"Do You Understand Art?" Questionnaire

Artwork 1 by Faith Foo

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• The Pigments of Society

  "The Pigments of Society" explores the intersection between individual experience and the wider social structure. The sculpture features several small figures, each lying on the ground, painted with vivid red and yellow paint. These colours symbolise the complex range of emotions and experiences that make up the tapestry of society. The figures are arranged in different positions, suggesting the intricacy and multi-faceted nature of human interaction. Some are huddled together while others are isolated, suggesting the myriad of relationships between individuals. Through its use of colour and form, it encourages the viewer to reflect on the interdependence of individual experience and collective society.

• Luxury colours

  As you venture into the trials of a relationship, you'd probably fall victim to those who would exploit your love to satiate their greed. How often do you see the commodification of love, hand in hand with the corruption of beauty? The piece can remind us that love should not be used as a means of exploitation, but rather as a source of connection.

• Genocide

  The tragedy of mass violence. The colours evoke a visceral response in viewers, emphasizing the human cost of such atrocities. It demonstrates the ability of art to inspire empathy and thought, pushes us to confront our role in the cycle of violence and encourages us to strive for a more compassionate world. Overall, it is a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the potential for positive change.

Artwork 2 by Creg

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• cobblerwax.png

  cobblerswax.png portrays a person trapped and unable to wake up from their slumber. The figure is covered in a cloth that is weighing them down onto the floor, adding to the sense of suffocation and helplessness. The use of cloth symbolizes the constraints that society places on individuals, preventing them from reaching their full potential. The person's attempt to wake up suggests a desire for change and progress, but they are being held back by the weight of external pressures. The struggle to break free from the cloth can be seen as a metaphor for the fight against the system that values profit over people. The piece shows that capitalism creates a society in which people are trapped and unable to achieve true freedom. These constraints however heavy, are helped through the love of the people we know, the things we enjoy and all the times we strive.

• Plastic Prisoner

  "Plastic Prisoner" depicts the concept of captivity and confinement in modern society. The figure in the piece is trapped under an orange plastic film, which serves as a metaphor for the physical and psychological barriers that limit our freedom. The suffocating and oppressive nature of plastic symbolizes the societal and environmental constraints that prevent individuals from achieving true liberation. The artwork raises important questions about the price we pay for progress and the consequences of our actions on the environment and the world around us. It serves as a reminder that we are all connected and that our actions have a significant impact on the larger ecosystem of life.

• Incarcerated in Orange

  The figure in the piece is enmeshed in a vibrant orange film, symbolizing the constraints and pressures that society places on us. However, rather than conveying a sense of helplessness, the image is suffused with warm, comforting energy, suggesting that even in the face of external limitations, there is still space for growth and expansion. The piece encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences of confinement and to consider the possibility of transcending their limitations. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a celebration of the power of transformation and self-discovery.

Artwork 3 by Creg

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• Pushed to the Limit

  “Pushed to the Limit” portrays a fragile yet resolute woman, standing tall with her head held high, but pressed against a transparent glass surface. Her countenance is a picture of determined perseverance, with furrowed brows and a tightly pursed mouth. The lustrous ceramic material of her form provides a stunning contrast to the rough, textured glass, underscoring the tension between her inner strength and the external forces that seek to constrain her. It captures the challenges that women face when navigating society's expectations, and the tenacity required to overcome them. It is a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit that lies within every person, urging them to break free from imposed limitations and pursue their dreams.

• virtualecstacy.jpg

  At the centre of virtualecstacy.jpg is a ceramic woman who is being pushed up against the glass, evoking a sense of tension and vulnerability. The use of ceramic and glass suggests a delicate balance between opposing forces, and the bright red background creates a sense of urgency and passion. Technology and virtual reality are playing an increasingly important role in shaping our understanding of love and capitalism. The use of the term "ecstasy" suggests that these forces have the potential to create intense pleasure and excitement, but also the potential for danger and addiction. We should reflect on how technology and virtual reality are shaping our understanding of these themes, and the potential implications for the future.

• Shattered Reflections

  An elegant figure whose image is fragmented and distorted by shattered glass. Her face is a picture of inner conflict and turmoil, reflecting the complexity of her struggle for self-discovery and acceptance. The jagged glass provides a sense of depth and texture, drawing attention to the woman's form and the shattered nature of her self-image. The polished ceramic material of her body contrasts starkly with the glass, emphasizing the tension between her inner turmoil and external pressures. This artwork is a poignant exploration of the complexities of identity in a society that often imposes rigid expectations.

