"For No Reason"

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DESIGN

“for no reason”

in the awakening of Animism

I’m looking at you Through the beams reflected You are looking at me Though I never noticed I’m holding you With my palm And you hold water together Like they’ve never been gathered I’m calling you In a language you don’t speak Yet you understand Every word I say I’m needing you 24/7 Before I come And after I go Can we just take a pause And talk About our relationship Whether it’s romantic or not It can never be a monologue.

OPENING

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Introduction I’ll tell you what I am all about.

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Research

Ummm...

What is Animism again?

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51.

A true story

Up In The Air

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63.

Gallery

am #NowIpeel me off and

14 days of quarantine in a hotel. (not imaginary)

Selfies with some famous artworks.

I am a billboard but I’m not going to tell you that.

play with me.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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I. Introduction

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T H E R E ’ S A L W A Y S A PR E CONC EI V E D N O T I O N O F H U M A N L E A R N I N G:

conquering the unknown

+ indoctrinating the “known”.

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Non-sense is fascinating. Why does everything need to serve a purpose or a meaning? In this modern age, our affinities with objects, places, and all other creatures have become extremely difficult to explain if you reference only a logical manner.

From Meret Oppenheim’s

Object in the 40s to highway signs that display “stay home”

messages now amid the outbreak of COVID-19, our interpretation and interaction with things confer vitality to them.

Confronted by such a vivid experience, the boundary between animate and inanimate objects grows blurry.

INTRODUCTION

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:: We are all in this continuum which blinds us from the fact that binary boundaries between nature/culture, human/non-human, and subjectivity/objectivity may not be as steadfast as they seem. This shed light upon Animism, a belief that all entities in the world possess a life force, soul and natural spirit. Yet, modernity has removed this soul of things so that capitalism has a role to play.

::: Our ways of thinking are often times associated with the colonial perspective of conquest and indoctrination of the ‘other’ by the ‘center’, just as we define and value all other beings using our own dictionary and measurement. Therefore, I want to create a piece that examines modernity on the basis that not all possibilities are held within our principles of reason and reality. If art is a problem of communication to which everchanging perspectives are absolutely imperative, then the goal is never to proselytize, but to discuss how these frontiers are constructed and will be constructed.

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“for no reason”

We, the colonists, are being amazingly aggressive to the colonized “things� and leaving them no space to ever fight back.

INTRODUCTION

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II. Research

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primordial Derived from an anthropology term in Primitive Culture (1871) by Edward Burnett Tylor, Animism was, in some ways, misunderstood as the origin of all religions. It is old but not primitive, fundamental but not basic. It is a belief embedded in our life that does not necessarily carry superstitious meanings when applied to different fields of study.

: existing at or from the beginning of time; primeval. : (especially of a state or quality) basic and fundamental. : (of a cell, part, or tissue) in the earliest stage of development.

Synonyms : native, aboriginal, local, ancient, initial, indigenous, autochthonous, intuitive, inborn, inherent, natural Antonyms : modern, adventitious, expatriate, migrant Etymology : primordius [LATIN] original primordialis [latin] primordium [english]

RESEARCH

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manifoldness Whatever animation or liveliness that are introduced into animistic design should not be solely considered as the goals or ends in themselves, but rather as tools to embrace the multiplicity of cognition that cannot be simply exhausted by human language and intelligence.

: the quality of being many and various. : having many different forms or elements.

Synonyms : legion, diversiness, multiplex, multiplicity, multifariousness, variety, miscellaneousness Antonyms : homogeneity, sameness, likeness, similarity, paucity Etymology : manigfeald [OLD ENGLISH]

RESEARCH

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re-examine There have been many thresholds in history where we can look back and re-evaluate certain codes of conduct in the manner of our own position in the universe as a giant incubator for all entities, and we are now offered with a more direct and open opportunity with the notion of animistic design.

: to examine (someone or something) again especially from a different point of view. : to question (a witness) again in a legal proceeding.

Synonyms : reconsult, renegotiate again, revise, reconstite Antonyms : consistent, unchanged, unaltered, invariable, constant Etymology : examen [latin] examination examinare [latin] weigh, test examiner [french]

RESEARCH

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mutable As we challenge the fundamental tenets of ontological dualism, representational realism and vital materiality... etc, animistic design capitalizes on the fluidity and continuous re-examination of such “post-cognitive” relationship between human and objects.

