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My group agreed on this theme, and we explored in a fine art style. For this final assignment, i improvised on the concept and idea over 3 stages. Artist Statement:jas-artist-statement.doc
Stage 3 [FINAL STAGE]
Chosen for Exhibition–>
Pray Series
Title: Don’t Prey Pray
Often, we pray for miracles, pray when we are feeling helpless. Yet praying does not guarantee an answer. Preying too much on prayers may result in a dependency on the intangible praying and a false belief that everything is going to be alright. Pray, here is portrayed in an uncomfortable form/positon of feet, thrusting into a bed, signifying ” praying hard” [using our feet to pray instead of hands, showing discomfort] yet futile as the thrust is cushioned. Usually we will pray with our hands to get something badly, but often do we get what we pray for? No. You may pray, but DON’T PREY PRAY. We live in a meritocracy society, not a “pray-to-get-what-you-want” society.
Variations
Bra Series
Title: In-Security
In the picture, it shows a bra forming a shape of hut, being “fenced” up, by the locked strap, hence keeping the cups in place, and secure. Most of us would feel a sense of security in Singapore, with its rules and regulations, which have thus far kept us socially, politically and economically safe and stabilized. Moreover, Singapore is ranked 8th as a safe country globally, given an excellent infrastructure and top notch human resources. In reflection, it is a common phenomenon here, that Singaporeans will have a “play safe” mindset–abiding the law and staying within their own comfort zone. This is echoed, in women most intimate garment-BRA., which serves the function of protection and support. However, given such a structure to confine to, we may be less willing to take risk and venture out in our lives as we are contented at the current state. Similarly, women are dependent on their bras (some with wired bras) for support and comfort and they may be less willing to risk being the talk of the town and to be out without a bra, for they are comfortable with them on and unsafe without. Thus there is a dependency between women and their bra and also between Singaporeans and the lawful society. IMAGINE a day without law; a day without bra. Will you feel insecure?
Variations
Shoes Series
Title: Tell me where fit me.
I do not know where I fit. Where could my feet fit in this society of glittery hypocrisy? I walked down the road to nowhere. My feet are sore, my shoes are creased. Each step I take depends on whether I fit. I could see gold; I want to walk to them. Tell me where my feet fit, lead me to my gold please. In our society, we are constantly chasing for tangible comfort, which more often than not, bring about more discomfort and disorientation, as it’s a chase, an endless chase in darkness. Tell me. Where can I fit? Do I have to depend on this chase to find me? How often or not, do we have to FIT into the moulds of others, be like others? [we are often chasing after fashion and technology from other countries, importing goods from neighbouring countries] Tell me, where fit me.
Variations
Stage 2 [Progession STAGE-exploring emotions...]
Catch water? Forget it.
In Singapore, we try to be self-sufficient, and created Newater.However, we are still relying on others for water, especially Malaysia, as the consumption is high, and the newly invented water is of a queer taste which does not interest most of us. Hence, to portray this sense of helplessness and reliance, the hand is shown ‘catching water’ but unsucessful. ( this is a build on from the water idea)
Locked Comfort
We are staying within a comfortable climate-economic, politics, social sound and stable. Within it, we are contented despite behind locked by many laws governing the country and many social customs/restriction. Thus, the interlocked hands show comfort, trust given, in return for safety together Panadol is my Friend
Increasingly, studying in Singapore is getting stressful. We study for nearly a quater of our life, within a rather rigd structure. It is evitable that stress is part and parcel of our lives. But, not all of us will be able to take such stress. At times, we will depend on comfort food, medicine, relaxing activity to destress. in this case, i used the medicine–Panadol Extra.
Stage 1 [Exploration STAGE-exploring ideas...]
The above pictures explore the social norms, in Singapore, which only Singaporeans would understand as it depends on a common understanding of our society. Placing a tissue on a chair is common, during rush hour, so as to reserve a seat. This is a culture which is oni prominent at hawker centres, where many will be in a hurry for a meal.
