2D Final Project: Zine

Final Submission of the semester!

Bedok Zine

Changing Opinions to Facts

In Part 1, I created an infographic about ratings by Bedok residents of their neighbourhood. Moving on, I decided to work on the facts about Bedok. I wanted the readers to find out for themselves if the opinions of Bedok residents truly reflects the state of the neighbourhood.

Flat Game

As an extended idea from Part 1, I decided to keep the flat game aesthetic consistent. This was to show cohesiveness for a 2-parts project. However, I narrowed the game concept to a game-guide inspired booklet for my zine. I wanted it to be like these Pokemon guides. This layout allows texts to be integrated and locations to be identified- a game-guide to Bedok.

This one has too much texts though.

The tricky part of flat graphics game is its readability. Due to the lack of interactivity and 3-dimensional graphics, my background and foreground could easily fall flat and may affect the readability of my zine. Hence, I had wandered through many many many game design pins and here are my top three favourite references.

Tetris Flat IOS Game by Igor Radivojevic

Ecokids by Vola Kuzmich

Flat GUI Pack by ricimi

Maps takes up a large portion of my layout and is an important element of my zine. They serve as the bond for the theme of Bedok and sub-topics for each spread. The map should be visible but not too much such that it diverts attention from the specific sub-topics, which is the highlight of each page. Hence, I like these graphic maps projects by Philippe Nicolas.

In this gridded layout, the buildings are so neatly arranged such that they formed a pattern of sort. In order to dress Bedok in this style, I needed to tweak it a bit. This was the best compromise since an accurate map of Bedok is not necessary for my zine. Afterall, some of the most famous maps were not designed to depict accuracy.

I tried to follow the original map of Bedok as much as possible.

The above map was the original colour scheme of my map. And was initially used for spread 1 (below). However, the colours are too ‘pop-ish’ that visibility was an issue.

Hence, I tried toning down the colours and Gerald taught me to use transparency to overlay as a shortcut to mute the colours of map. Works like magic.

Left: Before transparency added
Right: Transparency added
This method was eventually used for the map on spread 2.

The original colour scheme

The ‘tone-down’ colour scheme

From the earlier study of game layout, I had identified the importance of avatar. Avatars are usually about the gamer themselves but I could manipulate it to introduce the topic for each spread through their usernames. The characters are also designed with the similar style of flat and geometrical graphics. I heavily referenced duolingo characters (but not too much that I stole their style). I like their simple use of geometric shapes to represent humans of different gender and race.

Indicators were a real struggle for me when designing the layout. Partly because I have poor colour sense. Furthermore, I want to vary the indicators for all three spreads to keep things interesting. The first two spreads didn’t pose much a problem but when I came to the last spread, I couldn’t come up with much interesting ways of depicting the sports area. Initially, I wanted to create a hologram effect that is used in many games .

sort of like this effect

Try-out 1

Try-out 2

However, it is hard to create a convincing hologram effect with flat graphics and minimal gradient. Furthermore, my colour scheme did not suit. Hence, I referenced this map to create the same visual effect. Firstly, enlarging the location in circles could show us details of the space. Secondly, the use of shadow highlights the specific location pointed out.

Credit: Pinterest

WIP: Testing out with different shapes and labels

The compass is another important indicator in the layout. This was added in after the last group consultation where Ayesha acutely pointed out that first-time readers like her did not know the division of Bedok. I had fallen into the pitfall of getting too comfortable with my own work and thankful that she pointed it out.

Lastly, Bedok MRT station was added after the last group consultation. As my roads were not labelled, the map seems generic. The addition of Bedok MRT station could help reader to easily identify the place and gauge the distance of each specific location.

Food

Schools

Sport Facilities

Click here to view digital zine.
I took 2h to get this up so pls just click for support. tyvm <3

(crappy) Photos of my printed zine.
Sorry, these photos were taken in a rush so pardon the bad quality. I wanted to eat pizza.

