A DOCUMENTARY : RED HONG YI

THE

DESIGN STYLE of 

RED HONG YI

a documentary on Malaysian designers and explore their design style.

USING EVERYDAY LIFE OBJECTS AS THE PAINTBRUSH

We sat down with Hong yi for a 20 minutes interview which open our eyes to new possibilities as well as inspiring us professionally with her amazing personal style of art.  Through this interview, we were able to explore and discover an usual design style . The meeting with Hong Yi has also left an wonderful impression on us on a personal level. Her personality of honesty and being down to earth has made our meeting a lovely and memorable one. Her advices and motivations for us all were deeply appreciated by us all as they were honestly wise words that made us felt inspired to follow our dreams just as she did. We thank her from the bottom of our heart for making our country proud "MALAYSIA BOLEH" she mention in the interview , inspiring people all around the world to follow our dreams and share wonderful design and art with the world.

 Our Little Souvenir for Hong Yi

INSPIRED BY HER DESIGN STYLE

We made a Finger Print Portrait of her:) 

We did in Hong yi's Style( not using conventional art tools like a paintbrush)

A SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Hong Yi is a Master of Architecture graduate from the University of Melbourne. She was awarded a Melbourne Abroad Scholarship to study at the Technical University of Delft in the Netherland This broadened her perspective in European arts and architecture. She was Australian national finalist in the Sona Superstudio Competition in 2009 and 2010, and received the Elenberg Fraser award for Best Presentation in both years. She also received Special Mention for the AA Prize for Unbuilt Works 2010.

Hong Yi is known as the artist who 'loves to paint, but not with a paintbrush'. Her painting of Yao Ming with a basketball was her first sensational Youtube hits followed up being the amazing Jay Chou portrait using coffee. She was featured in media around the world including Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, ABC and the Daily Mail. Her other project includes portraits Ai Weiwei using 100,000 sunflower seeds and Zhang Yimou with 750 pairs of socks and bamboo sticks.

She was invited to speak in Monterey, California at the EG Conference, which is known as the premiere gathering of and for innovators in media, technology, entertainment and education. Hong yi is currently working in the Shanghai office of Hassel. It is an established Australian architecture firm.

 She certainly enjoys being an architect by day and an artist by night.

The Mask

 MASK

There are much more to the definition of a mask than just the idea of disguise, entertainment or protection.

Many rituals of cultures and plays use masks as their assets, why is that?

Role Play

Here are my thoughts on "mask".

I believe mask is a form of personality we "wear" or portray to the world every single day consciously or unconsciously. Everyone has a prominent behaviour and personality that emits so vividly when we are close to them. However in reality, these personalities are sometimes vague and hidden by complex emotions. But their true selves are always there deep inside.

WHO'S WHO?

MASK=PERSONALITY, in this movie: How the characters with their " mask"( nature) interact with each other that creates the social cycle and world we live in today. The world consists of different people with their individualistic nature thus complex world is formed fill with romance, crime , adventure and more.

Synopsis

Detective Zim met his lover( Rina) one evening but she died in his arms. He turned to the wine glass Rina was drinking awhile ago on the table and examined the content. He found out that the wine was intoxicated.After three months, the town mayor informed him that there was a similar case in which he must investigate to find the killer. He met Marissa before her dying breath to get some pieces to the puzzle but failed . Joanne, Rina's slave, Audrey and Darlene was in the scene where Marissa laid motionless on the bed. Joanne was summoned by Detective Zim to give some answers in order for him to find the killer whom killed Rina and Marissa. Joanne told him all the people whom she thought was suspicious. It was here when all of the characters' nature and backgrounds were revealed. Zaidane, Amal, Veronica,Hussain and Kanchan all have equally suspicious stories and somehow all inter-related to each others besides Rina, Marissa, Joanne and Darlene.

Joanne giving out suspects...Audrey was a happy psychotic patient once....Zaidane hates his sister(Rina) for not understanding him.....Amal never gives direct answers...Veronica disappearing from home for so many months...Kanchan was well-known as the pretty witch... Hussain had connection with Veronica...Darlene was always watching everyone from afar....Always.... It's up to Detective Zim to figure out Who's Who , decipher the complex code of everyone's personalities and ultimately find the KILLER...