: liable to change. : inconstant in one’s affections.

Synonym : capricious, fluid, flickery, mercurial, unsteady, unpredictable, fluctuating, inconsistent, volatile Antonym : certain, steady, constant, stationary, unvarying Etymology : mutare [latin] to change mutabilis [latin]

RESEARCH

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Object (Le Déjeuner en fourrure), Méret Oppenheim, 1936.

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unfetter When we take uncertainty and indetermination not as obstacles to be smoothed over but rather components that are key to the process of new interaction, we are witnessing the shift from closed loops, prediction and linearity towards scenarios where the unexpected is fostered.

: release from restraint or inhibition. : to free from fetters. : (fetter) a chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles. : (fetter) restrict or restrain (someone) in an unfair or undesirable fashion.

Synonym : disenthrall, discharge, emancipate, manumit, release, unbound, liberate, enfranchise, unchain Antonym : bind, enchain, confine, fetter, restrain Etymology : feter [germanic] feter [old english] veter [dutch] a lace

RESEARCH

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It is a conversation with things,

rather than about or to things.

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III. A true story

Following the national regulation, I am currently 04.24.20 ~ 05.08.20 staying at a quarantine hotel upon arrival in Shanghai due to the outbreak of COVID-19. I am required to be in complete seclusion for 14 days before being able to go back home. I travelled with TWO SUITCASES. I packed what I thought were necessities. But it seems like I need more than that. A TRUE STORY. Equipped with every object designed to serve a purpose, we, humans, are fighting a WAR against the invisible enemies, or maybe it’s the other way around. Who knows?

DO YOU? 31

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A TRUE STORY

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1,647

Pillocases, bedframe, mattress, pillows, comforter, blankets, cushions, bedding sheets, rug, wall painting, sidetable, tulip chair, lamps, humidifier, rack, essential oils, mirror, ceramics, chargers, MacBook, adapter, wireless mouse, external drive, hdmi cable, speaker, lighting cable, iPad, keyboard case, iPhone, headphones, airpods, watch, necklaces, earrings, rings, incense holder, jewelry holder, candles, lighters, room sprays, sunglasses, glasses, bracelets, polaroid, film camera, crystals, tarot cards, playing cards, paints, oil pastels, brushes, colored pencils, markers, pens, pencils, watercolors, canvas, sketchbooks, notebooks, drawing pad, posters, yoga mat, paintings, postcards, namecards, cigarettes, zines, books, artbooks, course readers, body lotion, hand cream, deodorant, drying sheets, laundry detergents, laundry basket, trash bins, trash bags, laundry softeners, washing bag, vacuum, swiffer sweeper, swiffer wipes, disinfectant wipes, rubbing alcohol, cottom pads, gloves, masks, goggles, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, bleach, handsanitizer, handwash, towels, bodywash, body scrub, shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, sponge, hair removal cream, razor, soap, Q-tips, blow dryer, travel essentials, facial masks, hairbrush, tweezers, toolbox，, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, toner, essence, moisturizer, night cream, cleasing oil, face towel, cleansing cream-to-foam, perfumes, beauty blender, face polish, contact lenses, hair moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eyeshadows, eye cream, lip balm, lipsticks, highlighter, bronzer, blush, brushes, eyeliner, mascara, eyelash curler, anti-acne essence, pads, iburophen, micelle solution, jojoba oil, message oil, primer, setting powder, lip liner, contour, foundation cushion, handbags, crossbody bags, backpack, tote bags, socks, underwear, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, dresses, jackets, blazers, knitwears, hoodies, tank tops, shirts, coats, boots, high heels, slippers, sneakers, loafers, eyedrops, wooden chair, tea cups, tea pot, tea leaves, coffee machines, coffee beans, food, utensils, kitchenware, drinks, keys, containers, cardboxes, carry-on baggage, suitcases, sofa ......

