPITAL because I was inspired by my friend. When he was admitted into a mental institution, he was telling me about one of his bunk mates who thinks that he’s in heaven because everything is white, people are taking care of him and that’s the simple joy in life that he wanted. He’s always shouting, “Hallelujah, thank you Jesus for bringing me into heaven” however, he’s cursing at the others that they will go to hell. So I’ve decided that my approach for this concept to be a mental hospital being a safe haven to the protagonist.

 

PROCESS –

 

FIRST DRAFT: INITIAL HI-FI STORYBOARD

FIRST DRAFT: INITIAL SOUNDSCAPE

LAYERED SOUNDSCAPE USING GARAGEBAND

Problems with GarageBand: Transitioning of sounds and lack of experience using this software

 

FEEDBACK FROM PROF SERENA AFTER CONSULTATION:

  • Happy music should be cut down and the loud thud should come faster
  • Slicing sound effect should be sharper and louder
  • Transition sound effects properly
  • Use non-diegetic to combine flow as background (Not pleasant sound but it flows)
  • The footsteps should be more amplified and dramatic to show how sensitive the sound is to the protagonist

 

IMPROVEMENTS OF ‘SAFE HAVEN’ CONCEPT

 

IMPROVED HI-FI STORYBOARD

SOUNDSCAPE OF ‘SAFE HAVEN’

The majority of the sounds are recorded by myself using Zoom H4N Recorder as shown above in the graph table.

Cited sounds:

EMOTIONAL GRAPH OF SOUNDSCAPE OF ‘SAFE HAVEN’ 

SERENE + HEAVENLY (mind state of protagonist) —> THRILL & SUSPENSE (finding out the location of the protagonist whereabouts –> PSYCHOTIC FEELING (when you find out she’s a mental patient)

 

PROCESS: VIDEO + SOUNDSCAPE

Filming experience:

Filming and directing was fun because I get to direct my sister to act out the scenes I’ve had in mind and thinking of ways to make the visuals better together with the soundscape.

Low budget filming cast:

My little sister – Mental patient; Protagonist

Me – Doctor, Family member

 

Editing of visual and soundscape on Premiere Pro:

Both soundscape and video are editing using Premiere Pro as I was familiar using this software (:

 

FINAL OUTCOME OF VIDEO & SOUNDSCAPE OF SAFE HAVEN (MENTAL HOSPITAL)

Project 3: The Impossibilities Of Being (Final)

COMPONENT 3: FINAL VIDEO – SAFE HAVEN

DESCRIPTION OF VIDEO

The protagonist is a mental patient with depression and suicidal thoughts who thinks that the mental hospital she’s in is a safe haven. Everything is white and simple and that’s what she has been wanting which is simple joy without any worries. It showcase the difference in acceptance of reality between the protagonist and her family member. To the protagonist, it is a safe haven whereas to her family member, it is a hell zone being cooped up in a mental institution. It makes you wonder what’s reality and heaven is just a place in your head that you have created because till today, nobody knows what heaven or hell looks like and it’s up to your own interpretation.

 

COMPONENT 1: VISUAL SEQUENCE

CHOSEN LOCATION: ***MENTAL HOSPITAL***

First encounter approach to this location: A safe haven to the protagonist

 

Approach for VISUAL AESTHETICS of the video:

DREAMY –> REALISTIC 

(to show the different world/perspective between the protagonist and her family member)

 

THEME FOR CONCEPT:

  • ALL WHITE, TIMELESS AND FADED to CLEAR
  • DREAM-LIKE STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
  • SHOWING TWO PERSPECTIVE OF A SAFE HAVEN AND A HELL ZONE

 

INITIAL HI-FI STORYBOARD

 

REFINED HI-FI STORYBOARD

 

COMPONENT 2: SOUNDSCAPE

Layering of small elements such as breathing and bed compressing (diegetic sounds) together with non-diegetic sound such as the happy music and beeping sound to heighten and elevate the intended atmosphere.

SOUNDSCAPE OF ‘SAFE HAVEN’ – 1 MINUTE

 

EMOTIONAL GRAPH OF SOUNDSCAPE OF ‘SAFE HAVEN’ 

SERENE + HEAVENLY (mind state of protagonist) —> THRILL & SUSPENSE (finding out the location of the protagonist whereabouts –> PSYCHOTIC FEELING (when you find out she’s a mental patient)

  • How do you want your audience to NAVIGATE THIS SPACE? – Associate the mindset of the mental patient with the white space (heavenly). The different acceptance of reality.
  • Attributes of the location are you highlighting? – The simplicity and whites of the location that depicts innocence and happiness.
  • Does it evoke an emotional response in your audience? – Showcase the different acceptance of reality. What is reality or real?