Artwork 4 by Faith Foo

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• Share Space, Separate stories

  The sculpture features two groups of people with a red line intersecting their space. The two groups are positioned separately, emphasising the boundaries between them. The red line is a metaphor for the different stories and perspectives that each group brings to the space they share. It shows the complexity of communication, challenges the viewer to consider the interplay between shared space and separate experiences and reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.

• Merchant

  “Merchant” explores the complex interplay between business, power dynamics and communication. The two groups represent different perspectives and experiences, while the image of the businessman symbolises the power dynamics inherent in commercial communication. The red line is a metaphor for the boundaries and barriers that can arise in communication between people from different backgrounds. The artwork reflects the complexity of communication in a context involving business and power dynamics.

• Dowry

  This art piece explores the intersection of class and money in the context of the marriage system. Though marriages have been seeing better days in recent years, where the idea of love seems to reign, the reality of class difference is still firmly lodged in place, a gate kept by those who hold wealth. The overt tension between different social backgrounds is seen to be segregated by colour as well as a red territorial marker, connected only by the mode of transaction—money.

Artwork 5 by Adiba Arefin

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• The Resilience of the Human Heart

  This painting features a red heart set against a blue background, representing the emotional complexities of the human experience. The heart's textured surface suggests the wounds and scars we accumulate, while the blue background signifies the balance and harmony we seek amidst our tumultuous lives. It speaks to the idea that our emotional pain can coexist with a sense of peace, creating a beautiful and complex tapestry of human existence

• The Anatomy of Hope

  A red heart against a blue background symbolises the emotional journey towards hope. The heart's textured surface suggests the hardships and struggles we endure, while the blue background represents the hope and peace we seek in the face of adversity. It speaks to the idea that hope can be found even in the darkest of times, and that the scars we accumulate along the way can become a testament to our strength and resilience. Ultimately, this painting is a celebration of the human spirit and its capacity to find hope and healing amidst even the most challenging of circumstances.

• Heart Surgery

  Regardless of whether the relationship is romantic or not, they are all transactional in a capitalist society. The oil lubricating the gears of this world trickles into our hearts, gold and dollar bills clog our aortas. This piece depicts how we perceive the worth of someone’s love through the materialistic items they offer. How we poke and prod at their heart to mine whatever gold lies within.

Artwork 6 by Creg

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• loversdisplacement.jpg

  loversdisplacement.jpg takes inspiration from the past, the present and the future. The use of glass in the piece symbolizes transparency, fragility, and the often-broken promises of capitalism. The grass is a representation of the natural world, which is often exploited by capitalist ventures for profit. Finally, the concrete is a symbol of the hard, unyielding reality of capitalism, which can crush those who are not strong enough to withstand its pressures. The vibrant colours and bold shapes in the piece evoke a sense of energy and movement, suggesting that the themes of love and capitalism are always in flux. The use of organic materials, such as grass, represents the importance of maintaining a connection to the natural world, while the use of glass and concrete represents the often-oppressive forces of capitalism that can destroy this connection.

• Glass Garden

  "Glass Garden" explores the interplay between human creativity and the natural world. The glass, moss, and concrete elements in this abstract composition create a garden-like shape emerging from a dark space. The artwork represents the delicate balance between nature and technology, evoking both the beauty and impermanence of life. The black background symbolizes the unknown and infinite, challenging us to consider our impact on the environment. Ultimately, it reminds us of our interconnectedness with the world and the need to balance creativity with an awareness of our role in shaping the natural world.

• Glimmerscape

  "Glimmerscape" showcases a captivating interplay of glass, moss, and concrete against a black background. The mosaic of glass fragments reflects and refracts the light, creating a shimmering effect that draws the viewer in. The moss provides a natural element with its green hues and soft texture that contrasts the rough industrial concrete shapes. It shows how unexpected combinations of materials and forms can result in an artwork that evokes both natural and man-made beauty and also reminds that beauty can emerge from unexpected places and that the most unique and meaningful creations often come from the unlikeliest of pairings.

Artwork 7 by Adiba Arefin

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• Heart on Display

  "Heart on Display" delves into the complexities of the human experience. The exposed heart represents the raw and vulnerable aspects of the self, the parts we often hide from the world for fear of judgment or rejection. The green leaves emerging from the heart suggest growth and renewal, symbolizing the potential for transformation that lies within us all. The hand with the diamond ring reaching towards the heart evokes the tension between love and wealth, hinting at the interplay between our deepest desires and the material world we inhabit. Ultimately, this artwork speaks to the power of vulnerability and the importance of authenticity in forging meaningful connections with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

• Non-entity

  In today’s world, we tend to view relationships like shopping for luxury items, and consequently, we treat them as such. The foliage depicts the beautiful things one can offer, which we seem to value more than the person. Through online matchmaking apps, humans are advertised. Their face, their hobbies, their height. If there’s something better in the market, you can always change your mind. Even with the memory of holding the person’s heart in your hands, their features distort into nothing but a non-entity. The stacked rings represent the former lovers and the lack of commitment as she reaches into the heart of someone new.

