Untitled 1

In Untitled 1, we were to create an image based art piece, that conveys our concept idea through the means of editing.

What Compelled you to make this image? Why did you choose the particular inanimate object?

The image is a symbolic representation of my emotions coming into ADM. The reason why I chose paper as my subject matter is because paper is a very versatile material. Paper as a piece itself is planar, giving no form to its original state. However with some folding, it gives form and a multitude of possibility arises. Apart from its shape, the type of paper used also give rise to possibilities of it becoming different forms.

Recognise and explain the various elements in your work (Subject, Form, Context, Content)

The subject of the image is the plain white paper origami flower. It is a representation of my emotions coming into ADM with no background. Ever since I’ve entered the school, I’ve been feeling inadequate and was pretty anxious about being surrounded by amazingly talented and hardworking individuals with their own drive and passion for what they like. The pretty coloured flowers in the back are made of cartridge paper, a paper with higher gsm and is thicker, representing these individuals’ strengths and skills. This is in comparison to the plain white paper flower in the foreground, which is formed pretty roughly, with the petals made with cutting of scissors and it being a little more crumpled and made of newsprint, which is a fragile and thin paper with low gsm. This represents me being inadequate and my skills being weaker in comparison to my peers.

However, it is a flower nonetheless and although it looks a little more roughly made, it is still sticking out of the ground and reaching upwards. This brings me to my point of choosing ADM rooftop as my setting. This symbolises me comforting myself to work to the best of my abilities as we are now all from the same school, the same ground. We are given the same nutrients (education), and how the flower will turn out in the future depends on our own abilities and diligence. I chose to add a warm tonal value into the image for it to look like dawn/dusk, symbolising a new beginning and instilling hope into the image.

What are the semiotics of your image? The Signifier and the signified?

Signifier: Paper flower

Signified: ADM students’ individuality

Signifier: Type of origami used for the coloured flowers compared to the plain flower

Signified: My skill set in comparison to my peers entering the school

Signifier: Warm tonal value

Signified: Hope, beginning of my growth as an artist

Signifier: ADM Rooftop

Signified: School supporting me to grow as an artist