Rashna Shantini FYP Presentation Sem 1_2

13 Nov 2015

FYP 2015/16 | Sem1 Review

THE PERMANENCE OF IMPERMANENCE Rashna Shantini D/O Yeamalley Nair U1230775L Supervisor

Sujatha Arundathi Meegama Co Supervisor

Ina Conradi

1

IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM Do Singaporeans feel contented and happy in the way they live their lives?

What are the possible causes that contributes to unhappiness among Singaporeans?

Methodology

GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

Content & Context | Literature review

Global top 10, Singapore ranked 2nd

According to The Global Competitiveness Report 2014-15 (a report that assesses the competitiveness landscape of 144 worldwide economies) , published by the world economic forum; Global top 10, Singapore ranked 2nd In 2014/15 Singapore ranks as the second-most competitive economy in the world and within Asia is ranked first.

Schwab, K.M. (2014). The Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015. World Economic Forum. Retrieved August 24, 2015, from http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF _GlobalCompetitivenessReport_2014-15.pdf

Asia-Pacific top 10, Singapore ranked 1st

Methodology

Content & Context | Literature review

PROBLEMS RAISED FROM ECONOMIC PROSPERITY -

Higher standards of living

-

Ageing population

-

Rising inequlity

-

Stagnant wages

-

Decrease in social mobility

Vadaketh, S. T., & Low, D. (2014). Reframing policy and political debates in Singapore. Hard choices: challenging the Singapore consensus. NUS Press.

Methodology

Content & Context | Literature review

“UNDERHAPPY” IN WORKPLACE A national workplace happiness survey was jointly conducted by Singapore Human Resources Institute(SHRI) and consulting firm Align Group.

With 5000 respondents taking part in the survey in 2014, Singapore scored within the band of ‘Under Happy’.

‘Happy’ (68 to 100).

‘Underhappy’ (51 to 67) ‘Unhappy’ (0 to 50)

Singapore Human Resource Institute. (2014). National workplace happinesss survey (NWHS). Retrieved August 30, 2015, from www.shri.org.sg/national-workplace-happiness-survey-2014 Koh, V. (2014, November 11). Employees in Singapore are ‘Under Happy’: Workplace happiness survey. Today Newspaper.

Methodology

Content & Context | Literature review

DEPRESSION IN SINGAPORE Among the illnesses assessed in this study, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Alcohol Abuse and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) emerged as the top three most common disorders in Singapore. One in 17 people in Singapore have suffered from MDD at some time in their lifetime, while Alcohol Abuse and OCD affected one in 32 and one in 33 people, respectively.

Chong, S.A. MBBS, MMED, MD, FAMS, & Subramaniam, M. MBBS, MD, & Vaingankar, J. MSc (2011). Latest study sheds light on the state of mental health in Singapore. The Singapore Mental Health Study; Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved August 30, 2015 from www.imh.com.sg/uploadedFiles/Newsroom/News_Releases/SMHS%20news%20release.pdf

Methodology

SINGAPOREAN CULTURE OF KIASUISM The constant demand to preserve one’s status by following social expectations has created a highly competitive spirit especially in Asian societies. Such competitive spirit has been given a label called Kiasu or Kiasuism.

Negative impacts of kiasuism can be seen in ; •

Rigid education system that “trains” students - success in education is success in life. And hence Singaporean youth or students are said to possess an obsessive desire for success and any failure is intolerable.

•

Materialism and greed for higher staus. = More respect

Man, C. K. (2013). Portrayal of" Kiasu" Singaporean Society in Rice Bowl: Beyond the Fear Factor.

Content & Context | Literature review

2

RESEARCH APPROACH Highly influenced by Buddhism what could possibly counter this thriving state of unhappiness or to change the current state of dissatisfaction.

- Phase 1

Methodology

Research Approach | Literature review

BUDDHA’S PATH TO HAPPINESS Usual kind of Happiness – is a feeling that corresponds to an object/event.

The happiness that is a factor of enlightenment is not dependent on objects or events, but is a state of mind cultivated through mental discipline. Because it is not dependent on an impermanent object, it does not come and go.

Pursuit of Happiness. Pursuit of Happiness, Bringing the science of happiness to life. Retrieved September 14, 2015, from www.pursuit-ofhappiness.org

Methodology

Research Approach | Case studies

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHIES IN CONTEMPORARY ART 1

Expressing rhythmic movements through dance form. The connection of the body, mind and soul is important to achieve this.

2

Superimposed images of 100 men from 100 countries results in ambuguios identity. Inviting viewers to think what makes ones identity.

Heather Hanson

Atta Kim

Photographed by Spencer Hansen at Ochi Gallery http://www.heatherhansen.net/ochi-gallery

On air project, 110-2 Man of the world, from the series of New york, 8 hours, 188cm by 248cm, 2005, chromogenic print

Methodology

FIELD TRIPS Visiting temples and shops around temples sourcing for inspiration, to see routines, beliefs and the system.

Chinese Buddhist Temple Thailand Buddhist Temple Sri Lankan Buddhist Temple Chinese Buddhist Temple Hindu Temple Chinese Temple

Hai Inn Buddhist temple, Wat palelai Buddhist Temple, Mangala Vihara Buddhist Temple, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple

İnanç, G. (2015). Faith in architecture : 50 houses of worship in Singapore. Singapore : Ethos Books, [2015].

Research Approach | Ground work

Methodology

FIELD TRIPS Some photographs taken by me during field works

Research Approach | Ground work

FIELD TRIPS Some photographs taken by me during field works

Methodology

Research Approach | Ground work

3

IDEA GENERATION Identified the problem Narrowing down and coming up with various alternatives to counter or to change the perception of these issues that I have discussed.