• Transcending Materialism

  "Transcending Materialism" challenges viewers to contemplate the true nature of wealth and fulfilment. The painting features a figure with their heart exposed, intertwined with green leaves emerging from their chest. A hand adorned with a large diamond ring reaches towards the figure, evoking a sense of material desire. Through its imagery, the painting invites viewers to look beyond surface-level materialism and recognize the importance of inner richness and emotional depth. It encourages a shift towards a more mindful and purposeful existence, where the search for fulfilment extends beyond the accumulation of wealth and towards the cultivation of meaning and connection.

Artwork 8 by Maxine Chin

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• The Temple of Captivity

  Imprisonment and oppression? Despite the apparent splendour, the woman is not free. Her captivity is symbolic of how societal expectations and cultural norms can constrain individuals, limiting their freedom and autonomy. The koi fish, too, serves as a reminder of the beauty that can be found in captivity, while the golden tree represents the illusion of wealth and material success that can trap individuals.

• The Koi Bride

  A life of luxury, opulence, and grandeur. This has been coveted by the human race since the conceptualisation of a civilised society. Yet we never stop to think about the weight of taking wealth as our groom. In my culture, money is happiness. 恭喜发财(gōngxífācái), translating roughly into "hope you obtain immense wealth", is what we wish upon our loved ones. But throughout history, greed has been pulling us under, leaving us to drown in the waves, eating at us until we're hollow shells. Does greed not corrupt the loveliness of peonies, or the workmanship of carved doors and embroidered gowns? Why then, is it wealth we still worship?

• Imperial Splendor

  "Impereal Splendor" prompts a reflection on the relationship between beauty, power and the passage of time. The noble figure in the sculpture sits in a palace decorated with gold and precious stones, contrasting the transience of life with the abundance of power. The work is a reminder that even the most powerful and beautiful things are subject to the ravages of time. It challenges the viewer to consider how our obsession with beauty and power can divert us from the more meaningful aspects of life, such as compassion, wisdom and human relationships.

Artwork 9 by Univorso

Please choose the most fitting title and description for this artwork.

• Astrodestiny 7.3

  "Astrodestiny 7.3" is a piece from an art series called "Astrodestiny," which draws inspiration from celestial bodies and virtual dating in the 21st century. The artwork combines astronomy with the grid-like structure of mobile dating apps, which display visual information in a structured way. The gradient circles represent human beings and their personalities, sensibilities, and aura in the age of social media and curated online personas. The circular motif evokes the mandala, a representation of the self in Jungian psychology. The use of dating apps in the late capitalist era commodifies pleasure and romance and favours those who subscribe to paid services. The artwork questions whether applying the logic of hypercapitalism to love and marriage optimizes the way humans socialize or encourages treating each other as transactional commodities. The fate of love may no longer be written in the stars but decided by algorithms and tech companies.

• Chromatic Mandala: A Grid of Rainbow Circles

  'Chromatic Mandala: A Grid of Rainbow Circles' is an artistic representation of the human connection to the universe. The piece features a grid of circular motifs, each one a graphical token of individual human beings and their unique energies. The rainbow gradient colours represent the interconnectedness of all living things, and the mandala motif serves as a symbolic representation of the human Self. Through the use of colour, shape, and structure, the piece creates a sense of order within chaos, reflecting the intricate and complex nature of the universe and our place within it. The artwork invites the viewer to reflect on their existence and their connection to the greater cosmic whole.

• The Illusion of Individuality

  "The Illusion of Individuality" is a mixed-media artwork that challenges the notion of individuality in contemporary society. At first glance, the piece appears to be a simple grid of rainbow circles, each one distinct and separate from the others. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that the circles are interconnected, overlapping and blending into one another in a complex and intricate web. The use of the rainbow gradient colour scheme symbolizes the diversity and complexity of human experience, while the grid structure suggests the artificial constraints and labels that society imposes on individuals to create a sense of order and control. By subverting this structure and blurring the lines between individual and collective, the artwork encourages the viewer to question their own identity and how it is constructed by external forces.

What is the exhibition’s theme?

• Love and Freedom

• Capitalism and the environment

• Love and Capitalism