In this movie "Who's Who", we get the opportunity to portray the true personalities of the characters throughout the whole movie. Their emotions and natures are written in their mask as their facade. No more hiding.

A SHORT MARISSA'S FILM

EVERYONE'S HIDDEN SELF

MARISSA's HIDDEN SELF

The Hidden Self

People see me as a quite and sad figure whom liked to sit alone and ponder. Feeling inferior to everyone as this was caused by them who looked down at me and rejected my presence. I felt that i was not able to let other people understand me and did not showcase my abilities well enough to be accepted in the crowd.Well all of these events were probably the cause of my sad and dejected personality when i faced the world.

I was called by friends and always the happy-go-lucky girl with quirkiness that was out of this world for my whole lifetime till i was self concious at one phase in life:teenager. I began to let all the hate and prejudices by society get the better of who i was.

This was contageous and poisoning to a person i believed as i started to see everything in a "dark light". Going everywhere with that sad "mask" as there were not optimism and hope in everything i done or exprienced in life. Even wasting my time being all emotional and reflecting how sad my life was during time for myself at home. Home should be my santuary but i turned it into a crying corner.

I called this a "mask" as i was feeling something that wasn't who i really was are deep inside and the fact that this "mask" occured due to what people wanted me to be and feel.

It takes a very special occasion or person in your life to wake you up and find your true self.

In my case it was my family. They are the ones whom believed in me, accepted my heart and the crazy funny Marissa i am.

Be surrounded with people who like the way you are and not the opposite because if you do so, then

THE MASK YOU WEAR WILL BE ETERNALLY SUFFOCATING YOUR LIFE.

SUPER HEROES

Just like super heroes when we put on our "mask" - Untouchable. People can only admire from afar but will never able to reach out to a super hero or a masked person. It's because nobody knows the real person behind the "mask". Would you rather form a deep relationship with Batman or the great person behind the costume? Would you rather reach out to a person whom always put on a show or the real person with genuine feelings? I would admire Batman for his heroic acts but love even more if i get to know him in person. Same goes to getting to know and understand a person without fake facade "mask" or putting up an act for me.

SO TAKE OFF YOUR MASK AND SHOW THE WORLD YOUR BEAUTIFUL SELF

ICONOGRAPHY

ICON

Throughout history, icons have been used in various religious cultures. The iconic images for instruction, inspiration, treated as sacred objects of worship, or simply applied as an ornament .Usually, religious icons are employed depending upon the beliefs of a given religion in a given place and time.

On the whole, icons can be a name, face, picture, or edifice and are recognized as having some well-known significant to society that may reach to a world-wide audience. You see that ‘face’, you hear that ‘name’, even though you may live in a total different dimension from it or will never get to see the physical form or human depiction of the person. However, you know it’s contributions and you know the greatness of it as it stays in our mind and soul for eternity.

Here is a religious icon that depicts Gautama Buddha in Laos and Thailand that has now become a veneration or respected by buddhist all around the world.

 Buddha lantau

What makes the icon is also the characteristics that it portrays which are in a way mostly consistent.

Buddha is always represented with certain attributions and in specific poses and attire. The most poignant characteristics a statue of Buddha depicts are the hand poses. Hand poses and gestures are significant in defining meanings familiar to Gautama Buddha.

                                                                                             Gautama Buddha
                                                                

 

Pop culture

The term Pop culture can be derived from popular culture. It is a big thanks to mass media these phenomena , image , ideas comes into the everyday lives of the society. The word ‘pop’ refers to something with star appeal while the word ‘ popular’ refers gaining world-wide recognition. Thus, pop culture and popular cultures usually are interchangeable. Examples of pop cultures can come from a wide array of genres from popular music to sports. 

Pop Icon

Pop icon is a celebrity, character or object that consist a defining characteristic of an era or culture. It is closely associated with elements like longevity , star status and distinctions from others.