+ Breakdown of my research

Research Approach | Brainstorming

IDEA GENERATION 1

Impermanent Jewelry – inspired by what they sell in shops around temples.

Reminder to concept of non-attachment

2

Cymatics – inspired by sound, chanting Create a calming atmosphere In Greek it means “wave”, is a subset of modal vibrational phenomena.

“Sung Khor” Amulets from Tibet http://marcel-baaijens.blogspot.sg/2009/09/ jewerly-of-impermanence.html

Example of results of Cymatics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sThS9OfnM1s

Contemporary Amulet 1; by Marcel Baaijens Printed rice paper from Nepal with poly cotton thread; 30mm square

Talk on Cymatics (Invisible universe) Sacred geometry & Sound Art https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6AM2s8gbWw

Research Approach | Brainstorming

IDEA GENERATION 3

Meditation – inspired by readings and observations in Buddhist temple.

Come up with a meditative system to be practiced in schools

Case studies on how meditation has helped a nation be happier.

Zangmo, Sonam,"A Gross National Happiness Infused Curriculum:The Promise of a More Meaningful Education in Bhutan" (2014).

Phuntsok Tashi, K. (2008). Role of Meditation in Achieving Gross National Happiness.

4

WHAT WORKS THE BEST Decision making

Approach | Decision making

IMPERMENANT JEWELRY \ WHY? Sets a constant reminder Wearing it on your body Metaphorical the act of letting go (non-attachment) IMPERMENANT JEWELRY (AS A BRAND)

Represents Impermanence Acceptance of this mindset can be a way to achieve contentment and happiness in life Contemporary connotations Reach out to larger audience despite religion or race Reach out to the common people

Approach | Decision making

IMPERMENANT JEWELRY \ HOW? Jewelry that will disintegrate with time – “impermanent jewelry”

Experiential packaging Narrate the concept of impermanence and its relation with reality.

IMPERMENANT JEWELRY

Process of disintegration – displayed on booth

Contribution to non-profitable organization A part of sales to be donated

5

RESEARCH APPROACH Learning more about jewelry/amulets in Buddhism

- Phase 2

Methodology

Research Approach | Case studies

CASE STUDIES 1

Lokai Bracelets – Acts as a symbol to remind the ups and downs of life

http://mylokai.com/

2

Blessed Amulets with healing and protective properties

http://omshivaloka.com/

6

THE MAKING Exploring different materials, sketches exploration, design exploration etc.

Prototyping | Sketches

SKETCHES OF LOTUS DESIGN Inspired by the symbolic representation of the lotus from my field trips. I started sketching motifs.

Sketches

Prototyping | Material exploration

EXPLORING MATERIALS FOR PROTOTYPING Experimenting with materials that will wear off over time.

Fabric - Cross stitch

Fabric – Threading

Paper Mache – Hand Drawn

7

SUMMARIZING MY APPROACH To create an impermanent jewelry brand that sets to remind one the reality and nature of how everything (object and events) are all impermanent.

Cultivating this mindset encourages one to feel more contentment towards life, a step closer to achieving happiness.

8

TIMELINE SEMESTER 2 Sketches Jewelry making Production Report

Sketches Branding Designing Production Report

Dec - Jan

Feb - Mar

Website Production Setting up

April

BIBLIOGRAPHY Schwab, K.M. (2014). The Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015. World Economic Forum. Retrieved August 24, 2015, from http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GlobalCompetitivenessReport_2014-15.pdf

World Economic Forum. (2014). The Global Competitiveness Report 2014 - 2015. Retrieved August 24, 2015, from World Economic Forum, http://www.weforum.org/reports/global-competitiveness-report-2014-2015

Vadaketh, S. T., & Low, D. (2014). Reframing policy and political debates in Singapore. Hard choices: challenging the Singapore consensus. NUS Press.

Singapore Human Resource Institute. (2014). National workplace happinesss survey (NWHS). Retrieved August 30, 2015, from www.shri.org.sg/national-workplace-happiness-survey-2014

Koh, V. (2014, November 11). Employees in Singapore are ‘Under Happy’: Workplace happiness survey. Today Newspaper.

Chong, S.A. MBBS, MMED, MD, FAMS, & Subramaniam, M. MBBS, MD, & Vaingankar, J. MSc (2011). Latest study sheds light on the state of mental health in Singapore. The Singapore Mental Health Study; Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved August 30, 2015 from www.imh.com.sg/uploadedFiles/Newsroom/News_Releases/ SMHS%20news%20release.pdf

BIBLIOGRAPHY Man, C. K. (2013). Portrayal of" Kiasu" Singaporean Society in Rice Bowl: Beyond the Fear Factor.

Pursuit of Happiness. Pursuit of Happiness, Bringing the science of happiness to life. Retrieved September 14, 2015, from www.pursuit-of-happiness.org

Baaijens, M. (2009, September). Jewelry of Impermanence. Retrieved September 28, 2015, from marcelbaaijens.blogspot.sg/2009/09/jewerly-of-impermanence.html

Zangmo, Sonam, "A Gross National Happiness Infused Curriculum: The Promise of a More Meaningful Education in Bhutan" (2014).

Phuntsok Tashi, K. (2008). Role of Meditation in Achieving Gross National Happiness.

Gonzalez-Wippler, M. (1991). The complete book of amulets & talismans. Llewellyn Worldwide.

İnanç, G. (2015). Faith in architecture : 50 houses of worship in Singapore. Singapore : Ethos Books, [2015].