#analysis art

Week 5 - AY24.25 World of Ideas & Imagination

Whenever I see a new artwork or design, I tend to pause and observe—wondering why it was made that way. I practiced this again in Craft Workshop 3 . Through this, I learned to break down visual elements and see how composition can create meaning. This reminded me of what we did in Week 5 and 6—looking beyond surface and grouping objects based on material, memory, and purpose.

In Week 5, our class exercise of grouping personal objects helped me develop a more analytical mindset. (picture 2) I started thinking beyond surface aesthetics—about how items represent memory, identity, and purpose. It also helped me understand the idea of thematic connections in design, and how objects can be grouped by meaning rather than just function or appearance. This shift made me realise that even everyday objects have emotional depth if we look closely enough (“Evaluating Design Work”).

Building on this, the Week 6 field trip to Kampong Gelam allowed me to apply design analysis in a real-world context, deepening my understanding of materiality, craftsmanship, and cultural narratives.

I chose a handwoven flower bouquet as a new addition to the “memory” theme. Its texture and imperfection felt personal—like a symbol of care or nostalgia. I observed three design works that reflect the theme of identity: the textile patterns inside a fabric store, the calligraphy on a shop signboard, and a display of handcrafted prayer beads.

At the same time, in Photography Project 2 – Sense of Mapping, I was involved in organizing and categorizing photographs. This experience helped me understand how visual mapping isn’t just about composition—it’s about observing patterns, meanings, and relationships between images. Just like in design, I had to ask: What connects these visuals? Is it color, mood, material, or story? This process trained my eye to detect thematic links and enhanced my ability to interpret photos with intention.

What I really learned from these two weeks is how to observe with intention—to ask questions about medium, context, and emotional value. This connects with what I’ve learned in Critical Thinking Skills, where analyzing artwork strengthens my ability to interpret meaning beyond surface aesthetics. Similarly, Photography taught me how composition and framing contribute to storytelling, reinforcing how visual narratives shape identity and culture.

These insights have directly influenced my Studio project on Eric Hu. I now think more deeply about material, emotion, and cultural relevance, using design not just to decorate, but to communicate meaningfully. (See screenshots from my CPJ below.)

(SCEEN SHORT OF MY CPJ)

screenshots from my CPJ below) This shows the process of how I researched, analysed, and transformed the deeper meaning behind Eric Hu’s work into my own interpretation. I explored pattern, shape, and color through the lens of New Chinese aesthetics, and experimented with contrast, symbolism, and layering to develop a unique visual system.

BBC Bitesize. Evaluating Design Work. n.d., https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zwmsg2p/revision/3. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Design Matters. Importance of Material and Craftsmanship in Product Design. n.d., designmatters.com. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Taiwan Ministry of Education. 工艺美的分析. n.d., https://ed.arte.gov.tw. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

Edible Brooklyn. Frida Kahlo’s Influence on Mexican Identity and Branding. n.d., https://ediblebrooklyn.com. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025