Mickey Mouse

Pop icon has an ubiquity quality in it which is the capacity or state of being everywhere at the same time. It also ,I realized has a notoriety and recognition that cult cultures in contrast their notoriety is limited only to a specific subculture.         

This person has a significant or made an impact that is so distinctive. As time goes by, the popularity and interest in these pop icons remain constant or embedded in our minds or even increases. Star quality they say as we all have infinite admiration and enthusiasm with these pop icons. They make an impact on the world whether culturally, politically or socially. They leave their mark, their footprint on earth that will grant them the immortality status of being a celebrity.

POP ICON : Beyonce

Beyonce Knowles is an pop icon and even called by some ,the next female Micheal Jackson. She is heavily influence by her idol (Micheal Jackson) since way back when he was with The Jackson Five group. However, as if it is destiny for Beyonce just like Micheal Jackson to have that ‘special something ‘ in them that made them shine brighter as they led their respective group as lead singer to success. Like Micheal, Beyonce’s talent and career soared as she pursued her solo singing dream. However , she continues make music as Destiny’s Child. Unlike many other singing group, the group Destiny’s child’s members’s bond is strong and unbreakable . This was because the group was not made up of picked singers but true friends. Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams were always giving each other support and love. There was also previous members who remained friends but left the group( Letoya Luckett and La Tavia Roberson).




Kelly Rowland,Beyonce Knowles,Michelle Williams 

DESTINY’S CHILD

Destiny child has become the inspiration for girls and women to be confident and independent. Destiny’s Child ,the sexy trio independent ladies  strutting their stuff sending a strong message through their songs. “ Independent Woman” a song they wrote for a famous television franchise ‘Charlie's Angels’ was one of their defining moment. As the song and music video blew critics  away and became an anthem for women all around the world to be fearless and less dependable on others especially their male partners.


INDEPENDENT WOMAN's  LYRICS

 

They made a song called “Survivor”. The song was about not giving up and get into your survivor mode when you are in a tough situation. Again they made an impact with their powerful lyric and provocative music video. A special verse in the song that was dedicated to Beyonce Knowles’s Mom was something prominent to remember : “ Cause my mama taught me better than that!”.

 

 

GOING SOLO

As Beyonce soared in her solo career , she showcase prominent musical style and a inspiring role model for people all around the world.

 

 

PROMINENT ICONIC STANDS Of BEYONCE

Women empowerment was one Beyonce’s main stands. Like in Destiny’s Child, Beyonce continues to inspire her fan to believe in themselves and to be a confident individual. The song “irreplaceable” and “If I Were A Boy” were message for guys to not take their love one’s or woman for granted as they would be easily replaced(Irreplaceable) or ignoring their partner’s feelings(If I Were A Boy).

If I Were A Boy




 

SASSY SEXY VULUPTUOUS SONGTRESS

The word “ Bootylicious” was actually created by Knowles and it is now widely used by people all around the world to describe and embrace womanly curves. “Single Ladies” and “ Bootylicious” are songs that encourages women to flaunt their curves and have a good time.

 Bootylicious

 

A HUMBLE CLASSY WOMAN

We all know that she has rarely been seen in tabloids even though she has been in the business for almost a decade. She has found a way to find balance in life which is tough being in the pop culture industry. She made sure to separate personal and working life.People mostly mistaken her as being like her fierce alter ego” Sasha Fierce” and being all proud. However , the Texan born superstar is humble and a down to earth girl by heart. She has earned respect from people even more indirectly as people get know her more through interviews and meeting in person. Take a look at some of her interviews, instinctively we see Beyonce  just being her shy and funny self. No putting on ‘mask’, fake personalities but just herself in person.

Here is a song that she made to share with the world about her imperfections as she is ;at the end of the day, just like everyone else.
 

Flaws and ALL






 

HARDWORKING LADY    

Beyonce makes herself heavily involved in all her productions. She said in an interview that she aspire to be an independent and courageous woman. She wants to continue learning and growing everyday. To be distinctive and to love what she is doing, she wants to make her own style and music  rather then being pushed around. 