The above pictures try to portray the a sense of helpless, for supplying water to oneself. Yes, we have a tap, a sink. But ultimately, the water that flows through is not exactly ours. Some are from our own reservoirs, some arent. We get our supply from neighbouring countries. If asked, most of us would recognise the brand, Ice Mountain–Singapore;s Number 1 Top Selling drinking water brand, which is not manufactured here.
Self Assessment & Peer Evaluation
Firstly, there is a lack of emotions, from photos taken in stage one. It was also hard to link SIngapore culture unless a write up is provided and the picture has to say it. Hence, after my peers have evaluated, i progress to portray emotions and eventually created the final piece which have conveyed a feeling to them.
Hence, in this final assignment, i would grade myself, 9.5 for effort,9.7 for creativity/concept, 9.6 for technicality. total 9.6/10. In review of my previous work. This have been a big improvement from style and ideas portrayal, but technique is not so good yet. It is also shown that my ideas are changing evey stage after review, as i would seek many ways to perfect it. It is not feasible to compare with friends work, within the group, as we have different theme. The closest to my final theme, would be Jillyn’s praying hand which is linked to her theme of 4D numbers. i like her portrayal of the theme, as it relates to individual who are in love with 4D and will pray for it. Whereas, mine is praying feet, linking to general praying for hope– desperate and futile as we live in a meritocracy society, not a pray-to-get-what-you-want society.
Visit: http://in2dependence.wordpress.com for group pictures. Thank You.
UNIQUELY SINGAPORE. This we know, is portrayed of us to those unfamiliar to Singapore. What constitute the uniqueness? It stems from the cultural diversity of the island, with early immigrants from different races, religions. I shall review this on various aspects.
Unique Living & Style
It is a city of rat race, with emphasis on meritocracy. We have a structured education system for 12 years which branches out to various prospects. We have a structured government–the PAP, which has been in duty for years and having a good reputation of being honest. We boost an integrated and cohesive infrastructure of transport and economy. Despite our size, we yearn to shine. In the pursuit of excellence, we are notable for our Changi Airport, our Clean Environment, our Law and the Lawfuls. We accept and appreciates the different celebration of events and festivals for different races and religon. We lead a harmonious living with different races, whilst retaining the rich essence/culture of each race in various corner of Singapore. We enjoy a fusion of food from various culture. We, Singaporeans are one of a kind–a hybrid of many aspects. We adopt and we adapt. This make us unique!
Unique Linguistic Expression
Given the socio cultural fabric of Singapore is a rich blend of Chinese, Mandarin, Malay,Tamil, the four official languages of Singapore are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. English is the most common language used and is the language which unites the different ethnic groups. Most of us are usually bilingual, speaking a common language, English as well as one’s own mother tongue. Recently, it has been noted that Singlish is a favorite language amongst Singaporeans, using words like ” ya la, ok lor” at the end of the sentences. This influence of English is a badge of identity for Singaporeans, as we are racially mixed, and interact with other races in school, at work. Thus often, we mix malay and hokkien, to form words like “chope” and “cheem”. This is uniquely us, as most of us within a mutli-racial culture environment like Singapore, would understand that they mean to “reserve” and “difficult”. Personally, there is nothing wrong to adopt Singlish as it is something close to heart to bind us. It is only preferred at certain occassions, and thus unique.
Moreover, it is also common that Singaporeans have a quiet nature, during discussion. Most are willining to cooperate and do not voice own opinon strongly. This is likely due to the collective culture, as compared to individulistic culture, which advocate freedom, freedom of speech and expression. Hence, it is understandable that we are generally soft spoken, and easy going. It is an unique trait of us.
Unique Gestures
Greetings to one another are usually, “Heys Hi! or ” hello!” rather than the formal greeting of ” Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening” It is a casual and intimate form of expression of recognition of our friends, relatives etc.
Moreover, it is also common to meet people here, reserving their seats with objects like tissue or bags. This gesture is understood and respected. It is not a written law, neither is it against law to do so. It is usually during rush hour, that such an unique gesture surfaces.
Queueing up for purchase is common and it is an unspoken social order. However, queueing up has recently gain a new social meaning. Whenever there is a queue, there must be good news/stuff to gain. Take for a day out at an unfamiliar hawker centre, some of us would observe where is the longest queue and follow the crowd to queue, believing that the food to be queued for is going to be tasty.