 

Reference for Soundscape

OUTLAST:

PEWDIEPIE (Youtuber that plays psychotic games):

 

After my consultation with Prof Serena, she suggested to use an unpleasant non-diegetic sound that flows for the background of my video. I’ve decided to use reference from thrill, horror and suspense game such as Outlast and see the gamer’s reaction to the sound and visual to assist me in my video making and soundscape editing.

 

CRITIQUE FROM PEERS:

  • Slow down on the scene where it shows the patient’s emotions on drawings.
  • Prof Serena suggested that the protagonist should play all the characters and roles in the film so it will be more psychotic.
  • Find the balance between showing the two perspective of the safe haven to the protagonist and hell zone to family member by making a distinct difference between the opacity of the visuals. (More dream-like and faded for protagonist) and (Clearer for family members).
  • Maybe just try to do in the protagonist’s perspective of a safe haven so it will be clearer.
  • The soundscape at the beginning of the video is not clear.

 

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS:

  • Personally, I really enjoyed doing this project as I get to delve into filming as well as creating my own soundscape to reinforce and manipulate the visuals of my concept – safe haven.
  • I used diegetic sounds to reinforce and manipulate certain visuals such as using the rustling of leaves for the psychotic blinking for a more dramatic effect.
  • Referencing and learning how to incorporate non-diegetic sounds to heighten the atmospheric value of the film and sound even though it is unpleasant, it flows with the visual to give it a thrill and suspense effects.
  • In addition, layering of sounds such as foreground, mid-ground and background of the small elements really brings the scene alive and it reminds me the importance of soundscape as it enhances the viewer’s experience.
  • As I delved into a new sector which is filming, it’s an interesting experience as I get to direct my sister to act and get the framing and shots I’ve envisioned in my head while considering how I’m going to edit it.
  • Editing wise, it will a little bit tedious using Premiere Pro as I have to ensure the movement of my protagonist aligns with the soundscape but all in all, I really want to do more film projects and create more interesting concepts using the techniques I’ve learnt.
  • After the critique, I really loved this project’s objectives as I get to see the different styles of my coursemates’ work. You can see different emotions attached to the chosen location of theirs and widen my perspective on how certain concepts can be interpreted into different style  such as animation, film, stock film and many more.

Project 2: The Subverted Object (Process, Concepts, Test Shots)

For this project, my assigned object is a measuring tape. I knew subverting is going to be challenging hence, I tried to make sure my research and thought process for each component is strong and detailed hence, I’m able to deliver the objectives of the brief. In addition, I wanted to do something different and not try not to use the overused concepts related to measuring tape such as suicide/suffocating due to body issues or anorexia initially. However, after critique, I realised there are different ways to express the overused concepts in an interesting way and it’s up to me on how I’m going to make it more interesting and impactful in terms of sending out a message. This post will be my process of research and trial & error for each component of this project.

The photos are taken using an iPhone 8+.

 

RESEARCH: MEASURING TAPE

For exploration of ideas and viewing the measuring tape from different aspects, I’ve decided to break the object down in a mind map in terms of the good and the bad of a measuring tape as well as researching on idioms I could use in the design process.

Mindmap of “Measuring Tape” – Good & Bad

 

Idioms related to measuring tape, measuring, measurement, scale:

  • A cut above (slightly better than)
  • Move the needle (have a measurable effect on something) E.g. ( We’re all hoping that the new product line will move the needle on sales – revenues have been flat lately.
  • beyond measure (in large numbers)

 

COMPONENT 1: DENOTATION OF MEASURING TAPE 

Ideas for Component 1

Objective of this component:

  • To denotate the object as a literal message.
  • Focus: To measure tangible (physical) objects.

Concept 1 – Interaction: ‘Measuring the mannequin’

Process of selection of photos:

Experimented with different shot distance and various angles to find the best shot to showcase the interaction of the user with the object; measuring tape.

Selected photo:

Using Rule of Thirds, I’ve decided to crop the proper so it will have a balanced composition of the object, the user and the mannequin against the white backdrop. In addition, I increased the saturation of photo so it will be vibrant and it adds emphasis to the complementary colours of yellow and blue which is the interaction of the user and the object (focal point).

