representation
two way street: the designer and the viewer
how do you communicate ideas?
representation sits between what i want to say and how th eviewer interprets it
there is no single definition of representation though
using signs to stand for an idea or an object
what plays significant a role?
the sign
the mental concept
the users of the sign
"building a mental picture of reality"
representation is not universal, it depends on cultural background, life experience, etc
as a viewer,everytime you intereact with a design or concept you assimilate that information within your own life experience
example of orientalism
representation of the 'orient'
painting played a key role, which of course didn't represent the orient accurately
propaganda as a very dangerous method of representation, the manipulation of representation to achieve a particular goal
the analysis of diesel ads (very interesting)
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
studio 4: coffee machine 2d
this composition also examines dalisi's process, but without colour. i looked at the 'problem' ie the design as a maze dalisi had to see through, but then i thought that the design process entails multiple mazes, so i included five of them. this layer is underneath the second and is physically separated. on the second layer i looked at how he created ideas, and how they become clearer as he goes through the design process. there are no complete words until he experiences the rather chaotic stage where all sorts of ideas clash with each other, but there is still nothing concrete. eventually he starts developing complete words (ideas) and they get together to form the coffee machine.
studio 4: coffee machine 3d
this one develops the first study i made, which is the process dalisi went through. the initial part is mostly black and pink. the black is the uncertainty, and the pink is the initial ideas/plan he applied, which then disappears after the middle part where he has a phase of confusion and there is bit of a chaos. however, the ideas he ends up applying are still visible from the beginning to a certain extent. in the end he comes up with a smooth and concrete form which incorporates several interrelated ideas.
studio 4: paradise carpet
my analysis of the carpet uses some of the methods i applied for my grid exercise. i wanted to work in a grid but not a rectangular rigid grid like the one i worked on for the exercise. so, i made my own grid.
grid sketch:
so the grid still has a mid point like on persian carpets and has several smaller sections. it is also semi-symmetrical.
next i looked at the patterns. i looked at the curvy forms and colours and prepared a study from which i cut pieces to form the patterned part of the composition:
then i combined the patterned pieces with the calligraphic compositions i made for the grid exercise. the words are different, but they're still persian.
and the result:
the composition can be arranged in a circular or rectangular form. in the rectangular form in the photo above, it is spread on an a2 size, however, it fits on an a3 when all the pieces are put together.
i will refine this further during the break.
grid sketch:
so the grid still has a mid point like on persian carpets and has several smaller sections. it is also semi-symmetrical.
next i looked at the patterns. i looked at the curvy forms and colours and prepared a study from which i cut pieces to form the patterned part of the composition:
then i combined the patterned pieces with the calligraphic compositions i made for the grid exercise. the words are different, but they're still persian.
and the result:
the composition can be arranged in a circular or rectangular form. in the rectangular form in the photo above, it is spread on an a2 size, however, it fits on an a3 when all the pieces are put together.
i will refine this further during the break.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
studio four: different trains. steve reich, by roger sutherland
"systems music":
represents process, little variation of pitch, rythm, etc.
the emhpasis is on the texture rather than intricate composition. this technique is also observed in arvo paert's work.
heavily influenced by non-western musical traditions. in reich's case, balinese and ghanian music.
reich went through a very long process of experimentation until he found his musical language.
even though reich's works sounds very subtle to the ear, they have a complex structure underneath.
different trains, performed by the kronos quartet (who also perform many of arvo paert's works)
in different trains reich interprets everyday speech into music.
reich's work reflect his experience in ghana, and his jewish background.
represents process, little variation of pitch, rythm, etc.
the emhpasis is on the texture rather than intricate composition. this technique is also observed in arvo paert's work.
heavily influenced by non-western musical traditions. in reich's case, balinese and ghanian music.
reich went through a very long process of experimentation until he found his musical language.
even though reich's works sounds very subtle to the ear, they have a complex structure underneath.
different trains, performed by the kronos quartet (who also perform many of arvo paert's works)
in different trains reich interprets everyday speech into music.