In Singapore, we also have a “keep-it-clean” culture. Noted as one clean country, its people would take the effort to dispose their waste/rubbish into the nearest bin available. It is also common within school canteen, students would bring their dishes to nearby clearing station.
All in all, these make us UNIQUELY Singaporeans! =)
We chose a commercial photography, an ad featuring, Absolut Singapore. It could be interpreted in various perspectives, as we all define our home differently but how do we attach ourselves to our home, Singapore? Its flag? Its government? Its people? or Just people whom we care and love, stay together with us. =)
For the analysis which Celeste and i did, pls click nm3223-photo-analysis.ppt
ps: slide on monks robe is a research to substantiate the interpretation of red cloth. a slide not shown in class, but relatively important.
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Slideshow: Several picks which apply similar style of sublimal advertising in the form of symbolic representation of Absolut. http://absolutad.com/
Sidenote, QUOTED FROM THE SITE. “ABSOLUT SYDNEY is on page 3 of the 12/99 issue of (not only) blue, an Australian gay lifestyle magazine. This Andy Glass photo features a surfer sitting on a beach, in Sydney, Australia, the site of the 2000 Summer Olympics; he’s at the water’s edge, with his surfboard. Footprints, leading up to the surfer, form the left side of a subtle Absolut shape; the water’s edge forms the right. The beach in this 1999 ad may be Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous, or nearby Bronte Beach, popular with surfers. “
@ •
I guess in a way or another, it really depends on how well we understand the culture/ traditions/ symbolic events…of one’s country, so as to appreciate the ad message. Similary, when we showed the class our ad, we have several interesting comments on how it appeals or not, and what is it trying to ’sell’ to us. Well, i guess we are all right. We have our own belief and values in the Home-Singapore,where we live in. Is it really nothingness, and an ABSOLUTely law by law nation or is it a fuse of various cultures/races that we do not discriminate anyone in particular, such that a clean n clear surface of the bottle represent a whole form of unity and acceptance of our multi-racial ethnicity? i think i could relate to either one.=)
~Peer Review~
Empty-looking glass bottle: Implies that Singapore is an empty vessel?
Red cloth wiping glass bottle: Using Singapore Flag to clean an Absolut Vodka Bottle?
~Review for Peers~
I find the works of Jialin&Karen interesting. The former shows a congruent interpretation with various supporting ads which use similar appeal but differing perspective with humor. This makes it clear and flows well. =) 10/10. Also, i found myself thinking over Stephanie&Fala works, which portray a certain top-down angle, a style which is pretty consistent for social documentary pictures. Somehow, the way the photo is taken, it conveys a negative connotation that they are being look down by others..hence the top-down view. Their work is also being supported well by other sources. 9.7/10. Works by Mike&Zhenqin also set me into thinking of how the roles and influence of gender these days are blurry and one party is dependent on the other party, regardless of gender. Say, a guy’s hand wrapped around the girl, may show that he wants to protect her and keep her by his side. But, as the girl’s hand got underneath the shirt..and close to the bottom..it shows that she too wants to protect him and keep him by her side, for she has the ‘exclusive right’ to reach beneath and he wont feel offended. Many perspectives to the ad, but a little lack of supporting sources for interpretation of the perspective. 9.5/10.
~Self Assessment~
In relation to both Jialin&Karen and Stephanie&Fala work, i would give myself 9.9 for effort,9.9 for creativity/concept. total 9.9/10. Jialin&karen did good job in portraying how a picture can be interpreted by humor in different context and Stephanie&Fala shows how one takes a photo may also alter the interpretation. Hence this score is given for we have supported our interpretations with varying sources of pictures as well as relating back to singapore culture. We also showed clearly how the target audience’s and photographer’s views collide..In fact, it is inevitable to ignore the fact that singapore is a fusion of race, religion etc hence, to pin point something truly singapore is a trick.
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Just for Laugh:
Video: Hossan Leong. Song Reflecting on What is truly SG? Nothing?
So, do we have a strong national identity?
“Its not perfect living, but at least its interesting! ”
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Just for Laugh:
Video: Dick Lee. Song on We are Singapore!