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“for no reason”

207

Pillocases, bedframe, mattress, pillows, comforter, blankets, cushions, bedding sheets, rug, wall painting, side-table, tulip chair, lamps, humidifier, rack, essential oils, mirror, ceramics, chargers, MacBook, adapter, wireless mouse, external drive, hdmi cable, speaker, lighting cable, iPad, keyboard case, iPhone, headphones, airpods, watch, necklaces, earrings, rings, incense holder, jewelry holder, candles, lighters, room sprays, sunglasses, glasses, bracelets, polaroid, film camera, crystals, tarot cards, playing cards, paints, oil pastels, brushes, colored pencils, markers, pens, pencils, watercolors, canvas, sketchbooks, notebooks, drawing pad, posters, yoga mat, paintings, postcards, namecards, cigarettes, zines, books, artbooks, course readers, body lotion, hand cream, deodorant, drying sheets, laundry detergents, laundry basket, trash bins, trash bags, laundry softeners, washing bag, vacuum, swiffer sweeper, swiffer wipes, disinfectant wipes, rubbing alcohol, cottom pads, gloves, masks, goggles, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, bleach, handsanitizer, handwash, towels, bodywash, body scrub, shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, sponge, hair removal cream, razor, soap, Q-tips, blow dryer, travel essentials, facial masks, hairbrush, tweezers, toolboxďźŒ, paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, toner, essence, moisturizer, night cream, cleasing oil, face towel, cleansing cream-to-foam, perfumes, beauty blender, face polish, contact lenses, hair moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eyeshadows, eye cream, lip balm, lipsticks, highlighter, bronzer, blush, brushes, eyeliner, mascara, eyelash curler, anti-acne essence, pads, iburophen, micelle solution, jojoba oil, message oil, primer, setting powder, lip liner, contour, foundation cushion, handbags, crossbody bags, backpack, tote bags, socks, underwear, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, dresses, jackets, blazers, knitwears, hoodies, tank tops, shirts, coats, boots, high heels, slippers, sneakers, loafers, eyedrops, wooden chair, tea cups, tea pot, tea leaves, coffee machines, coffee beans, food, utensils, kitchenware, drinks, keys, containers, cardboxes, carry-on baggage, suitcases, sofa ......

A TRUE STORY

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8 Underwears, pajamas,

beddings, bed,

rug, floor,

building, ground.

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“for no reason�

337

Pillocase, bedframe, mattress, pillows, comforter, blankets, cushions, bedding sheets, rug, wall painting, sidetable, tulip chair, lamps, humidifier, rack, essential oils, mirror, ceramics, chargers, MacBook, adapter, wireless mouse, external drive, hdmi cable, speaker, lighting cable, iPad, keyboard case, iPhone, headphones, airpods, watch, necklaces, earrings, rings, incense holder, jewelry holder, candles, lighters, room sprays, sunglasses, glasses, bracelets, polaroid, film camera, crystals, tarot cards, playing cards, paints, oil pastels, brushes, colored pencils, markers, pens, pencils, watercolors, canvas, sketchbooks, notebooks, drawing pad, posters, yoga mat, paintings, postcards, namecards, cigarettes, zines, books, artbooks, course readers, body lotion, hand cream, deodorant, drying sheets, laundry detergents, laundry basket, trash bins, trash bags, laundry softeners, washing bag, vacuum, swiffer sweeper, swiffer wipes, disinfectant wipes, rubbing alcohol, cottom pads, gloves, masks, goggles, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, bleach, handsanitizer, handwash, towels, bodywash, body scrub, shampoo, conditioner, hair mask, sponge, hair removal cream, razor, soap, Q-tips, blow dryer, travel essentials, facial masks, hairbrush, tweezers, toolboxďźŒ, paper towels, toilet papers, Kleenex, toner, essence, moisturizer, night cream, cleasing oil, face towel, cleansing cream-to-foam, perfumes, beauty blender, face polish, contact lenses, hair moisturizer, foundation, concealer, eyeshadows, eye cream, lip balm, lipsticks, highlighter, bronzer, blush, brushes, eyeliner, mascara, eyelash curler, anti-acne essence, pads, iburophen, micelle solution, jojoba oil, message oil, primer, setting powder, lip liner, contour, foundation cushion, handbags, crossbody bags, backpack, tote bags, socks, underwear, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, pants, jeans, dresses, jackets, blazers, knitwears, hoodies, tank tops, shirts, coats, boots, high heels, slippers, sneakers, loafers, eyedrops, wooden chair, tea cups, tea pot, tea leaves, coffee machines, coffee beans, food, utensils, kitchenware, drinks, keys, containers, cardboxes, carry-on baggage, suitcases, sofa ......