reich's work reflect his experience in ghana, and his jewish background.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Evelyn Glennie : how to listen to music with your whole body
this was a very very interesting video, and as a music lover opened my eyes to a complete new layer of music.
evelyn glennie is a deaf musician, who 'hears' music through the musical values the notes represent, the vibrations within the space and her body, and through the rythm, of course.
it was quite amazing to see how she interacted with the audience and made them think about how they perceive music, and explained that you don't only 'listen' to music with your ears but there are several different factors to be taken into account.
evelyn glennie is a deaf musician, who 'hears' music through the musical values the notes represent, the vibrations within the space and her body, and through the rythm, of course.
it was quite amazing to see how she interacted with the audience and made them think about how they perceive music, and explained that you don't only 'listen' to music with your ears but there are several different factors to be taken into account.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
drawing in a grid
my paradise: to me paradise is an abstract concept, not a physical place with sunshine, tropical fish, hot guys, perpetual summer etc etc. so i chose two persian words and distorted them, and then combined them together to form an abstract composition that represents my paradise. i first looked at a couple of traditional calligraphy.
some examples:
initial study for the words:
secondary study
for the rivers i applied the same method of distortion, this time more literal, so someone who can read persian may be able to make out one or two of the words. the words are the names of the four rivers in the "paradise".
they are:
سیردَریا
آمودریا
فُرات
نیل
for the animals and plants, i thought i might be a bit more literal, so i looked at how animals are represented on persian carpets:
.jpg)
and my interpretation:
some examples:
initial study for the words:
secondary study
for the rivers i applied the same method of distortion, this time more literal, so someone who can read persian may be able to make out one or two of the words. the words are the names of the four rivers in the "paradise".
they are:
سیردَریا
آمودریا
فُرات
نیل
for the animals and plants, i thought i might be a bit more literal, so i looked at how animals are represented on persian carpets:
.jpg)
and my interpretation:
Monday, August 9, 2010
studio 4 lecture week 4
recap: generative metaphors, how to approach problems, coming up with solutions etc
three case studies
one. diller and scofidio
blur: the making of nothing
switzerland, looking into the culture, geography, languages etc
exhibitions as forming a national identity in a diverse country like switzerland
"a laboratory of ideas"
analysis of the different parts of the exhibit
"a matrix of associations"
clashing ideas and concepts
the project in evolution
constant exchange of information and ideas
analysis of the site
natural elements; mist, water, wind, etc
interaction between the visitors of the exhibit
the swarowski chandelier; analysing the characteristics of the chandelier and reinterpreting them
some others
three case studies
one. diller and scofidio
blur: the making of nothing
switzerland, looking into the culture, geography, languages etc
exhibitions as forming a national identity in a diverse country like switzerland
"a laboratory of ideas"
analysis of the different parts of the exhibit
"a matrix of associations"
clashing ideas and concepts
the project in evolution
constant exchange of information and ideas
analysis of the site
natural elements; mist, water, wind, etc
interaction between the visitors of the exhibit
the swarowski chandelier; analysing the characteristics of the chandelier and reinterpreting them
some others
Saturday, August 7, 2010
studio 4: paradise reading
the first article talks about the concept of paradise within the western context, as well as examining some myths.
the second studies the concept of paradise in islam, drawing on several verses from the koran, and some poems. this is particularly interesting for me, since i grew up in a muslim country so i have a deeper understanding, but i grew up in that muslim country as a non-muslim so i still cannot completely understand how a devout muslim would feel about these ideas.
perhaps the most well known one is pandora's box! pandora opens the box and all blessings escape, but hope stays. hope is the only blessing mankind has to survive.
it is interesting to contrast the perceptions of the west and the east, but what is most interesting about both is the effort people have made to make sense of the things happening around them. people have, in a sense, made up stories in an effort to explain their surroundings, the world they inhabit, and of course, their lives. no wonder religion still plays a very important role in our lives today since there is still so much we cannot explain, including what happens when we die, hence all the ideas about paradise! =)
a study of my paradise:
the second studies the concept of paradise in islam, drawing on several verses from the koran, and some poems. this is particularly interesting for me, since i grew up in a muslim country so i have a deeper understanding, but i grew up in that muslim country as a non-muslim so i still cannot completely understand how a devout muslim would feel about these ideas.
