#intercept2017

The Big Mac is often held up as the emblem of globalisation, the archetypal symbol of economic progress and heightened connectivities between countries with the rise of powerful Transnational corporations (TNCs) that is McDonald’s. The Big Mac Index, clean and simple as it is, has thus become a powerful tool to scrutinise the health and wealth or rather, the general state of living between countries.

Intrinsically, though, the Big Mac is but an aggregation of many different elements; ingredients sourced all around the world - a complex operation involving cargo ships, trucks, local delivery companies and a synergy between vital stakeholders down to the cashier behind the counter that has curiously enough, been translated into a simple visual image of beef patties between buns juxtaposed against a clean background. Subsequently, this simple image continues to broadcast power all around the world in the 119 countries that Mcdonald’s operates in.

Art has long been a mirror in which we could look at and examine ourselves and society as a whole. While looking through several art works on the Internet, I came across what I found to be a disturbing but appropriately pertinent reflection of that in the form of A-positive by Kac and Bennett. In this work, direct physical contact between a human participant and robot is intentionally created when blood is intravenously transferred from former to the latter to create a flame, understood to be the universal symbol of life. In return, the robot transfers dextrose (glucose - “food”) to the human through the same ‘invasive’ method. In this manner, a symbiotic relationship between human and robot is depicted here, refuting conventional thought about a creator/creation relationship between the two entities. This work thus suggests a new way of viewing the interface between human and technology that has been and will continue to be dynamic and ever changing. 

                       A-positive - Eduardo Kac and Ed Bennett (1997)

At this point, I am reminded of classical art that has long glorified the human body, seemingly portraying it as an infallible entity - David by Michelangelo, Venus by Botticelli, Jupiter and Thetis by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, etc. In the digital age however, this privilege of the human body is gradually being eroded as it gives way increasingly to technology and robots. Procedures like those depicted above are just one of the many out there, and there are those like IVF, cloning, stem cell transplants and biobotics that are gaining or have already gained traction. I wonder then, if the intrinsic characteristics that define human nature would ever cease to exist as it continues to negotiate with technologies, and if the posthuman age would ever come to reality. 

Artwork: “New Mumbai” (Tobias Revell, 2012)

“Constructive Criticism Exercise in Groups”

Response

As a group, we were conflicted as to whether the project was real or purely fictional. (Jasper was confused for the longest time… #blondegurl). At first glance, the appearance of the mushrooms set in a dilapidated context of refugee housing seemed to be plausible, yet somehow the idea of mushrooms being able to provide free power to all the slum dwellers seemed too good to be true. The thought of the large cantilevering mushrooms defying gravity and their exponential growth to such ginormous proportions puzzled us immensely. This doubt on the work’s realism is further perpetuated as we watched the all-too-real documentary describing the artwork’s background. Only indicators like it having clinched a “Bio-Fiction Award” and further online research of Revell’s other works pointed us to the fact that it is indeed, ‘fake’, and that “New Mumbai” is but a cleverly disguised mockumentary.

Description

The genetically-engineered fungal samples take on a large, urban scale [presence] through its apparent appropriation of residential spaces. Ominous but visible, their organic forms adopt a parasitic-like relationship with existing infrastructure. Seemingly temporary and transient in nature, their incursion into the urban landscape is additive and made to blend in. Found primarily at levels of considerable height from the ground and even at rooftops, the altitude of their placement is indicative of occupant life though not often explicitly seen.       

Image credit: Tobias Revell (2012)

Analysis & Interpretation

Dharavi is one of the most deprived slums in the world that continues to face neglect in terms of development and infrastructural improvement. Revell’s work could represent an attempt to inject greater attention to the living conditions of the poor albeit from a rather whimsical perspective coated in black humour via its shock value. Treading between reality and fantasy by juxtaposing images of gigantic mushrooms over images of various buildings in Dharavi and its supplementary interviews with locals, viewers are intentionally left to ponder upon the phenomenological being of the fungal structures that aim to provide the residents with “heat, light and building material”.

Perhaps, Revell had aimed to depict an alternative utopian future to the present dystopic reality of the residents of Dharavi, where self-preservation and survival instincts of the destitute drive them to appropriate stolen and untapped technology to become a means of improving their standard of living. This artwork is thus reflective of Revell’s thoughts on the not-too-distant future, e.g. technology theft, species evolution, citizens’ autonomy without state intervention etc.

Evaluation & Judgement

Revell intentionally selected a methodology that juxtaposes the use of the bio-engineered fungi in 2 countries of different developmental levels to comment on the duality to which nature is interpreted in two localities. For instance the fungi in Amsterdam is mainly of trivial importance, being employed for recreational use, whereas in Dharavi it is presented as a necessity that provides energy for daily living. In doing so, he has cleverly highlighted the disparity between developed and developing countries and their varying attitudes and values towards the same object, i.e. the mushroom.  

Written with Ho Yanyi, Lee Jo Hee, Jasper Yee & Jean Lin.

References

Tobias Revell: New Mumbai And Its Mushrooms. (2017, January 25). Retrieved January 31, 2017, from http://www.mutantspace.com/tobias-revell-new-mumbai-mushrooms-genetically-modified/

New Mumbai. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2017, from http://www.tobiasrevell.com/New-Mumbai

Tobias revell: power generating mushrooms in mumbai. (2012, July 18). Retrieved January 31, 2017, from http://www.designboom.com/readers/tobias-revell-power-generating-mushrooms-in-mumbai/

1. One thing that isn’t about me - 

The spindle on the map about electronic games isn’t applicable to me; I’ve heard of games like Pacman, Tamagotchi, Sims & Wii but I’ve never laid a finger on them. I’m not a computer games kinda person and this was probably also a result of my strict upbringing that placed a heavy emphasis on books and reading instead of gaming. 