Comments from Friends:

The compass is placed too low
The avatar on the last page is dangerously close to the edge.
Colours could have been better controlled.
A legend could have been added for spread 2 and spread 3
Spread 2 seems to be lacking
Header could have been added for each page
They enjoy the game concept
They like how the usernames introduces the sub-topics

Additional Comments by Lecturer:

Concept: For my project, part 1 and part 2 ties together cohesively and that’s great.
Layout: Everything ties together well except the compass which stands alone awkwardly at the bottom corner of the page.
By breaking up the word ‘exploring’ into ‘EXP-LOR-ING’, it becomes misleading as the middle syllabus seem to resemble a singlish word to my target audience- Singaporeans at a first glance.

Alignment and heavy-illustration

I find this project much more manageable because the concept and ideas were largely decided in part 1. It gives me more time to focus on layouts and the graphics. There is, however, greater emphasis for technical skills in this project. I struggled a lot with alignment because I was unfamiliar with InDesign. To aggravate the situation, I left my alignment right to the last minute and rushed through it. I had underestimated the time and effort needed to get the right alignment. It was a decision I regret because it diminishes the quality of my work. Another issue I struggled with was to be too absorbed with the illustrations. As my design concept is illustration-heavy, I was too engrossed with designing each vector that I forgot to consider the overall layout of each spread- how each element and text relates to one another. This affects the readability as they may not be sufficient hints or keywords to convey the idea of each spread at the first glance. Instead, readers must spend time studying each element before the idea for each spread comes through. To improve, I could have included a header at the top or an icon at the corner so that the overview of the spread could be understood at one glance.

what i see.

what i did.

what i change it too. (Cos the bird’s eye view is too ambiguous)

what was eventually printed. (so puny!!!)

Eg. I spent A LOT of time designing the vectors of the integrated complex. But at the end, I realise the smaller details were actually not necessary. I could have just use the general shapes of the building to create an impression.

Nevertheless, this was an exciting project as we start to create ‘marketable’ work of art. Well, not exactly they can be sold for money but at least they can be published. Another interesting lesson I’ve learnt was the great difference between ‘on screen’ and ‘on print’. Even if the colours and size are correct, the physical state of the book is never the same as the spread on screen. The tactile quality makes a whole load of difference. Hence, test print is extremely important if we want to create a good zine or book. It’s pushes budget but makes it worthwhile. In all, I’m glad that the last submission of my freshman year ended on a high note.

4D Final Project: Obsession Possession

This documentation post is written in a chronological manner:

Idea 1
Our group wanted to use utilitarian objects to present a narrative. Through discussion and brainstorming sessions, the overarching concept for our first idea is:

A significant development from Naomi and Kai’s assignment 2 where the male lead, Pierre Tan, left her. Lead actress wants to tell –

The story of how it happened through the objects she obsessively collected from her ex during the relationship and what these objects mean to her.
To tell the story of their 1 month relationship through these objects. The short time frame is used to highlight her obsessive behaviour.

Site-Specific Storytelling: Possession Obsession

Table of Contents

1. Title + Concept

Story and Intention / Motive

2. Artist References

Tracey Emin & Museum of Broken Relationship
Film Aesthetics

3. Execution

Location & Space
Lighting
Props
Footage
Sound
Smell

Concept:

It is a narrative based idea on:

Everything is a passing moment, what can we do to preserve those memories? Why do people obsess over the physical things that link them to a memory, in hopes to possess it?
Preservation of memories, memories of someone you hold dear, hold true to the heart.

Motive of this installation:

To allow people to delve further into the obsessive nature of someone who cannot let go of the past and struggles to hold onto memories that are fleeting.
Memories are fleeting moments, hence we understand the meaning of collecting objects so we can preserve and remember them.

Storyline:

It is a significant development from Naomi and Kai’s assignment 2 where the male lead, Pierre Tan, left her.