 

Deja Vu Live
 

A s for her performances, she is well-known and admired by people as she is able to belt out a song live. She sings so well without any gasping for air  while dancing for  two hours in a show during her world tours. We can absolutely tell she gives a 100%for her fans. Not many artist can sing live ,dance and commence the stage at the same time. Artist like Micheal Jackson and Usher are some of the example.

 


 

ICONIC

 

I love everything about her as she is my inspiration to go further and believe in my dreams. She said no one is perfect even herself. Thus, learning from mistake and learning new things everyday is a way of life.

 

Marissa’s Icon

The Origins

One night, I had a wild dream that took me way beyond imaginations as most dreams does to a person. I woke up and immediately knew what I was going to do for my iconography project. It will be something associated with dreams.

When it comes to getting inspired for my design of my icon as well as understanding the criteria of an icon , I did research on various popular icons such as Walt Disney, Apple and Nike. However, the icon for Dreamworks animation caught my attention as it has some characteristics closely related to my idea.

Dreamworks’s icon ; a boy fishing while sitting on a crescent moon. I love the concept as it’s more is like a simple storytelling rather than just simplify shapes  . It gives us a vivid image or story just by the icon. The icon may be telling how things works in their animation studio: When Dreamworks animation team wants to create a new animation story, is as if “ the boy” who is sitting on the moon will be fishing out dreamy and brilliant ideas for the brainstorming of the production.In other words, the boy may be the inspiration for Dreamworks’s Animation.

 

Marie Star Dreamers

Basically it is like a circle or group of people who get together and share dreams and even aspirations.Everyone in the group helps and believe in each other like one  a big family.  Star dreamers foretell futures,looking for omens and healing emotional wounds through dreams. Their favorite spot or sacred ground would be under the Starry Sky. Star dreamers see a way of life that is unique or a different perspective. Anyone from any background or have painful past can come together to believe in themselves once again and live life greatly.

 

 

 

Characteristics

The moon represents the night and reminiscence .

The girl is the pioneer and guidance to the bright future and dreamland .

The girl also brings the mystical, elegance and our long lost childhood carefree days in life.

The blue sky filled with luminous light ,mists and vast grassland shows the land of dreams. They are peaceful and in a tranquil state.

The star is the goal and inspiration for all. The center of all dreams.

 

 

 

COMEDY: HOW TO CALM YOUR DAMN NERVE SKIT

Comedy

“ When I opened my window… a pigeon flew right into my face!!” Was that funny? Some might giggle at the surprise while some might just shrugged it off as absurd .Therefore what is funny? Well comedy is not a science but rather an art. It’s pretty subjective as what one person finds funny another might cringe at it.

“One thing worth noting is that when analysing comedy and what is funny, it is almost like it is only visible out of the corner of your eye. As soon as you try and look directly at it and analyse it too much... all of the funniness disappears…”

Christian Cook

Reading the quote, I realised that is quite similar to music. While listening to a beautiful song, if we start to count every beat , wondering about the number of instruments used or even judging the precision of the singer’s vocals; the magic in the song is gone as we might as well be a bitter judge on the ‘American Idol’ show.

The answer to why something is funny is not at all simple to be honest...I believed that something is funny because it captures a moment. It contains an ingredient of simple truth. It is something that we have always known for ages and yet here we are hearing it out loud for the first time.

And thus we should view comedy as a way of life, a journey of an involuntarily happiness and lightness comedies take us through.

 

We poke our funny bones when we watch skits that…

1. …are expected- the slipping because of a banana skin

2….are unexpected- Mary opened her window and said : “ it’s going to be a wonderful day .’’As soon as she finished her sentence, a great storm rolled in .

3….are familiar- Pressing the flusher of the toilet OVER and OVER again to flush down a mountain of wiped tissues.( we laugh as we recognise our own silly actions at times)

4….are unfamiliar-It was John’s turn to jump over the pole in a high jump event. John jumped so high that he disappeared out of sight up into the sky.

