PRACTICAL APPROACHES

The practical approach would mainly focus on a mix media of documentation through photography, film and collaging, sketching. I am particularly investigating on global storytelling, giving voice to people and culture that are not portrayed or praised as they should be. I am looking into people's world-views and visual communication across cultures, the social responsibilities and ethical consideration that comes along with it.  David Abraham stated, "...sort of interesting observation or documentation of things that you may or may not notice; the fine line between beautiful and ugly." From such quotes and theories, it could be a starting point to illustrate my response and thoughts to the subject matter.

I am looking into reportage and documenting my experiences from my travels to different parts of the world, from Asia (Cambodia, Japan) to Europe (Prague, the United Kingdom). I would initially document through photographs, perhaps mainly landscapes, street photography, candid photos etc. Then a more on sight illustrations. The visual journal would generally be a place to document my findings and activities. Then as the final piece, I would perhaps refine the findings and create a more coherent visual narrative. 

Images & Theory Project Summary 

David Abraham stated that "it's your own way of seeing the world". This project will examine to what extent does ethical compass influence a creative individual's practice in reportage? Communication is essential to the general public and there are various ways to present meaning. Visual language is one of them. It is a common method of communication, which can be seen through any form of visual art.

I will examine how creative practitioners decide what to include in their work? To a certain extent this touches upon self-censorship, unveiling the truth, incorporating other cultures without appropriating them, social responsibilities and ethics. John Vernon Lord said drawing has a considered approach, being less instant than a photograph and is more reflective. Stories could emerge from those hand crafted imageries. I would look into reportage in particular because it is journalistic in nature and has a strong sense of storytelling either mundane things or a much more sensitive topic.

Images & Theory - Project Overview

Images & Theory - references, theorists

"...sense of storytelling is culturally based." - Arthur P. Shimamura Phd

• Created work in response to his surroundings, documentation of places he travelled/photojournalism/reportage
• He communicated a message, story that not everyone might be aware of through his sculptures and photographs

“You choose things based on your cultural background: how you have grown up in your own world and your day to day influences from your surroundings. You make unconscious decisions based on that, it’s your own way of seeing the world,” - David Abrahams

Stuck in Belgrade - George Butler

• Not too keen on his illustration, however it is the process and idea of reportage that strikes me
• It is interesting to see 'another' or a completely different side of the story. It is that storytelling vibe from these illustrations that I personally find surprising

"Cultural influences play on our thoughts and feelings." - Kaiping Peng, psychologist

• His illustrations are mainly based on scenes or landscapes, very observational. 
• Though it is the idea of the 'mundane' feel memorable that I find fascinating from Lee Kyutae's works.

Images & Theory - imagery, symbolism

• A question is that to what extent is the importance of culture in art? There is this issue about culture appropriation or stereotyping. The issue of black face in South Korean entertainment (SBS). Is it considered entertainment or simply ignorance? 

"It would be good if my work would have something universal as a result." - Hayao Miyazaki, 2008

• I would look into ways of visual communication, perhaps through editorial which often deals with a global audience. 

• The relation between cultural understanding and visual language. Perhaps through art there could be some universal language.


Full Article 
Animator Hayao Miyazaki worries about children's future. November 28, 2008. Japan Today. Taro Fujimoto <https://japantoday.com/category/features/animator-hayao-miyazaki-worries-about-childrens-future>