Lead actress wants to tell –

The story of how it happened through the objects she obsessively collected from her ex during the relationship and what these objects mean to her.
To tell the story of their 1 month relationship through these objects. The short time frame is used to highlight her obsessive behaviour.

A collection of 30 items as mementos to represent each day of the month

Photographs of him sleeping	Fingerprints	Retainers
Sound Recordings	Used Scotch Tape	Used Underwear
Used toothpaste	Toothbrush	Dental Floss
Old clothes	Shades	Dried Contact Lens
Used condom	Towel	Nails
Protagonist’s diary	Wax	Comb
A lock of hair	Water Bottles	Belts
Blanket	Shoes	Socks
Shaver	Post-it notes with msg	Ugly portrait of him
Deodorant	Forks and Spoon	Cup (In the film already)

Artist Reference for Concept:

Tracy Emmy, Everyone I Have Ever Slept With (1963-1995)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en-GB&v=15jVnBlt6e0&gl=SG

Emin creates an intimate space through the use of a tent and narrates her personal story through the visuals displayed. Photos, names and letters of the people she had slept with are stuck up on the interior of the tent.

INSPIRATION: We’re using the idea of a limited space to reflect the protagonist’s intimate thoughts and experience. Visuals do not stand alone but coexist with the footage, space and sound to depict the theme of our work, which in this case, the protagonist’s obsession of her ex-lover.

Museum of Broken Relationships, Copenhagen, Denmark

Using objects that the audience can touch and feel and experience for themselves (e.g. reading a diary), it will be able to give clues and insights on the characteristics on the protagonist as well as the person she is obsessed about.

The amount of items as well as the nature of the items could also further accentuate the obsessive behaviour and mindset of the girl.

Artist Reference for Film Aesthetics:

Movie: See You Tomorrow (2016)

There was a scene in the movie where the main character reveals the collection of items he has collected and saved in the boot of his car that were from his relationship with his passed on ex-lover. He was unwilling to let go of the memories tied to this person despite it being many years since his lover passed on.

Amélie (2002)

1:57:20 Towards the end of the movie, we the scene of Amelie and Nino riding on a bike captured in a sepia tone colour. The footage is also fast forward to create a sense of fleeting moment. Short snippets of Amelie’s solo shot are cleverly interweaved as if to remind audience the story is about the Amélie.

Execution
1. Location
  Dark room: To give an unsettling feel
2. Lighting
  Red tint: To show desire
  Projection of Footage: Footage will contain glitches to create sudden brightness in the environment. Also, the film that would be played to reveal the meaning of the 30 objects in the course of the relationship. This is used as a visual accompaniment to the installation.
3. Footage: BLURRY & DREAM-LIKE STATE
  To depict fleeting memories of their one-month relationship. It will be fast forward to create the sense of fleeting moment where details cannot be examined.
4. Props
  30 objects to narrate the story of their one-month relationship. We will also experiment with mirrors with lipstick messages written all-over it and images of Pierre to depict what lead actress wanted to see everyday
5. Sound:
  Replaying of sounds, music, recordings.
  Eg. lullabies of the male lead singing for the girl
6. Smell:
  Musky smell with a tint of cologne: To reinforce her obsessive behaviour of wanting to preserve his smell.
  Diffuser labelled ‘his smell.’

Shrine stored in a storage unit in the basement

Ideas for Room Execution

4D Assignment 2

We decided to use the curry murder as our parallel storyline. This is an amalgamation of the genres each of us hope to explore — psycho thriller and familial relationships. Furthermore, a murder scene AND a cooking scene were potential scenes for us to explore sounds with footage.

Chronologically, the curry cooking happened after the murder. However, we decided to condense both events together to narrate the parallel storyline.

The plan initially was to liken the action of cooking to the murder scenes – eg stabbing of victim could be liken to pounding with a mortar. However, there was limitation with props and space and we did away with the idea.

