Hello,my name is &Project 1: Typography Portrait Solution

I’m very depressed right now as I’m writing this again because I refreshed the webpage thinking It was auto-saved. Anyway, new Semester, fresh start. Exercise 1 is a good opportunity for me to express my own identity, personality and aspiration. Through discovering myself on three different solutions, I am able to know myself better. New artistic techniques like Tai Dai were also learned from my classmates through sharing session which explore new possibilities for my Project 1.

  1. Typography

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For typography solution, I make use of some ancient Chinese elements to create a typography in correspond with my special cultural background. The first reason for choosing this traditional Chinese typographic form-stamp engraving is the natural beauty of Chinese calligraphy fonts, for instance , Xiao Zhuan I used to show my name. The second reason is for the nobleness and stateliness that stamp carries as it is specially used by royalty in ancient China to serve the functions of power and inheritance. The third reason is the red color of the stamp ink which carries auspicious and welcoming message. I purposely cover the whole name tag with red to make the typography looks like a whole and I rubbed the side of the stamp to give it a vintage feeling.

2. Abstract Solution


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For abstract solution, I use pen technique to create a tunnel or cave-like zone to reflect part of my personality. I gradually shift from long black stripes at the side to short red stripes in the center. The idea behind tells how I socialize with people. I may appear to be indifferent and introvert because I stay alone for the past 8 years in Singapore, but if someone is passionate to step into my world, I will show enthusiasm in return, just like the red space in the center.

3. Conceptual


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I attempt the conceptual solution with modern elements by using two movie characters-V for vendetta and the Joker from the Batman. These two roles appear to have extremely different characters- pure justice and pure evil. However, I found they have one thing in common, which is the perseverance of pursuing their goals-freedom and revolution. I catch this ironic but somehow coincident peculiarity to set my own motto, Be free to your heart and never give up on your dream. 

I create three of my name tags simply using water color pens. Hence I plan to try out different mediums and techniques for project one. I did some general research on Dadaism and relevant art piece to inspire myself. It is characterized by the rejection of old forms of art making in favor of an anti-art that asserts art’s irrelevance and explores new forms of creation. It mainly serves two function for the artists, Expressing anger and frustration&embracing the absurd. I personally think the latter function more relevant to my project to break existing elements and reconstruct them to give the artworks new meaning.

For the overall direction of my project 1, I decide to further explore Chinese culture and typography techniques which I suppose I am strong at.

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Above is the most traditional form of typography-movable type invented by engraver called Bi Sheng in Song Dynasty.

I decide to pick four Chinese artistic techniques and mix these elements with typography to exhibit myself

  1. Embroidery
  2. Calligraphy
  3. Engraving
  4. Porcelain

The_embroidery_of_the_festival_car_of_the_festival_of_Tochigi,tochigi-city,japanarabic-calligraphy-carving-on-metal-116905720130703103052_8634
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Each of these represents the essence of Chinese culture or religion. Chinese culture does not emphasize on the form, but the artistic conception. One cannot see the artworks, but needs to feel and comprehend the true meaning behind. That is the enlightenment I want to show in my Project 1.

Also, I plan to try something similar with the Dadasim which is to mix western elements with Chinese culture to give my typography new meaning. To achieve this, I need to find the right entry point to merge these two components such that the new typography will look harmonious and stylish.

Exercise: Anchoring and Relaying

close-upClose Up

Anchoring: Gazing at the reflection.

RelayingThere are two sides to every question: my side and the wrong side.-Oscar Levant

high angle

High Angle

Anchoring: Colorful daydream.

Relaying: What is Hope? A star that gleaming
O’er the future’s troubled sky,
Struggles, tremulously beaming,
To reveal what there may lie.
~R.A.P., “Hope,” in Southern Literary Messenger, December 1840

medium long

Medium Long

Anchoring: The tilted world.

Relaying: Judge me all you want, just keep the verdict to yourself.

Project 1b: Fire and ice

 

This set of photos visually depicts the poem which conveys the idea that both fire and ice can destroy the world. The first picture shows the noxious gas emitted into the sky by industries pollutes natural environment. The red tone symbolizes the fire of human’s endless desire on economic growth in ignorance of environmental protection. Natural disasters and global warming are the vengeance of the environment which alerts people the end of the world will come eventually if the fire of greed and selfishness continues burning.

The second photo was taken at the end of the corridor. With a little cool tone vanishing scene surrounded by major proportion of black, a sense of destructive desperation and loneliness is exhibited. Being isolated by others resembles being blocked by a bulk of ice. A person’s mental and psychological world will be destroyed if he or she is insulated by others.

The third photo was taken as the form of silhouette to show indifferent and untrustworthy side of human being. A couple stand back to back symbolizes people’s relationships may not be as genuine and authentic as they appear to be. Intrigue and conspiracy are the outcomes of the human’s dark side. If no trust and true relations can be found, the world will come to an end in some way.

 

Project 1a:Self-exploration

First set of photos depicts me wandering from Changi airport, passing by Marina Bay and finally reaching NTU. It symbolizes me, as a scholar from China, drifting around Singapore, chasing after my dream despite the feelings of loneliness and vagrancy. The final shot which is me gazing at the NTU badge signifies I believe NTU can give me a sense of belonging and help me fulfill my dream in Singapore.

Yin and Yang

The second set of shots depicts Yin and Yang in my personality. Yin Yang Tu describes how opposite and contrary forces are complementary,interconnected and interdependent. I am in the process of integrating Yin and Yang meaning into my characteristic.

 

This set of photos portrays my world. My hall view, my basketball, and my spectacles respectively represent my temporary home, my favorite sport and my special perspective of seeing the wold.