INTERCULTURAL DESIGN / PROJECT 3

04/02/2024 - 10/03/2024 / Week 5 - Week 7

Mariam Ayman Mohamed / 0347638

Design Principles / Bachelor of Creative media (Minor - Creative Media Design)

Project 3 Final Project

LECTURE NOTES

Lecture 5 - Lecture 7
WEEK 5 - Week 7 (04/03/2024 - 24/03/2024)

(No Lecture)

INSTRUCTIONS

Project 3 - Final Project

For this project we are require to continue on from Project 2, after finding even more about the chosen culture, we are required to be creative and showcase the culture through physical form. It can be an object/ clothes/ bag and more.

Figure 1.0 Face painting
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

After having a conversation with Dr. Charles, he suggested that we consider ourselves to be the art itself since we need to repeat the story through ourselves. However, after having a conversation with the other members of my team, we came to the conclusion that it is a little bit too time demanding, and for some of us, it does appear to be a little bit disrespectful to display the day of the dead and give it a commercialized appearance. As a result of these considerations, we came to the conclusion that we would not participate in the cosplaying activity and instead sought to come up with an alternative plan.

2. Laying out the ideas

We had the idea of the skull at first, but we also had the thought that it was too common, particularly considering that other groups that are studying the Mexican culture might be doing the skull as their final project. As a result, we opted to skip this one out as well.

Figure 1.2 Parade idea
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

In light of the fact that the interviewee said that it is something that is relatively new in Mexico at the moment, we considered doing something similar to a parade. However, because it would take an excessive amount of time, we would not have sufficient time to construct a sculptor from the ground up. Whether we needed to present in person or by recording was something that we were not really sure about.

3. Selecting Idea

Figure 1.3 Offering Table
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

We revisited the concept of an offering table because we believed that this would be the most efficient use of our time and the least amount of labor that would be required. In addition, the person who was interviewed for this opportunity sent us this picture, and because it appeared to have the most significant meaning from the day of the dead itself, we chose to go with this alternative.

After we had reached a consensus on the matter, we proceeded to delegate the task, with each of us taking on a distinct and significant role in order to guarantee the successful completion of this project. In addition, we made an effort to reuse the things that we already had in our home in order to make it more sustainable and reusable.

Figure 1.4 Items on the offering table
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

These are some of the objects that will be placed on the offering table. We have made the decision to personalize some of the designs for the candles, photo frames, banners, and skulls, and we also intend to cook the bread from scratch.

Figure 1.5 Ideas for offering table p.1
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

Figure 1.7 Ideas for offering table p.3
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

Figure 1.8 Ideas for offering table p.4
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

Figure 1.9 Ideas for offering table p.5
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

These are our references for the concepts that we wanted to set on the offering table. Since we wanted to adorn the offering table, we wanted to either hand make it, print off the relevant photographs, or design it.

4. Reference of offering table

Figure 2.0 Offering table layout ideas p.1
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024)

Figure 2.1 Offering table layout ideas p.2
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024

Figure 2.2 Offering table layout ideas p.3
(Week 6 - 11/03/2024

5. The Plan/Layout

Figure 2.3 Offering Table Layout
(Week 6 - 12/03/2024)

This is the layout of our offering table; it is simply a rough concept of where the things will be placed. Congratulations! In addition to the fact that we each have our own individual tasks to complete, we will make use of whatever that may be brought from home in order to cut down on our expenses. In order to provide visitors with additional information regarding the Day of the Dead, we would be placing a board next to the offering table. This board would provide information about the holiday.

gure 2.4 Info Board
(Week 6 12/03/2024)

We decided to have a board by the side of the offering table that consist of the information about the day of the dead and its significance. The board will be filled with decorative elements, colours to represent the day of the dead and the Mexican culture as a whole.

5. Process of Making/printing items for the offering table

Figure 2.3 Process of making skull clay
(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Taking charge of the skull-making, one of my group members took hold of some clay, sculpted them, and then patiently waited for them to dry.

Figure 2.4 Making Clay Skull

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 2.4 Making Clay Skull

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 2.5 Print outs for Decos p.1

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 2.6 Print outs for Decos p.2

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 2.6 Print outs for Decos p.2

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 2.7 Print outs for Decos p.3

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 2.8 Print outs for Decos p.4

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Our group mate wanted to add a little more decoration to the offering table, so she printed out some Mexican cultural cutouts. Some of these will be utilized to adorn the picture frame and candles, making the offering table appear much larger.

Figure 2.9 Cut outs

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 3.0 Picture frames

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

We chose to embellish the image frames rather than place any actual photos of people. I personally created these picture frames using all of the cutouts that I printed out.

Figure 3.1 Up close image of picture frames

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 3.1 Up close image of picture frames

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Figure 3.1 Up close image of picture frames

(Week 6 - 15/03/2024)

Since I don't think it's appropriate to utilize actual photos of the deceased, we used various cutout sheets related to the Day of the Dead and pasted them all around the frames.