Instead, I distinguish the 2 storyline via visuals -murder scenes are darker while the cooking scenes are brighter. The murder scenes are darker while the cooking scenes are brighter.This was referenced from The Dark Room (2010) by Eric Z. Yang

While both storylines have very similar visuals -largely photographs – red lighting in the dark room and florescent lighting in a modern lab helps viewers to differentiate the 2 different context.

After editing the main storyline, I decided to add in an opening sequence as an introduction. (I got the idea from this video but it got removed D:) I used the similar opening sequence from Momento where the visuals were all reversed. I want to show that the bowl of curry is the main focus of the video and the making of the curry was uncanny.

From the pervious lecture, I have learnt the effect of digetic and non-digetic sound (bg music) in films. This was something fresh for me because being musically-challenged, I had never paid close attention to sound in films besides some really good soundtracks.

Here is our final video:

[Project 2.1]: Part II

This process post is in chronological order. It is a continuation of [Project 2.1]: Part I.

Final zine here.

On my first trip, I was pathetically scribbling my observations and data on a palm-sized post-it. While it was handy, my handwriting was scribbly and data collected was disorganised.

On my second trip, I printed an A3 map and marked out a 1km radius from Bedok MRT. I folded it into a handy size and now I’ve got google map in one hand that allows me to annotate with pencil conveniently.
I’m intending to collect some residence response and may use hardcopy and online survey forms soon.

During this consultation, I realised my project was heading for a dead end. Firstly, the data I had collected were largely isolated. This makes an infographic almost impossible as I will not be able to make meaningful relationships between the data collected. Secondly, the idea of surveillance would not work out as I have no access to data about the surveillance and crime rates in Bedok over the past 50 years.

The conclusion of the group consultation was to work on the buildings of Bedok. This was a concluded based on the timeline of development in Bedok I had put together. However, I was reluctant to work on this idea as I felt the idea was very generic and could easily be obtained with a quick google search.

Thankfully, Joy shared with me an interesting fact that Bedok residents have a strong sense of belonging to their respective areas (ie Bedok North and Bedok South). Riding on this idea, Liyana suggested I could do a ‘game battle’ concept between North and South Bedok and compare them to decide which is better. This idea couldn’t get any better and become my driving theme of the project.

In a last ditch effort to obtained primary data, I once again head to Bedok. I decided to do a door-to-door survey in order to collect residents’ satisfaction of the neighbourhood as an indicator to compare the two areas. I also sent out an e-survey to collect as many data as possible. Here are the questions:

I can’t post the responses of the survey as a promise keep it confidential but the analysis of the data collected are reflected on the infographics.

#1 The Map

Part of my graphics were designed before the idea was finalised as I thought the visuals of a map is vital for a site-specific infographic. I had reference different kind of map on pinterest and decided to use a bird’s eye view of Bedok as it gives a good overview of the place. It allows me to use geometric shapes to reflect the structural visuals I had observed of Bedok.

#2 The Header

To me, the title of my infographic would be effective in conveying the ‘game’ theme I had in mind. Hence I reference various game titles and realise a lot of it often used organic fonts (if there’s such a term) and warp text to show its fun. Such design, however, does not go well with my geometric theme. Hence, I decided to reference geometric fonts and work my way up to design a suitable game-inspired-header.

My final title design was largely inspired by these title and fonts.

When put together, it shows:

Duality: Depicting north and south Bedok
Clean & Geometrical: My impression of Bedok
A game-on-attitude: Through the use of capital letters

#3 The Indicators

Indicator 1

My first design is straightforward in distinguishing the two opposing area of Bedok through colours and placement. It is, however, a cliché method in showing comparison between different categories and it does not visually gel the different elements of my infographics together. Hence, I decided to push it further and experiment with other ways to design my indicators (afterall it’s called infoGRAPHICS for a reason). The following are some of the designs I had experimented and why they do or don’t work.