perhaps the most well known one is pandora's box! pandora opens the box and all blessings escape, but hope stays. hope is the only blessing mankind has to survive.
it is interesting to contrast the perceptions of the west and the east, but what is most interesting about both is the effort people have made to make sense of the things happening around them. people have, in a sense, made up stories in an effort to explain their surroundings, the world they inhabit, and of course, their lives. no wonder religion still plays a very important role in our lives today since there is still so much we cannot explain, including what happens when we die, hence all the ideas about paradise! =)
a study of my paradise:
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
studio four: paradise
persian paradise carpets
based on the islamic idea of paradise, designs have evolved over many generations
concepts of paradise among different cultures differ
the word paradise is of persian origin: literally meaning walled garden
(reminds me of the garden of earthly delights)
the story of garden/paradise in the genesis
adam and eve are expelled from the garden and since then have desired to go back to that garden
similar ideas in the islamic tradition and certain similar concepts in the buddhist tradition
tibetan tantric art
paradise in ancient greek culture:
perpetual spring with its own stars
garden in islam
a confined space within a wall
(however, there are several interpretations of this concept among different islamic cultures.)
some attributes of the islamic garden:
-enclosed
-cultivated
-usually rectangular
-usually include water channels
-textured plants
-the water brings sound to the space
the manifestation of this concept of paradise on carpets:
kurdish carpets, with different approaches towards the manifestation of paradise ( so they're not limited to persian carpets)
the immense amount of labour and skill that goes into producing a single carpet is in itself a metaphor of the difficulty (or even impossibility) of attaining the level of awareness and perfection one needs to be worth of "paradise"
patterns used in persian carpets and their symbolism (www.persiancarpetartcentre.com.au)
the use of colour:
white:peace
red great:joy
yellow:glory
green:sacred colour
brown:acceptance
orange:devotion
garden in persian miniatures:
babur's gardens
plants were chosen for their symbolism, their texture, etc
symbolism in alhambra
other cultures:
garden of eden is believed to be based in historical kurdistan
"the task is not so much to see what no one has yet seen, but to think what no one has thought about that which everyone sees".
based on the islamic idea of paradise, designs have evolved over many generations
concepts of paradise among different cultures differ
the word paradise is of persian origin: literally meaning walled garden
(reminds me of the garden of earthly delights)
the story of garden/paradise in the genesis
adam and eve are expelled from the garden and since then have desired to go back to that garden
similar ideas in the islamic tradition and certain similar concepts in the buddhist tradition
tibetan tantric art
paradise in ancient greek culture:
perpetual spring with its own stars
garden in islam
a confined space within a wall
(however, there are several interpretations of this concept among different islamic cultures.)
some attributes of the islamic garden:
-enclosed
-cultivated
-usually rectangular
-usually include water channels
-textured plants
-the water brings sound to the space
the manifestation of this concept of paradise on carpets:
kurdish carpets, with different approaches towards the manifestation of paradise ( so they're not limited to persian carpets)
the immense amount of labour and skill that goes into producing a single carpet is in itself a metaphor of the difficulty (or even impossibility) of attaining the level of awareness and perfection one needs to be worth of "paradise"
patterns used in persian carpets and their symbolism (www.persiancarpetartcentre.com.au)
the use of colour:
white:peace
red great:joy
yellow:glory
green:sacred colour
brown:acceptance
orange:devotion
garden in persian miniatures:
babur's gardens
plants were chosen for their symbolism, their texture, etc
symbolism in alhambra
other cultures:
garden of eden is believed to be based in historical kurdistan
"the task is not so much to see what no one has yet seen, but to think what no one has thought about that which everyone sees".
Sunday, August 1, 2010
dalisi
a conceptual study of the coffee machine. i looked at the coffee machine as the result/embodiment of several ideas and thoughts etc, how they clash, how they stand as separate entities within the same frame.
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