A TRUE STORY

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21 Nintendo Switch, sanitizing wipes, coffee cup, hair removal cream, razor, Q-tips, fork, spoon, bowl, chopsticks, yoga mat, knife, coffee, water, milk, fruits, bodywash, towels, period supplies, thermometer, disinfection tablets.

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How often do I use them?

How often do I notice them?

How often do I think of them?

How often do I need them?

How often do I want them?

How often do I have them?

How often do I employ and manipulate them?

How often am I restricted by my needs toward them?

A TRUE STORY

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1,647 207 8 337 21

Items I own in my L.A. apartment Items I frequently use in a day Least items I interact with during a day Items I carry with me during the trip Items I need (but not included in my luggage) during quarantine

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IV. Gallery

We have developed a symbiotic relationship with an overwhelming flood of content and an endless amount of things to consume ever since the rise of mass media. Inspired

by PICTURES GENERATION artists who explore and question contemporary life by re-editing, renaming, reprocessing, reinterpreting and redefining already existed imageries to reveal the zeitgeist during the social unrest and artistic upheaval — to develop new meanings over time.

I’m creating collages of scenarios that were different from the original references but unique in their later motivation, bringing along vibrance and power in examining the strategies and codes of representation, as well as the notions of identity in a mediasaturated, politically uncertain age.

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Le Voyage dans la lune, 2020 Materials used: Le Voyage dans la lune, iPad, iPhone, MacBook Pro, Nintendo Switch, external drive, speaker, charger.

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“for no reason�

Nature at dawn, 2020 Materials used: Nature at Dawn, sanitizers, laundry products, cleaning supplies, bleach, toilet paper, vacuum, wipes, etc.

GALLERY

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2020 , 2020 Materials used: Beethoven Frieze, face masks, thermometer, goggles, sanitizers, soaps.

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GALLERY

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V. Up In The Air

Advertisements in this info-war era have developed many variations and those GIANT CANVAS, called “billboards”, hung up in the air have been considered as a powerful tool in communicating ideas and concepts throughout the process of urban planning. During my research of billboards I notice that the majority of people do notice the existence of billboards but not that many of them would stop and take a closer look at what’s exactly being advertised.

Billboard design is a task that requires extra creativity and uniqueness in order to be eye-catching and impressive for people to remember.

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I also notice a very intuitive quality of billboards which is pretty similar to that of the objects I discuss in my project:

they are all fundamental and somehow utilitarian in existence but not too effective for us to communicate insights with. Digging back to the essence of these two faculties, I’ve done most of my billboard research on the variations of materiality and form, aiming to explore ways to OBJECTIFY them.

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UP IN THE AIR

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UP IN THE AIR

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UP IN THE AIR

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UP IN THE AIR

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✶ ✴︎

✴︎ ✶

VI. # I am

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Describe an object around you using first-person perspective.

i.e. i am transparent; i am a twin; i am diverging/converging light rays 64

“for no reason�

“i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” #I AM

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“i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” “i am _________________ ” 66

#I AM

Franke, Anselm. Animism. Sternberg Press, 2010.

Haraway, Donna Jeanne. Staying with the

Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene.

Durham: Duke University Press, 2016.

Ingold, Tim. Lines: a Brief History. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2016.

Latour, Bruno. “Seven Objections Against Landing on Earth.” In Critical Zones — The Science and Politics of Landing on Earth, 2nd ed., n.d.

Peoples, Hervey C., Pavel Duda, and Frank W. Marlowe. “Hunter-Gatherers and the Origins of Religion.” Human Nature 27, no. 3 (June 2016): 261–82. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12110016-9260-0.

“Primitive Culture.” Encyclopædia Britannica.

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., n.d. https://www. britannica.com/topic/Primitive-Culture-by-Tylor.

Schneider, Joseph. Donna Haraway: Live Theory.

Continuum, 2005.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

This book uses Sharpe PERSONAL, a typeface designed by Mans Greback, for its emphasized text. The body was set primarily in Tamil Sangam MN by Murasu Systems Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia in 1986.

Other subtitles and quotes in Nomada Serif by Tipographies.

DESIGN

“for no reason” in the awakening of Animism Designed, printed, and bound by Arden Chang Li for DMA 154 Word + Image class (UCLA) in the spring of 2020.

i’m holding 70 pages and more.