So, are we really too obedient or do we just comply since it is how it has been working..why not not law by law?
~Anythingforyoursmileagain.~
Ive Smiled.
=)
CREEP 1 …..a stranger, quietly & rudely infiltrating our mind..thats CREEP.
Rain is when ‘heaven is crying’ , i was often told so, when i was young…It was after a Rain with him, we wandered around the estate to take pics. [Thks CH for teaching!] No one knows when nor why it rain-ed. i captured this series, named: STRESS CREEPS; HOPE SEEPS, feeling a sense of lost, fragile and stress, whilst hoping for hope. Any paper, when thoroughly soaked or wet..will becomes soft and flimsy and it will no longer stand as one piece under the stress of rain. Any one, when extremely stressed or challenged will become weak and flustered and he/she will likely not trust life anymore than before. It’s not an exaggerated comment. It’s what personally ive seen, felt, experienced..and still experiencing with..Stress Creeps.
Realism Title: Soaked, tattered, scattered.
L:Newspapers soaked in rain just did not seem as perfect and ’strong’ like those neatly bundled papers we receive in the morning. Soaked papers break into pieces, as the bonds [atoms] within has broken. Shown as it is, they are ’soaked, tattered, scattered. ‘
M:When it rains, it was unexpected. Just like when stress creeps into our life, not all of us know how it comes, and when will it leave..and will it ever leave us..ever? It quietly infuses and builds up in our life. It breaks those, who could’nt stand up to its creep. It breaks me, when ive seen how it broke the one i care & love. and why not me, be the one broken. Over and over again, rain doesnt end; Over and over again, stress continues to creep in…
Formalism Title: What’s left after the rain.
L: Whilst soaked and exposed to natural drying, the papers are stuck to the floor. Wet and clingy, as it has lost its form. Though there’s wind and sun, it will never be the same piece. In fact, it tears and reforms as weather changes.
M: Help is provided. Help is seeked. Yet, it will not pacify the stressed one. The effects of the creepy stress doesnt fade just so. It has left its prints deep within us, creeping into one’s mind and soul. And sometimes, its just too hard to see why and how it is creeping in. Over time, one will feel like running away from the creep: Just leave me alone, thou shall not fight–> a cry which is hardly comprehended and compromised…but am trying my best to hold you..thou shall not give up. It is tiring. but giving up is the surest way to doom. Running away is impossible, even if you think im-possible
Expressionalism Title: Stress creeps, Hope seeps.
L: This piece, though soaked is clinging over the edge of the drain. It is torned, but part of the content could still be read. From the article of a patient awaiting and hoping for a change…it states, “Her condition …more stable..although still critical.” whilst her cries, ” How long more do i have to wait for a heart? i need a donor”
M: Stress doesnt break just anyone of us but it is not a choice, if it chooses you. When all that we have tried in vain, there is more to try and learn. Yes, it is tiring, to be soaked over and dry over and soaked over…Its exasperation when it keeps creeping and hope only seeps in slowly. However, it is not the stress that will kill us eventually. it is if we give up all our hopes for better. Hoping is a hope. Afterall, in life, what happens, happens for a reason.
~***~
CREEP 2.…to develop gradually or to infringe meanings on life/objects/situations…CREEP
Pretty Vs Ugly. It is so subjective. Many a times, many simple beauty are amongst us, but we only have eyes for the others. What is pretty, what is ugly. No one has the right definition to it. We have LEARNT it from our environment, people whom we are with, from books, that pretty/ugly is defined as..pleasing, alluring/disgusting, turn-off. The definitions are socially constructed..they have creep into us, infringing meanings which we adopt but never ask why. why? This series is about how definitions of Pretty and Ugly seep into our data bank-brain. Titled: Pretty Ugly.
Realism Title: Rise Oh Rise Pipe. *EDITED
(Above: Replace Above, for a more realistic view of pipes and also, since the other two pictures show a simple style, i decided to use the above in place, so as to form a consistent style.)
L: It is everywhere, amongst the hdb estate. Pipes creeping along the walls, buildings. Pipes carry with them..lots of creep within. u know…those stuff. but they conceal them within, those uglies..which most of us prefer not to be in contact with.