Concept 2 – Object: ‘Fabric Measuring Tape’

Process of selection of photos:

Experimented with different shot distance and various angles to find a suitable photo which best describes the measuring tape’s physical attributes. Played around by making the measuring tape messy and arranging it neatly to see which describes the object in its natural form.

Selected photo:

The selected photo is the fabric measurement tape is being coiled up to show how measurement is universal in this world but it’s messy at times because different parts of the world have different standards of measuring as shown from the scale; cm (white side of the measuring tape) and inches (yellow side of the measuring tape). The composition is more dynamic and catches your attention more than the usual neatly arranged measuring tape.

Concept 3 – Environment: ‘Sewing room’ 

Process of selection of photos:

For the environment setting for the object, I captured the wide shot to showcase the whole environment of where the measuring tape is commonly used in.

Selected photo:

For the photo selected, I realised framing and cropping from Project 1 helped me out for this section as it is essential because it removes all the distractions from the surrounding and I’m able to enhance the photo by picking which areas I want to focus on. In addition, after cropping the photo, I’ve decided to remove unnecessary labels and objects to place emphasis on the object and the environment.

 

COMPONENT 2: CONNOTATION OF MEASURING TAPE 

Conceptualization for Component 2

 

Objective of this component:

  • To connotate the object as a symbolic message
  • Subvert the object’s meaning and explore different ways of subverting the measuring tape to change its function or to tell a message through my concepts
  • Considerations –
  • How do we measure intangible object (e.g. happiness, knowledge)?
  • How did they came up with standards and society’s norms which is all related to measurement and scale (an element of the measuring tape) of expectations in this world?

 

Drawings of Ideas/Conceptualization on notes:

  1. Measurement of happiness
  2. Preconceived notions of dating
  3. Suffocated by conforming to society’s standard of beauty
  4. Body issues due to society’s social norms (e.g. anorexia)

 

Selected Concept 1 – ‘Measurement of Happiness’

For this concept, I was really inspired by John Holcroft‘s illustration of how social media is a form of ego boost and a substitute of dopamine drug to improve one’s self-esteem in majority of the avid users of social media’s life nowadays. He used his sense of humour to raise awareness about the dependency of social media to one’s life and how it is much cheaper than going to therapy. Hence, I decided to incorporate this idea into my concept for component 2 using the measuring tape as a scale of happiness.

 

Selected Concept 2 – ‘Suffocated by social norms’

For this concept of being suffocated by conforming to social norms, I’ve incorporated elements of Laura Zalenga and Kyle Thompson’s faceless element and incorporated René Magritte‘s artwork of the figure being hollow into this concept to show there’s layers of meaning to it and the individual putting on a facade.

 

Selected Concept 3 – ‘Select your outcome (How standards came about?)’

For this concept of selecting being a follower or a leader,  I was inspired to incorporate the technique of ‘Décalcomanie’ which is a blotting process whereby paint is squeezed between two surfaces to create a mirror image. For my artist reference, you can see each artist incorporate the techniques in their own style and I’ve decided to focus on selecting one out of two scenarios/choices in our lives that will lead us to a different outcome/perspective in life that will be further explained using text and linguistic message.

Experimentation & Process of selection of final concept:

For the final concept, I’ve decided to choose concept 3 to represent this idea of selecting your outcome of being a follower or a leader to show the dependency of the follower towards the leader. However, after the critique, I felt like concept 2 would be a better option for the final concept because it clearly shows the two scenarios that an individual have to select and it really incorporates the décalcomanie technique. I realised that thinking through with my selection of concept is really essential because I need to select the concept that conveys the message best and it’s easy for the audience to understand the context.

CONCEPTS NOT SELECTED

  • Preconceived notions of dating
Preconceived notions of dating (Positive perspective)
  • Body issues due to society’s social norms (e.g. anorexia)
  • Subvert the measuring tape into a belt, a whip or a corset

After the critique, I felt like I should’ve spent time exploring and manipulating the test shots that I’ve taken and work with the ideas I had in mind instead of just selecting three and focusing on it. If I had the chance to redo this project, I would select the idea of the measuring tape being subverted into a corset to showcase how people try to fit into the right size according to the beauty standards.

