Thesis project for BFA (Visual Communications) at School of Art, Design and Media, 2011
After researching and understanding the codified language and symbolism found in an established set of gestures, known as mudras prevalent in Hindu-Buddhist visual culture, I have come to realise that they, like any other language, have their own ‘dialects’ presenting itself differently in ritual, iconography and dance.
The project focuses on the expressive and meaningful hand gestures, known as nritya hasta-mudras, used in Bharata Natyam. The traditional meanings of the nritya hasta-mudras were studied and further embellished to provide for contemporary and localised/regional usages. Through graphic design and illustration, the encapsulated meanings and nature-inspired movements were re-conceptualised and presented in a new manner.
The project was designed hypothetically for the performing arts section of the Asian Civilisations Museum South Asia gallery, with the aim of making visible and re-expressing their usages and symbolisms. This is done through two applications: an interactive kiosk where users may be able to use gestural language to express ideas and narratives in and out of the dance choreography context, and a ‘take-home’ hasta-mudra rubber stamp kit accompanied with an illustrated dictionary.
Exhibited at the ADM Show 2011
Cheryl Lim and Nicholas Low, 2011
The wedding stationary I designed for my sister’s wedding that unfortunately did not happen. The concept was built around the frequent movie dates that they used to do.
VIS350 Graphic Design IV “Dictionary” Exhibition, 2010
As part of the design team of the Dictionary exhibition, I designed one of the three posters for the promotion of the exhibition.
VIS350 Graphic Design IV “Dictionary” Project, 2010
To me, design, is a medium of infinite possibilities. And these array of possibilities differ from designer to designer. This mixed media installation of five dioramas set within typographic boxes presents my personal engagement with graphic design. Just as design is a conduit for communication, so am I a conduit for design.
Exhibited at the Dictionary exhibition, during the ADM Visual Communication End-of-Semester Show 2010 (Spring)
VIS380 Production for Graphic Designers, 2010
A magazine focusing on Southeast Asia, targeting the youths of the region. Since the colonial times, the region has been plagued with wars, unrest and widespread economic instability. Southeast Asians, in general, have developed an inferiority complex. They have come to view themselves and Southeast Asia negatively. The motive of this publication is to re-present Southeast Asia and hopefully foster a sense of belonging and ‘regioness’. The focus of this publication, through its various sections, is to draw the beauty of Southeast Asia in a way that appeals to the target group.
VIS350 Graphic Design IV “Issues” Project, 2010
The campaign was built on the context of embracing Singlish as a Singaporean cultural identity. There were two other objectives: to recycle old stuff and also for a social good. The core of the campaign surrounds a pasar malam where products made by a HDB community out of used/old materials will be sold, at another HDB community.
The pasar malam becomes the conduit where Singaporeans can be rallied to be proud to use Singlish, and purchased hand-made Singlish-themed products. Money raised will go towards a community project of choice.
This project was done in collaboration with Elena Yeo and Heng Shao Ning.
Michelle Eng and Yeo Jing Wei, 2010
I was asked to design for the wedding of my good friend, Mich to the love of her life, Jing Wei. The theme I chose to work with was an Asian one, with the crest made up of two stylised and intertwined “wei” character, found in both of their Chinese names. My blessing for them is to always remain connected in body, heart and mind, communicated through this crest. The concept was carried through in their wedding invite and mass booklet.
School of Art, Design and Media, Nanyang Technological University, Visual Communication faculty, 2009
Our University was very honoured to have and to be enlightened by the esteemed Alexandre Wollner. Dubbed as the ‘Father of Brazillian modern graphic design’, this huge proponent of the modernist tradition came to lecture and conduct a series of workshops in 2009. It was an even greater honour for me to be invited by the faculty to design a poster for the event.
VIS260 Graphic Design II “Public Service Announcement” Assignment, 2009
A collaboration with Bernadette Chong and May Lim to create a public service announcement for 12- to 13-year-olds. Using the idea of an animal in mis-matched skin coverings, we hope to address the issue of self-esteem, encouraging them to be comfortable with who they are.
Special thanks to Product Designer Frankie Tee who helped out in the production of the wooden animals, and the students from the School of the Arts, Singapore.
VIS260 Graphic Design II “Fading Traditions” Assignment, 2009
This project was about reviving a fading Singaporean tradition through graphic design. The tradition I chose was Tikam-tikam, a simple luck-based game. Using this idea, I designed a set of modular vinyl dolls that allows you to purchase various parts of the body which you could collect and put together. Packaging and brochure were designed to accompany the figurines.
Another implementation was in an interactive touchscreen panel for an exhibition setting, targeting at a foreign audience.
Presented as part of Asst. Prof. Deborah Alden’s ‘Fading Traditions’ paper at Icograda World Design Congress 2009.