Indicator 5 – Final

My final design:

After 2 agonising weeks, I think it had paid off. I’m not fully satisfied with my work because I felt that certain important aspect of my infographics (ie colours and layout) has not been fully developed. However, I am delighted with my learning process in this project. Firstly, I think I had learnt my lesson well from my first reflections and put in more effort for my presentation this time round. Secondly, this project was unlike the previous ones which content were largely intrinsic and ‘produced’ by us. This project, however, puts our investigative skills to test. Being satistically-challenged, it was a tedious process planning –> gathering –> sorting –> analysing of data before turning them into visuals. I started off with no knowledge of Bedok (I stay in north-west) but over time, I start to love the place more and more with each trip I made. Bedok is a place that have stood the test of time with many stories to tell. This project had also put me out of my comfort zone as I did a door-to-door survey in a last ditch effort to collect primary data. Initially, the idea of doing a door-to-door survey was intimidating because I was afraid of rejections or angry residents. However, I abide to my own no-knocking-on-closed-door rule and things went pretty well! Most residents are more than willing to take the survey actually! Senior residents are also very willing to share about the place. I also enjoyed the process of turning these data into engaging visuals. In all, this project was enjoyable and I am really keen to start on the zine project 🙂

[Project 2.1]: Part I

My assigned location is:

Before my exploration of the hood, my initial idea was to talk about the aspects of life that are stolen from us by city life:

Privacy: Number of surveillance camera around the area
Time: Waiting time for traffic lights at Bedok
Fresh air: Location of smoking areas in Bedok

I decided to explore Bedok with no background knowledge because only this way would I be more observant to the surroundings and have an unbiased first impression of Bedok.

Observations of Bedok:

Rather clean and structured estate
Lots of geometrical visuals observed around the estate
Lots of cats!
Mix of all ages: young, students, adults, seniors citizens
Mix of housings: flats, condominiums and terraces

Big Brothers in Bedok:

Inspired by a project, I wanted to do the surveillance in Bedok. Largely because I thought the title ‘Big Brothers in Bedok’ would be really cool. However, this idea was not genuinely related to Bedok as I could easily pluck it and apply to another neighbourhood. Hence, I decided to tweak a little and consider the change in safety and security in Bedok after its history reveal it to be rapidly developing since the 1970s.

Try to wrapped my data and idea towards what I’ve observed about Bedok and its known history:
Eg Bedok is a rather clean estate. Does its cleanliness have to do with its surveillance around it?
Eg Have Bedok’s safety increased with the increasing surveillance camera around the area?
Consider scaling down the area to make it more workable.
Check out (big) news of Bedok
Answer the questions on OSS:
1. Your site/neighbourhood – some history/background/what is it known for?
  - 1819: Known as Simpang Bedok Village
    1966: Part of Bedok was reclaimed
    1972: Bedok starts to developed
    1975: (May) Vietnamese Refugee arriving at Bedok Jetty & Operation Thunderstorm
    1976: HDB had built 4600 units of flats
    1979: Bedok New Upper Changi Road Opened
    1982: Bedok Stadium opened
    1985: (28 Sept) Bedok Public Library opened
    1986: Bedok Reservoir opened
    1989: (4 Nov) Bedok MRT opened
    2013: Bedok Mall opened
    Housing 294 100 residents, Bedok has the largest number of residents
    *http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_214_2005-01-23.html
    Food, food… and more food!: Bedok has two hawker centres that are just 5 minutes away and each filled with diverse cuisines to satisfy all your cravings at one place. Must-try eateries and cafes are also hidden among the residential blocks, making good food available at every corner you turn!
    
    Sports: Being the home ground for Geylang International FC as well the Singapore Silat Federation, Bedok has definitely produced some of the finest local athletes. Built in 1982, Bedok Sports Complex is one of the few old standing single-storey sports complexes today. When I passed by the swimming complex on a lazy afternoon, I could see that Bedok swimming complex is still well-loved by both young and old.Additionally, Bedok reservoir has also provided an alternative sports arena for sports and nature lover.Suicide???: When I first asked around what’s interesting in Bedok, one common reply would be ‘suicides at Bedok reservoir’. That’s sad.

