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].