Project 1: Alter Ego

[Note: The following work process is recorded in a chronological manner. A lengthy post ahead!]

I have always watched films as form of escapism and was more keen for characters (and plots) that were starkly contrasting to who I am. Nevertheless, I had slowly recapped the films I’ve watched and read new books to look for characters that ‘share a special affinity with me’

[Fictional Character]

4) Ben Whittaker –The Intern (2009)

3) Huang Brothers – Fresh off the Boat

2) Amélie Poulain – Amèlie (2001)

1) This random Thai girl from a commercial by MetLife Asia: My Dads Story – Dream for My Child

[Famous Figure/ Public Figure]

4) Khaled Hosseini – Author

3) Warren Buffet – Billionaire

2) Jeannette Walls – Author of The Glass Castle & Columnist

1) Liu Wen – Model

[People I know]

3) Natalie

2) Zihan

1) Paula

After contemplating, I decided to pick Paula and Liu as my character as they would form a more interesting relationship.

Paula, being a teenager and on her way to becoming an adult, had lots of insecurities and questions about her future.

Liu, on another, was at the peak of her career and often seek for advice and interviewed for her unique experiences.

Their experiences would compliment one another.

Theme:

During our adolescent years, we would have lots of insecurities and questions about our future. It’s not wrong to ponder about these questions but when we get older, we would eventually realise that these questions were unnecessary, albeit inevitable. It’s more important to live in the present.

Plot (still working on)

Gathering information for her thesis paper on celebrity entrepreneurship, 21-years old Paula was made to interview Liu Wen, a successful model-turned-business-women.

Visual hints:

Reading materials: Young Paula reads self help books on securing a bright future while Liu reads memoirs.

Body Language: Paula is excited and also nervous about screwing up the interview. Liu, on another hand, is rather composed.

Reference for the transformation from adolescent to adulthood (ie outfits and behaviour).

As the show revolves about a boy through his adolescent years, it would be fit to reference for the visual changes in the protagonist as (s)he gets older.

Reference for cinematography for interview scene:

(Bright Star, 2009)

Reference for Liu’s character (as an senior being interviewed)

Translated version:
https://www.facebook.com/asiancrush.tv/videos/1265690956787102/

Final Work

[Edit: Updated the old video link with a HD version.]

[Exhibition Review] Animal Farm Video Series (2015) by Ching-Hui Chou

[Exhibition Review #1]

Animal Farm Video Series
By Ching-Hui Chou

Art Stage Singapore 2017

I chanced upon the ‘Animal Farm’ by Chou Ching-hui, a Taiwanese artist, at Art Stage Singapore 2017. Videos works are rare in art fairs hence, making it hard to miss especially with its three-channel video set-up.

Ching-hui Chou. Animal Farm Video No.7 8’4’’ (2015) Taken at Art Stage Singapore 2017, Chini Gallery

While this snapshot shows the three screens simultaneously playing the same scene, there are selected parts where only one screen plays a different scene and some other parts where all screens play different scenes.

Due to time constraint, I could only watch one (out of 9 films). The film started with a pristine setting where a myriad of beauty tools laid across a counter. Someone then picks up one of the tool and starts ‘beautifying’ a toy doll. Then we see a teenage girl applying makeup while looking intently into the mirror, as if almost unaware to her surroundings and the camera. There is almost no dialogue for these scenes yet a lot is conveyed through the well-curated setting and careful choice of props. The pristine setting, the deliberate placement of props and the controlled movements of the actress reiterates the notion of order throughout the film.

This ties well with the theme of the work regarding the ‘inescapable yet gradually numbing human condition in the contemporary social and cultural environment (we) lived in’. The title ‘Animal Farm’ is not an allegory for the English literature book but a rather a metaphor of the modern contemporary society. ‘Farm’ here refers to a caged environment where the living is confined within and onlookers could watch them from the outside (and past judgment). This draws parallel to our modern day society where we tend to create ‘cages’ for ourselves such as keeping up with beauty standards. (I don’t think I explain this well but s’okay)

What I really love about this work is that every single aspect of the film is carefully curate, likening every single frame to a well-composed painting. The details of the setting are all constructed, the props are carefully selected and placed and the actress has an almost perfect elegance to her movements. Mastery of light control is definitely reflected in the film and the thoughtful (slow) camera panning allows viewers to study the finer details of the work. (It’s like the technical aspect of Wes Anderson films but a totally different style!)

The artist had also created a series of photography works under the similar title – ‘Animal Farm’. The photography works are just as great as the video works in its narrative through details. I could stand there for a whole 5-10 minutes studying the 108cmx148cm photographs. To shoot the photographs in a zoo definitely adds value to the work and its meaning.

While the videos ‘can be viewed as extensions or variations of the photographic works of the series’, I personally think it is an extension as it introduces the dimension of time and creates a more immersive environment. The videos were more effect in conveying the monotony of contemporary lives.

Nevertheless, both works has its own merits.

This work is nice. The price tag is even nicer.

Hello Excercise

Final 3 Name Tag Designs:

Name Tag #1

This design was based on my love for drawing animals. Due to time constraint, I didn’t get to further develop. It’s rather raw.

Name Tag #2
This design was based on my identity as a Singaporean-Chinese (or is it Chinese-Singaporean?) As a Chinese, we practice Asian values at home however sometimes our society has very Western norms. Hence, I decided to use my hanyupin name as it is an accurate pronunciation of my Chinese name but uses English alphabets (and coincidentally the same spelling as my official English name.)

The batik design was inspiration from the Kebaya worn by SIA air stewardess. It is also often represented as our national costume.

This was the initial sketch. I even got my name spelled wrongly *facepalm*

I decided to remove the blue background to allow my name to visually stand out.

Name Tag #3

For this design, it was done on masking tape as an ‘opposition’ to the assignment brief. When I read the first line of the assignment, it said we would receive such sticker name tags during social gatherings. However, we don’t have such practice in Singapore. Instead, it’s usually just a masking tape.

As an ENTP personality type, I’m quite a debater. I tend to question everything and take up debates at all times. ( I tend to overthink a lot too. A LOT.)