M: It is so integrated and merged with our surroundings, that we hardly take a second look at them. No doubt that over time, algae grows on them..but it is still as tough as before. It may has an ugly interior, but it sure present itself simple and pretty.
Formalism: Yellow yellow dirty fellow. Says who?
L: A deterioriated pipe, that is ‘peeling’ under stress. It is bent, yet it still stay strong and stood out against the white wall.
M: Pretty is not skin-deep. Often, after trials and tests, we would change. The exterior may not be the same, but the pretty self inside..wouldnt change easily. We are pretty, not by skin, but by who we really are. Hopefully many of you will agree so. We are ugly only when we deny our true selves. Like this pipe, it may be decaying..and ugly, but does it try to hide, nope. It is still there, it is out facing the world. It is a pretty little thing, against the white wall. It sure catches one’s eyes. Pretty or not, it is really not debatable. We all have different definitions, but these definitions of pretty/ugly are so socially constructed, and they creep into our dictionary. are we aware? How often, have we commented on whether this guy/girl is pretty/ugly, just by ONE look? We do, dont we. We have our sets of definition imprinted in our mind. It wasnt there..it creeps in…
Expressionalism: Paint the Ugly Pretty.
L: An algae infested pipe [in the background] is deem gross and ugly, by some of us. It is hardly given a second look.
M: It is ‘ugly’ on the outside. but it is pretty too. Especially if one takes a step back and view this. It is pretty much like a painting of a green bamboo, with red flowers emerging from the corner. Sometimes, something ugly come along, we take it for granted or ignore it. Only when something pretty creeps in, we will take note. The flower creeps in from the corner of the picture, and beautify the picture. Now, no one will really see and know that it is a ‘creepy rotting pipe.’ Sometimes, it is amazing. Something ugly in something pretty can be the most enduring beauty. =)
~Peer Review~
Qiyi suggested that the second piece is pretty expressionistic, as she could see the form of the runnning figure, which i did. gee. thanks, not many did see it. glad u did. =) Probably i would keep it so, as it is an abstract piece, in my view. Ivy commented it was a nice journalistic style of shooting which she liked. Thanks too. Mr Reddy preferred the last shot best..as it draws one to look at and prefer the second series..Thanks. It is also suggested that i could probably change the first pic [ of the second creep] as the subject itself didnt stand out clear.
~Review for peers~
I love Jillyn’s work best. It is a creep of a snail. Slowly and steadfastly, the snail is crawling up. I love the shoots and how she portray the theme in relation to life..how we should never give up and move on. 9.6/10. I also like both Eileen’s and Paul’s capture of the cementry. The former is touching creepiness..as it relates to the kranji war. I like the meaning for creep-reach out to people out there, that the sacrifices made by man was worth. [Eileen's definiiton =)] In relation to Paul’s, I like the overall feel of creep..it kinda irks, and i love the contrast of the headless and complete angel. It spelt out c-r-e-e-p. 8.9/10 for both. I also like Rebecca’s work of her mom’s ageing. It is indeed true that our parents are ageing faster as we grow older. Her formalism pic draws one to reflect upon how often have we choose to stay with our parents. Especially the red nails, which brings up the creepiness..Good! 8.6/10
~Self assessment~
In relation to both Jillyn’s and Eileen’s concept, i would give myself 9.5 for effort,9 for creativity/concept, 8.6 for technicality. total 9.03/10. Jillyn has weaved it well, and fit all 3 pics into formalism, realism, expressionalism, with a motivating and simple concept. cheers! Much much better than mine. Whereas, Eileen did a good relation to creep, than the usual creepy plants. I would prefer her second series much more as it portrays the various style clearer. Both of them try to portray hope for life and i do too, in different perspective and theme. I took the meaning of creep as a form of mentality and forms my pictures. It is something difficult to portray but something one can related to in daily lives-Stress & Meanings in Life.