What is ethnography and participant-observation? What are some ways collecting data?
[Observation on 14 Feb trip]

Rather clean and structured estate
Lots of geometrical visuals observed around the estate
Lots of cats!
Mix of all ages: young, students, adults, seniors citizens
Mix of housings: flats, condominiums and terraces[Collection of data on 17 Feb trip]On my first trip, I was pathetically scribbling my observations and data on a palm-sized post-it. While it was handy, my handwriting was scrumbly and data collected was disorganized.On my second trip, I printed an A3 map and marked out a 1km radius from Bedok MRT. I folded it into a handy size and now I’ve got google map in one hand that allows me to annotate with pencil conveniently.I’m intending to collect some residence response and may use hardcopy and online survey forms soon.

What is qualitative and quantitative data? What is the difference between primary and secondary sources of data? How would you go about collecting the two?Based on my understanding, quantitative data refers to data that can be record with numerical values while qualitative data refers to more intangible results and requires analysis to make meaningful conclusions.Primary data: data directly obtained from direct source; more likely to be neutralSecondary data: data from other people’s studies; more like to be bias is sources are not accurateCollecting Primary data: I would have to go Bedok or conduct meaningful surveys
Collecting Secondary data: I need not go Bedok; I could search them online or in library

What are infographics and how are they used to effectively communicate data? What other ways can we visually represent data?Infographics translates complex data into graphics and visuals to aid our understanding. We have to analyse our data collected and make meaningful relationships and conclusions before translating them into visuals. It is helpful in understanding complex data. Great learning sources for visual learners as well.As to other alternatives of representation, it largely depends on the data collected. If the data collected is simple and nothing too complicated, print-based design would be helpful as they are faster to digest than texts.However, if data collected are complicated, interactive designs would be more appropriate as it will hide unnecessary information at different phase of use and allow users to navigate at their own pace to understand to the data.

[Project 1: Que sera] Final

Before critique

After critique

Individual Composition and the respective write-ups:

… I want to a be scientist.

I wanted to a scientist when I was young because I enjoyed science experiments. However, when I grew up, I realise I didn’t enjoy the theory as much. My dream to be a scientist was more like a child play. Hence. I designed it with motifs of science experiments and images in a hand-drawn manner to convey the child-likeness in my dream job.

2) … I want to be a stock broker

As I got a little older, I started to realise the importance of money. I wanted to be a stock broker because I thought they earned a lot an could provide me with financial security. I decided the use the outline of the alphabets as outlines are like a barrier that builds around the fill of the alphabets – like how financial security could cordoned me off from financial woos in life.

3)…I want to an artist

I wanted to be an artist at a point of time as it was an ego boaster for me. I often received compliments for my works back in secondary school (because benchmark was SO much lower) and thought I had the potential to be one. It was made-me-feel good factor too. Hence I weaved art materials as the shadow of the alphabets that spells my name. The shadows of the alphabets elevates a flat letter into a block form, leaving the plane- similarly, art was also like a ego boaster that often made me think too highly of myself.

4) … I want to be in a job which bridges art and public

In recent years, I have dwelled upon the idea of being a museum docent/art educator- jobs that bridges art and public. I wanted to share the quality art education I had received over the years. The nature of this job was also altruistic in nature. Hence, I decided to use the negative space -space beyond my name – to convey my dream job. Vectorised museums, my school and group of people are placed alone the side of my name to convey the essence of my job.

Overall feedback from presentation:

Composition 2&3 could have been improved; they were weak in convey the job and the message of each job. The visuals used was much less effective compared to composition 1&4.
To be less nervous during composition
Presentation format could have been changed instead to better convey my idea – start with the overlapping full image of all 4 compositions before explaining them individually.
Also, instead of layering the composition 1 at the top and the composition 4 at the bottom, I could have reversed the order to better convey the pyramid of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
Generally, the idea of translating the pyramid into a transparency is well-liked.