 

COMPONENT 3: TEXT AND IMAGE FOR SUBVERTED MEASURING TAPE POSTER

TIPS ABOUT CREATING A POSTER:

  • Use colour to create energy, elicit a mood and attract the eye.
  • Use blocks of solid colours
  • Limit your colour palette to put emphasis on the main focal point
  • Show seriousness with a BOLD font, enhance elegance with an ITALIC font or express playfulness or fun with a LOOSE HANDWRITTEN font.
  • When selecting fonts, choose at least TWO. (Headline & body copy)
  • Make typography clean and simple
  • Create visual hierarchy
  • Use negative or white space to form clever composition
  • Say more with less (Remove unnecessary elements)(Minimalistic elegance)
  • Create a point of focus (use photography that’s in or out of focus to give more weight to the text)
  • Play with layering to create DEPTH & DIMENSION
  • Take the viewer’s focus on a journey with clever perspective
  • Ensure your composition is BALANCED
  • Use creative illustrations which can be flat or have layers and depth
  • Ensure all of your graphic elements FLOW TOGETHER (Create a path for them to follow)
  • Design your poster to evoke emotion. (fragmented composition made of difference facial expressions to mimic the feeling of the jazz event.)
  • Create consistent templates to use for multiple events
  • Design for your audience
  • Play with contrast for a more interesting composition

(Source of content)

Text considered for poster:

  • “You’ll never be satisfied.”
  • “What is the norm?”
  • “Never enough.”
  • “Create your own norm.”
  • “Your choice.”
  • “Select your outcome.”
  • “Prisoner of trends.”
  • “Create your norm.”
  • “Measure up.”

Outcome of A2 poster:

SELECT YOUR OUTCOME – A2 POSTER

Selected text for poster:

“Prisoner of Trends”

“Create your norm”

“Select your outcome”

 

After thoughts:

  • Make it more like an advertisement or poster to raise awareness so it will be more impactful (I should’ve put more thought into it and make it look more sleek and clean.)
  • Experiment more with the text with the other composition of selected concept to see which composition is more suitable to convey the meaning of the image.

 

Project 1: Picture Story – Curating Self (Process, Concepts & Test Shots)

For this project, I wanted to challenge myself to tell my story, be comfortable and as candid as Nan Goldin to show certain sides of me and how I came to be the person I am today. During the process of this project, I pushed myself to come up with interesting concepts using various techniques such as the use of semiotics, denotation and connotation, play with contrasting elements such as the value of darkness, the meaning behind the concept and mood of the setting. My goal is to send out an impactful message while telling my life story to my peers.

The photos are taken on iPhone 8+ and Olympus DSLR camera.

 

 Look at me now… 

Process of Component 1: Me

Planning of concepts for Component 1: Me

 

Experimentation of Concept 1 – “Stoic Sculpture” :

Artist Reference: Alex Maeda

I was inspired by Alex Maeda’s style of making humans and living spaces into 2D. The concept of painting myself is really interesting and I want to see how it can add value to convey the meaning behind my concept which is my achievements and struggles.

Selected Test Shots for Concept 1 – “Stoic Sculpture” :

These are the test shots selected for review and I experimented with various shots and angles to find out which framing will be able to convey the narrative behind the concept the best.

Selected photo is the fifth photo with medium close up taken at a high angle because it shows a sense of vulnerability.

 

Experimentation of Concept 2 – “I can’t be fucked anymore” :

For one of the concepts for component 1, I wanted to send out an impactful message about a pivotal moment in my life. I was figuring out on how to do it and I got inspired by Jayde Tan when I was browsing through our local photographer’s Instagram page. I explored with my body to show vulnerability yet convey a message on my bare back.

Selected Test Shots for Concept 2 – “I can’t be fucked anymore” :

For this concept, I experimented with long shot, medium shot and medium close up. The third test shot is selected because it focuses on the impactful message as well as the red silk robe which signifies pride. It’s taken from a low angle to show that I’m in control and suits the narrative.

 

Experimentation & Selected Test Shots for Concept 3 – “Carefree – I do what I want” :

I experimented with various part of my room and tried of different expressions and gestures to convey the feeling of being a carefree person without any care in the world. The selected test shot is the fourth photo because the background is white and my expression is suitable.

Artist Reference: UglyWorldWide – You Can Do It

I was inspired by Uglyworldwide because she tends to convey her mood by doing quirky makeup on her face and I incorporated this style into my concept because it gives off a carefree vibe.

 

 Searching for happiness

Process of Component 2: My Object

Process of Planning Component 2: My Object

 

Selected Test Shots for Concept 1 – “Windmill of Happiness” :

I tried using lighting to achieve a reflection effect but in the end, I chose test shot 4 because I realised I should keep it simple because happiness to me is about enjoying the simple things in life.