2. One thing that was left out - 

The computer, and probably its associated technological counterparts like the laptop and iPad. Use of these items have become ubiquitous and so penetrated our everyday lives that they were unintentionally left out in this exercise.

3. One lie about zakharikhov - 

I do play a crossword game downloaded as an app on my mobile phone. 

“Commentary on online Soylent community”

Isn’t it just amusing to note the wide range of fad diets there are out there? I was actually mortified to learn about the existence of Soylent, a plant-based “super-food” that is essentially a combination of chemicals and nutrients put together, designed to be nutrient-dense to give its adherents just the right amount of nutrition they require sans the excess calories...I remember talk about a certain super pill in the past that could be created to provide soldiers at the warfront the food they needed (albeit in a condensed version of a pill), thereby ensuring a reliable source of food supply, and it is now that I am not the least surprised at the advent of Soylent.

There are several obvious benefits of Soylent such as aiding dieting and potentially being the answer to global food scarcity with its relatively low cost and powdered form which makes for easy transportation. The growing online community of Soylent users stands as a testament to the belief in the super-food that is fast gaining traction globally. DIY Soylent, an online database where  enthusiasts can share and download homemade recipes that incorporate Soylent in meals, demonstrate the very nature of it; that while marketed as a “complete food”, it will never quite be ‘complete’, being subject to kitchen experiments and variations in preparations across users. Soylent will continue to evolve as a food type. 

Resin art -  Reborn by Keng Lye (2017), K+ Curatorial Space (Scotts Square)

“Individual Art Critique 02″

An exhibition of hyperrealistic paintings of resin and gel depicting native aquatic creatures in vessels common to local households. 

An ambiguity between realism and illusion is constructed as visitors adjust their bodily positions and eyes continuously while gazing upon the artworks in an attempt to relish and understand Keng Lye’s latest experiment on resin as an art medium, seemingly trying to figure out if they are indeed living creatures or not. 

The short descriptions in a haiku-style that accompany each vessel beautifully and poetically surmise the artist’s thoughts behind each work. 

10. ASOS

Asos, my first destination for clothing trends and fashion inspiration and more importantly, retail therapy that can be satisfied from the click of a finger from the comfort of home. Knowing the ‘standard’ of dressing on the streets gives me a sense of belonging and security and informs me about what i can or should wear. 

9. Instagram 

                                                   (Source: zakharikhov)

In age of ocularcentrism where the eye and visual images take precedence over all else, spectacles are celebrated and imagery produced, sometimes intentionally just for the sake of it. Nonetheless, as the top photo sharing platform in the world, Instagram remains my best source for a whole range of ideas be it in clothing trends, travel destination ideas, new party locations or even posing ideas. 

8. Dreams

Sleep is sometimes a luxury as an architecture student in Singapore (#thumbsdown) so it has become very common for me to fall into deep REM sleep and dream - sometimes even sleep paralysis and its accompanying frightful nightmares. Curiously enough, these dreams, bizarre and surreal as they are, have been sources of fantasy and intrigue for me.

7. Starbucks, Clarke Quay Central

Cafés have always enjoyed an affirmative reputation among artists, intellectuals and bohemians where they would meet to discuss issues close to their hearts or really just to feel inspired as they gaze onto public life on the sidewalks from their seats. For example, the former Café Royal in Piccadilly, London, that was the hangout place of notable figures like Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw and Mick Jagger. My personal favourite is Starbucks at Central in Clarke Quay where I would work on my architectural projects while reclining on my soft velvet sofa where the cafe’s lounge music drifts into my ears and also making the occasional glance to other patrons around me. 

6. Museums

                                   SONICreflection, Zulkiflie Mahmod (2016)

                                                (Source: zakharikhov)

Museums are not only repositories of memories where we might learn from the past. They are also projective of the future, and as such, remain entirely relevant and contrary to what many might think about museums. The installation above was one of the many exhibited at the Singapore Biennale last year and they continue to challenge our views and perceptions of society, thereby forging new boundaries.

5. Passport

                                               (Source: zakharikhov)

The perennial symbol of travel, the passport is a gateway to sights, sounds, tastes, firsthand knowledge and experiences beyond our typical comfort zone. Oftentimes during travel, I realise that I learn more about myself, others, and my position in society as I am immersed in a different culture and geographical setting. 

4. Friends

                                                    (Source: zakharikhov)

It is often said that man was born to connect and to form social bonds. True enough, it is often among friends that I gain happiness and the much needed drug called oxytocin that I so desire.  

3. GIFs and Internet Memes

Conventional news media outlets like newspapers and TV news continue to provide us with valid information. Nonetheless in some societies, they have lost their legitimacy in the eyes of many, being perceived to be the mouthpiece of the ruling elite or the wealthy. As such, GIFs and memes give an insight into what the common man is thinking about daily issues close to our hearts and act as vital resources to designers who design and create for the betterment of society.

2. Black Sketchbook and White Pen

                                                   (Source: zakharikhov)

Doodling is often my first step in any design project and I find the process especially fun and smooth with a white pen on black paper. The white pen then really takes on a life on its own. Another favourite medium is pencils (B,2B, until 6B) on heavyweight paper. 

1. Nature

                                                  (Source: zakharikhov)

Believer in intelligent design or proponent of evolution, we all agree that nature takes on the most interesting of forms, geometries, colours and textures. Not only is looking towards nature a clever way of getting inspiration, but is also spiritually soothing and rewarding for me as well.