Reflections:
I think the biggest takeaway from this project is recognising the importance of having an overarching message as well as message for individual works. Personally, I find it hard to come up with a strong overarching message right from the start. However, it helps to keep me in check. There’s a 100 million possible way to do a work but a message helps to anchor me and keeps me from drifting away.

Unfortunately, too much time had been spent on forming the message such that I had lesser time to perfect my execution. Had I been able to plan my workflow better, this could have been a better work.

Secondly, my presentation sequence could have been done differently to better explain my work. Instead of presenting individually at the start, I could have done it as one whole composition before breaking it apart. That would have given my audience a better idea of my work right from the start and not make it seem like individual the compositions are too empty. Also, I have to be confident during my presentation regardless of my work. I was apparently nervous during my presentation (because I felt mine was so different and lacking compared to the rest) and it jeopardised my delivery of the work.

Nevertheless, this project had taught me how spending more money on quality materials would make a significant difference to the outcome of the work. Had it been the old me, I would have printed on cheap transparency that would probably warp under the heat of laser printers and seem flimsy during presentation. But I’m glad I heed Joy’s advice to print it on hard plastic. (Tip: rarely do shops print on harder plastic but after a quick hunt, this shop does!) So, definitely some well-spent money there.

In all, I’m greatly thankful for the encouragement from my peers and tutor and hope to do a better job for upcoming projects! 🙂

[Project 1: Que sera] Work-in-Progress

Brain storming for ideas:
Upon receiving the project brief, I started to recall all the dream jobs I ever had. I realised that the nature of dream jobs I had since young were vastly different but the later ones were similar in nature.A list of my dream jobs in chronological order:
1. artist
2. scientist
3. stock broker
4. lawyer
5. architect
6. graphic designer
7. fine artist
8. (pseudo) shop owner
9. museum docent
10. art educator
Execution 1
To get started, I picked the 4 (bolded) jobs which I thought would be interesting to work with. The following were some of the layouts I had considered:

Layout #1 for ‘Stock Broker’

I wanted to be a stock broker once upon a time because it provided financial security. Back then I thought being rich was a great factor to be considered successful.
Hence, I decided to juxtapose myself onto a page cover of Forbes – a 21st century portraiture to define financial success.
As this was one of the earliest dream jobs I had, I decided to use a younger picture of me in it to signify the immaturity and naïve thinking. I added a (bad) one-liner pun to intergrate my name into the work while reflecting message about this job.

I wanted to be a museum docent because they bridges art and public. They help to make artworks come alive for visitors through their vivid explanations. While flipping through my book, I came across No. 227 The lights in the room goes on and off. Playing upon the controversy of this work when it won the Turner Prize Award.
Re-work on message of my work
My work was lacking on overarching msg and I had to reconsider the main msg as well as the message for individual jobs.
The final jobs chosen were:
4. Working on visualisations

sketches of my work

While doodling my name in bubble letters, I realised that I could try breaking down the typography elements to represent each job and convey their respective message:

[Scientist] Positive space: To show that I was still understanding about myself through science
[Stock Broker] Outline: To show that I wanted to be a stock broker because of the financial security it provided.
[Art-Related work] Shadow: To show that I wanted to be in art-related work because I was good at it and it was an ego booster for me.
[Art Educator] Negative Space: To show that I enjoyed this job because of its altruistic nature of bridging art and public.

There above 4 jobs also represents the 4 main categories of the Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs -basic needs, safety, psychological needs and self-fulfilment/self-actualisation.

Most of the works were roughly sketch on paper and digitised on Illustrator

5. Execution 2
I decided to layer my work and have them printed on transparency. (I have a fetish for works on transparency) This would also cohesively bring the 4 pieces of work together and show that they all form a part of me.

And here’s a result of the test print:

Test print: Transparency

Test Print: 250gsm plastic

Final work here.

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.