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Grasping The Intangible, Manipulating The Metaphysical (Cont’d)

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Since you have already read my short little “monologue”, I want to give you an initial glimpse into my works in yet another verbal expose. This short segment comes from my Artist/Candidate Statement during my IBDP years and was submitted as a part of my examination requirement together with my Visual Arts portfolio. This statement is an attempt to summarize all my thought processes and conceptual thinking into a compacted summary. So here it is…

My investigation draws inspiration from architectural elements – not the physical, but rather the negative spaces created after a structure has been erected, spaces within the frames in which we exist. Initially, I had difficulty condensing this ambiguous theme into something that reflected my experience and area of interest. It called for much thought and experimentation, including exploring basic visual elements that could express my concern with space, and approaches such as to-scale maquettes and observing people’s reactions to space.

In this exploration, I looked at space not so much as a place for exhibition, but as a material in itself – something that could be manipulated and controlled. I sought to create works that would not only exist as objects, but also respond to a variety of environments. Through my works, I aim to bring to awareness how I approach and experience a space, as well as the potential I see for it. While examining linear elements and the lighting that architects and artists use to define certain spaces, I created responses in the form of doors, site-specific lighting works and “line” works. I believe that these lines and lighting techniques are objects that define space in a subtle manner, but are often overlooked and misunderstood.

Artists like Peter Callesen and Anthony Mccall have spurred me on to work with different media such as paper and light, and to approach them through various less conventional techniques that draw attention to elements of space.

As my works are impacted by the surroundings in which they exist, in the process as they are altered, re-made or take on different forms, the material carries with it a sense of “history”, of continuity. These works represent part of an on-going investigation that grapples with the intangible. The process of working with space knows no limit.

Now most may wonder why post this block of words talking about a concept of space but to not actually demonstrating the use of space through installations and sculptures? The answer is simple – a book started this investigation. The book’s title, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. Neil Gaiman is a bestselling author of fantasy novels, elucindating intricate details in deeps mysterious novels. Neverwhere portrays the journey of a girl, Door, who can open any door to any place she desired. This got me thinking about transitional spaces, questioning “what makes a door what it it?”, “does a door truly matter to the space?” and “what defines a door and its existence?”

For those who have not read Neverwhere, I strongly encourage you to do so. Afterward, share with my your insights and thoughts regarding the characters in relation to my concept of transitional space. In my opinion, it was the best and most unforgettable of Neil Gaiman’s collection of novels.

Critiques and News, Digital Media, Exhibitions, Personal Works, Sculpture

\/ / /\ – FIN

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Hey everyone! Many apologies that I have not been around to give you guys any updates lately. A lot of things have been going on, final submissions for academics, finalizing art portfolios, etc, etc.

But now I’m back!

It’s been a tough and arduous journey going through these past two or so years, particularly for art. I have had a lot of ups and down, dry spells for art which is the last thing you would ever want when you know that you have to submit a decent portfolio in less that half a year’s time. But nevertheless, it is all finished and I am happy to say that I have ended these section of my artistic journey on a high! I am proud to announce that all my friends in the same cohort are equally happy to share that they all think the same. So, on behalf of the graduating visual arts cohort of 2012, I present to you all:

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SOTA Graduating Cohort Exhibition 2012

As always, it is being held at School Of The Arts, SIngapore Art Gallery (level 2) and will be running for one entire month! The longest exhibition held since the opening of the school! It features selected works of all the pioneer students of SOTA that have been completed over the past two years, many of which are clear testimonies to our growth and development not only as students, but growing artists in this developing artistic community. Works are from all media – drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, design and new media – mostly of a contemporary nature with each student boasting 2 to 5 of their best pieces.

Concepts of the works delve into the exploration of identity through artistic experimentation, questioning, exploring and challenging artistic technique and conceptual development, exploration and tribute to the intangible and overlooked elements of space and the mundane, essence and appreciation of joy, etc. But all these descriptions are mere shadows in an attempt to capture the works that are on display and only when you view the exhibition can you truly appreciate the hard work and beauty that has gone into these masterpieces.

Over the next week or so, I will be posting pictures of some of the many works that are on display there. Hopefully, you all will be able to give some constructive criticism, compliments, etc. so as to starts all of us on the next leg of our artistic journey.

Graduating Cohort 2012:

Daisy Toh Li Xi

Leow Yi Yin

Mabel Anabelle Tan Xin Ying

Valerie Ng Suying

Cheryl Yeo Su-Min

Chong Lii

Jade Chan Su Hui

Kimberly Yeo Su Ching

Kirti Baskar Upadhyaya

Ong Sim

Rachael Cheong Li Zhen

Ang Jia An, Janel

Mariel Chee Wei Lin

Wong Hui Yu

Joy Abigail Ho Minhui

Marissa Tham Wei Ying

Lu Kejia

Inez Lim Min Jie

Ong Wen Hee

Tang Xiao Jun

Evan Chooi Xunhao

Ng Jun Jie

Lee Fang

Chan Wan Kyn

Tay Ze Bin, Wesley

Details:

SOTA Gallery

29th September – 28th October 2012

12pm – 8 pm

School of the Arts Singapore
1 Zubir Said Drive
Singapore 227968

So please DO MAKE YOUR WAY DOWN to view this truly once in a lifetime exhibition by the pioneer cohort of singapore’s first pre-tertiary art school!

“Last days of art….

But let it not be the be all and end all….”