                                 

MY TASTE

I been inspired by many great genres of comedy such as character play, satire, musical, surrealism and farce as they all have their own uniqueness and magic in them.

My personal favourites are character play( Mr. Bean) and surrealism( Monty Python) both from Britain.

  Britain's Comedy act : MONTY PYTHON

We see each and every writer and comedian portrays their own genre or even new combination of a variety of comedy styles. Somehow, it’s natural as everyone has their own personal taste and different personalities .I did just that too as I am too wanting to be free from stereotypes. Everybody wants to be somebody, an unique individual, just ourselves and no clones of us. A very common ideal in the comedic field as well as other fields.

 

HOW TO CALM YOUR DAMN NERVES AND RELAX SKIT

Synopsis

( CHARACTER PLAY)

Here I played a role of a nerve wrecking person. I was a person whom freaks out on the smallest things. I also get worked up very easily as I struggled to be professional at most of the time . For instance missing the bus, tripping over a cat, when my pencil is blunt, when my pencil is lost, when I see someone with the same pencil that I have… the insignificant list goes on and on.

However, I introduced a book I described as my life saving guide flamboyantly to the audience. The book entitled “HOW TO CALM YOUR DAMN NERVES and RELAX”. I announced to the audience that I would be trying 3 tips from the book and see whether my problems are solved.

(THEATER AND MUSIC COMEDY)

The first tip was to immerse oneself with soaring music.This was where I literary danced flamboyantly to the song “I believe I can fly” by R Kelly. I fell and moved on to the next tip which was listening to classical music while drinking tea. Here I felt more chilling cold then being calm of the shrill and loud opera voice of the song Bizet Carmen. I had almost spat out tea as i almost had a heart attack by the finale note the opera singer sang.The final tip was to do ‘Tai Chi’ . Bad energy out , good energy in as I performed an over the top practice of Tai Chi to the song of “ Wong Fei Hong”.

(SLAPSTICK)

I finally told the audience that the book did helped. I was able to remain calm in all situation. However, I broke all loosed as I picked up the broom and frantically trying to hit a cockroach on the ground. My actions were to the flow and beat of the song “The Eye Of The Tiger” by the survivor.

THE MUSICAL SLAPSTICK CHARCTER PLAY 

                                                                                                        ROWAN ATKINSON as Mr.Bean

Basically my comedy style is that of the above title as a summary. I like to play characters just like “Mr.Bean” as we get a chance to be in someone else’s shoes.I have also incorporated a style known as observational comedy. I show that many people today do have some management issues such as anger, phobia and anxiety. Sometimes we are prompted to get some self help books like in this skit “How to calm your damn nerves and relax”. I try to tell that sometimes some self help books have silly remedies written by authors and we as                 consumers follow thei crazy preaching. Sometimes it works ,sometimes it don’t. I have also took a liking on slapstick, the body language used in a comedy act thus I made my body movement and facial expression my humours for most of the part of my act.I made sure the fully use the whole stage as I want my comedy act to flow fluidly and not awkwardly standing on the same spot throughout my comedy act. I have also portrayed my signature style as my acts always incorporates music . I believe music will always gives the whole act a flow in which awkward transitions ceased to exists. It also further takes the comedy act to a whole new level.However, the selection of music must have connections with the theme of the act or else the music won’t have the magical enhancement effect on the act. For instance, in my act, I purposely use the “the eye of the tiger” song when I swung the broom.Every loud horns blown from the song emphasised on the intensity of my anger during the scene where I crazily swung the broom everywhere.

 

 

 

My Encore Comedy Act

Well it is just like telling someone a joke twice. The person probably knows what was the surprise and catch. However if parts of the joke was seriously a timeless one, even if that person is been told the joke over and over again, the person will laugh at the classic part of it.

After the challenge I finally found a new goal in the future when I do a comedy act.

 Thus my goal was to create A TIMELESS COMEDY ACT so even if I had to do an encore, I will still garner some genuine laughter from the audience.