*EDITED
( Remove the ’scary’ part and it seems more pleasing. )
This is a piece, which ive felt and conceptualised in my mind, with no ill intention or irk factor intended. =) Sorry guys. Pls dont feel uneasy k. What i felt then, was an emptiness&lost, beyond sadness and helplessness personal state, thus it infuses into the art piece i did. Haha enough of personal ‘insight’, back to this.
Initially, ive took beach, parks, wet market, and people pics. Many concepts were circling my mind…but when i saw this train structure in henderson park, it sparks a new concept..i want to focus on toy vs real train, and thus, the idea slowly developed.
Preceding, i would like to portray a boy and a girl, losing touch with one another. one will be on the side of the real train, the other on the side of the toy train. –generally a sense of lost & helplessness, in tie to the theme—The day after. Gradually, ive changed and created this piece–Where are you.
The background is the train and the station itself, whereby one can see that it seems to be approaching, or leaving…into the ‘whiteness’ with a backdrop of several buildings. This is the setting. A long long train which seems to be vanishing into the picture..with some buildings at far-sight.
Well, the train can be intepreted as leaving or approaching. but it is actually leaving, with no driver in front. So yup, maybe friends, have not seen it up close, and my train is not going to ‘kill’ the girl. =)
The people in black and white, represent that they are from the day before, while only the father and the boy are colored, and they are from the day after. I chose this way, so as to create a contrast in time, and to draw more attention to the boy, which has multiple images, as he is ’searching’
However, the idea was that the boy has lost his sister,[ far right] and they will never meet as she is ‘dead’ and the day after shows that the boy still didnot know where she is..and he is searching for her.
Thats all. I love the whole experience, had a day out with my best friend while shooting..lalala =P
Peers Review
Oh my. i couldnt stop myself ‘blushing awkardly’. The class gave ‘argh’, ‘ah’, ‘ee’. One word to sum: Gross. Seriously, maybe i myself prefer horror and thrill stuff, and this is pretty mild for me. “Blushed”, as i really did not expect that they will be affected. Im sorry guys, im not smiling then k, just ‘dont-know-how-else-to-describe’ and not gross u guys out..so i ’smiled’. =)
Well, one suggested that i put the mother with the girl in the track. Possible to do, but i think it might stir more undesirable uneasiness. Thanks for the comment. I shall review it. Well, meimei commented that it did good, as it create an unanimous ‘argh’, and was impactful. Thanks for the comment too. But i guess it may have been a little too much for most to take and nope dear, i wont send to SMRT, ahha least there will be more complaints, like for those pics on cigarette packages..haha. Well, Ivy has also pointed out a good point on gaze, mine i think is intra-diegetic gaze providing semi-reciprocal attention [ boy to girl] Thanks for comment too. I will look into it. =)
Overall, more feedbacks.Looking forward to find time to re-edit it!! Stay tune!
Review for peers work
OH. I love Jialin’s. Its awesome. The perspective and ingenious play with color, much much better than mine. This is one interesting composition and im falling in love with it. Thumbs up. 98/100. Moreover, i also enjoy and like Ivy’s interpretation of her work. Well, lots of effort put in too!! Its a dreamy yet realistic piece. I also like the flow and colors in her work. Great! 95/100. I also like Zhenqin’s concept a lot. It really makes one ponder if one can enter the world of the other and whether people these days are even bothered to collide with one another. hmm maybe im reading too much into his. But it draws one attention with the focus on road lines, rather than buildings, making the buildings look inferior..good!90/100.
Self Assessment
Well, I think this is a ’surrealistic’ piece im trying to create, from mind to eye. In relation to Zhengqin’s portrayal of surrealistic collision, i would grade myself 51 for effort and 32 for creativity.Yes it was imagination, but i guess i wasnt clear if that wasnt advised. It is pretty far-stretched, so much so that i try to portray two dimension of time. But i think i could improve, by first removing the story, and add more dynamic perspective to it. I may like to try to do 2 trains coming in from different directions. Also, I do agree with the class that the picture maybe disturbing to families who may have lost their members at the mrt track. Im sorry for this insensitivity, i will omit the girl in re-editing k. =) Overall, i think my train turns out nice, and there is a sense of deadness and live within, which i try to achieve..both the day before and after effect.
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Hi, Im Jasmine
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