 

Selected Test Shots for Concept 2 – “Existential Crisis” :

To show the contrast between depression and happiness, I have chosen the second photo because it’s more interactive and it has more contrasting element of the childlike innocence and hope for happiness, and the smoke which is the will to survive.

Framing for Concept 2 – “Existential Crisis” :

For the chosen photo, during the review of test shots, Prof Serena asked to focus on one object so it’s not confusing. Hence, I cropped away the cigarette in the original photo and frame it to be a medium shot so it focus on the details of the emphasis which is the vibrant rainbow windmill and the smoke. In addition, I did colour correcting to make the colour more blueish to make it gloomy.

This made me realised how framing will immediately zoom into the main point of the narrative and less is more.

 

Brandon Woelfel’s artwork (Processed with VSCO with e8 preset)

I was inspired by Brandon Woelfel’s way of using colour smoke grenade to add vibrancy into his photos. However, instead of using vibrancy, I want to incorporate smoke in a depressing way to have a conflicting effect with the vibrant rainbow windmill.

 

Selected Test Shots for Concept 3 – “A reminder…” :

The process of capturing this concept is really tedious because I had to use a tripod, timer and blow the windmill at the same time. It took quite a long time because I wanted to achieve a medium shot at an eye level with a white background.

I was in dilemma to pick between the second and the third photo but I’ve chosen the third photo because the facial expression is more intense even though it was a mistake to have my head cropped out. Also, after consulting with my classmates and friends, they said the second photo is a bit too boring and there’s no emphasis compared to the third photo.

Framing for Concept 3 – “A reminder…” :

For the framing for this photo concept, I’ve framed it to be medium close up to focus on the details of the rotating windmill and the intense look from my facial expression. My aim was focus on the main emphasis of the story which is eyeing on my future happiness despite my struggling situation. Hence, I decided to edit the colour tone of the photo to have a blue hue.

Other rejected test shots for Component 2 – My Object:

Experimented various angles and shots of me interacting with my rainbow windmill but it’s not really impactful compared to the selected test shots. However, being able to try out different shots, knowing how to pose even though it’s weird doing it by myself was a fun experience. Thank god, I’m shameless and I didn’t mind people watching me do my project alone:

 

 Daddy is gone…

Process of Component 3: My World

Process of Planning Component 3: My World

 

Selected Test Shots for Concept 1 – “Gone…” :

For the concept, I took wide shots to show the environment of my world with my younger self with the windmill in it. My focus was to place contrasting visuals between my sad self and the vibrancy of the playground. I tried to play around with the infrastructure available to express the pang of sadness of receiving the news by using the railings of the playground to show that my life is ruined like how people will get a black mark in their records when they enter prison. (Leaving a scar in my life)

I’ve chosen the second photo because the environment of the location I wanted to showcase is really obvious and the feelings I wanted to express is really suitable and child-like for the narrative.

 

Framing for Concept 1 – “Gone…” :

For the framing of this photo concept, I decided to use Rule of Thirds to crop the photo to put emphasis on me crouching down, hugging my knees. I wanted to showcase how the playground it’s a happy place for the people around me in the photo but how I’m unhappy about the tragic news using a blue hue for the mood at that exact happy location.

 

Selected Test Shots for Concept 2 – “Taken away” :

To convey the cause of how my dad passed away, I tried placing the windmill and the beer bottle using the Rule of Thirds and decided to use the third photo. I prefer the long shot of the photo with the kid facing away from the camera in the background.

 

Selected Test Shots for Concept 3 – “The beginning of my downhill” :

To convey the message that my life is scarred for life and it went downhill, I tried experimenting using different poses and angles. The chosen photo is the fifth one because it places emphasis on how my life went downhill since I’m sitting on the slide. The medium close up shot focuses on the bloody hands and how broken I am from the body gesture.

 

Framing for Concept 3 – “The beginning of my downhill” :

For the chosen photo, to amplify the depressing mood, I colour corrected the photo to have more cool tones so the red bloody  will stand out more

 

Other rejected test shots for Component 3 – My World:

These are the rejected test shots because it doesn’t fit the narrative or capture the location of the environment well.

 

DIFFICULTIES:

  • It was really tough managing everything by myself from using the camera, tripod, timer as well as, trying to pose in time to capture the right moment.
  • Figuring out the concepts and planning out the shots and framing is tedious and enjoyable at the same time.

This project has equipped me with useful skills that I could use in future projects or any concepts that I’m planning to do.