TUTORIAL WEEK 7

SINGAPORE ART MUSEUM

At SAM, we were divided into small groups to study an artwork and form our own questions on it based on whatever we have learnt in the last 3 terms. We chose an artwork called The Refuge by Grace Tan, which is an installation made of dress tags suspended from the ceiling along a staircase.

Our Learning Aims was: 

To understand how technology helps/changes the medium of explaining an artwork

Learning Outcomes: 

-To see differences between various mediums 

-To contextualize an artwork

-Realize how conventional material in can be used in a different way

Questions : 

1. How does the video downstairs help to explain the artwork that is exhibited?

2. How do the words on the wall helps to explain the artwork that is exhibited?

3. Contextualize the two mediums. (Video & Text) 

4. Why do you think the artist use these two mediums to explain the artwork?

5. What is your opinion about the usage of a particular medium to convey an artwork? 

This jacket is made of the same dress tags - by Martin Margiela (Artisinal collection) who uses unconventional materials to design ready to wear and haute couture dresses.

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QUESTIONS BY THE OTHER GROUP:

1. How important is the placement of the artwork?

The placement of the artwork is important due to the following:

- The seat is located in the centre with lights all around it in a circular shape, thus catching attention

- The artwork is placed in an enclosed dark room so that the blinking lights have a more deep impact on the audiences.

- The artwork is surrounded by many lamps of different sizes, shapes, colours and at different angles which adds value around a simple chair

- The main artwork is placed in a small room attached with a passage that we have to cross. This creates excitement and curiosity among the audience as to what is there.

For the reasons stated above, the location of the artwork plays a great role.

2. What is the meaning of "The real meaning of enlightenment is to gaze with undimmed eyes on all darkness"?

This is a quote by Nikos Kazantzakis.

My interpretation of this is that enlightenment can be achieved only if we are ready to to be strong enough to open our eyes completely and take up challenges, however dark/gloomy/scary they might be. Real spiritual or intellectual knowledge gained is only when we are strong to hold ourselves up in the deepest of problems. We must be bold and courageous o face obstacle. This will help us attain knowledge.

3. Are you able to interpret the artist's intention without reading the description?

There isn't a body of text anywhere around the artwork that explains the artist's message. There is just one quote on the wall outside taken from someone else which can be interpreted in various ways. Thus we do not understand what the artist is trying to convey through this artwork. 

We interpreted in our way, that the artist tried to grab our attention and make "interactive art" in a rhythmic manner.

4. Is creating excitement for the audiences is the key to a successful artwork?

Yes, in this particular artwork, excitement is one of the main elements that drives the audiences to interact with the artwork (go and sit on the chair) to see what happens. In this artwork, the artist has been able to create curiosity and suspense in the minds of the viewers. Thus, excitement has made this artwork successful.

5. Does complexity value add an artwork?

The complex part in this artwork is just the innumerable lights blinking quickly at one go. However, the materials used are conventional objects of daily life such as lights and chairs. It is pretty simple and clear, yet very interesting. Thus, any design doesn't need to be complex. Simple is effective in design.