Figure 3.2 Making the board by the offering table

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 3.2 Making the board by the offering table

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

We want to place a board beside the offering table that consist of information about the day of the dead, this is because those who do not know about the Mexican Culture would be able to understand it through the info board.

Figure 3.1 Offering table designing

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

This is our offering table. We covered it with a crimson fabric, used two different styles of tables, and embellished it with everything we had printed or handmade. I hosted the in-person presentation for everyone at my house, using some of my own possessions for the offering table.

Figure 3.1 Offering table designing

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 3.2 Antique Bowl
(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

One of our group member brought over this really cool antique bowl from her household and we thought it would be very useful for out offering table

Figure 3.3 Banners
(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

7. Face Painting

Figure 3.5 Painting Inspo

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 3.5 Painting Inspo

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 3.5 Painting Inspo

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Since face painting is a mark of respect for Mexican culture, we felt it would be a nice idea to do it during our presentation. We looked up Inso on Pinterest and did our best to mimic the looks. We had never painted faces before till now.

Figure 3.6 Face painting P.1

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 3.6 Face painting P.1

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 3.7 Face painting P.2

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 3.7 Face painting P.2

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 3.7 Face painting P.2

(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

We had a great time painting our faces, and I recall laughing a lot since we were chatting about many topics and, as girls, we also liked to gossip a lot. We supported one another and collaborated as a group. This was a lot of fun for me. Surprisingly, our face painting worked out very nicely; I was quite pleased with my own. For our first time, it was fairly good.

8. Final for task 3

Figure 3.9 Data Collection (PDF)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.0 Progress slides (PDF)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.1 Group Picture (JPG)
(Week 7 - 22/03/2024)

Figure 4.2 Final Offering Table( JPG)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.3 Offering Table In different lighting/ angle (JPG)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.4 Final Info Board (JPG)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.5 Final Offering Table( PDF)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.6 Offering Table In different lighting/ angle (PDF)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.7 Final Info Board (PDF)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.8 Group Presentation Picture (PDF)

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Figure 4.9 Presentation Video

(Week 7 - 20/03/2024)

Presentation Video Link: https://youtu.be/eSvcAo_Ibw0?si=FpCxgjXje4xdm9VB

FEEDBACK

Week 6 (11/03/2024 - 17/03/2024)

General Feedback

1.Discuss your progress with your mentor

2. Dateline pushed to the 29th March

3. Have it on Zoom (Presentation)

Personal Feedback

1.It looks good

2. Would suggest you to be the art itself, so you can retell the story through you

3. You have to make the offering table very very nice

Week 7 (18/03/2024 - 24/03/2024)

General Feedback

1.Consult with Mentor

Personal Feedback

(No personal Feedback)

REFLECTION

Observation

It is evident that acquiring knowledge about diverse cultures necessitates the meticulous verification of information accuracy. Given the vast array of information available, it is imperative to possess a comprehensive understanding and acquire knowledge pertaining to another culture. The Mexican culture, which I have researched, is characterized by its vibrant colors and its representation of Mexican cultural heritage. Upon selecting Mexican culture, I experienced great enthusiasm as I had limited knowledge about it until conducting research, which revealed its profound richness. I had great pleasure in perusing the account of the commemoration of the Day of the Dead, a cultural event that is not often observed in Malaysia. The learning experience was both intriguing and enjoyable for me.

Experience

This project caused me some confusion as we aimed to create something distinctive and unconventional. However, given the little time available, it was challenging to devise something that effectively showcased the culture. After extensive deliberation, we ultimately opted for an offering table that accurately embodied the entirety of the culture. During every event, the presence of an offering table holds great cultural significance. Delegating the assignment to my group member proved to be difficult due to my initial uncertainty about the required actions. However, I persevered and sought guidance through deliberation and consultations, ultimately regaining clarity.

Findings

Generating a culturally respectful notion proves to be a formidable task, given that the day of the dead exclusively takes place in November. Consequently, after careful deliberation, we have come to the realization that we must ascertain the appropriateness of our production. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to exercise my creativity, since it provided ample space for exploration and advancement. I found that activity to be quite enjoyable.

FURTHER READING

Mexican Art/ Tradition and Culture

(Alan, 2019)

Mexico exhibits significant diversity across its various regions, a characteristic that has persisted throughout the millennia. Mexico possesses exceptional qualities that render it a remarkable destination for tourists, positioning it as one of the most vibrant and distinctive nations globally in contemporary times.

The Toltecs are renowned for their formidable warrior-oriented culture and traditions. They held a strong belief in their deities and emphasized the importance of conquest and sacrifice. The Toltec people have left behind ancient art that is predominantly religious, often depicting gods, warriors, and priests. The inhabitants were renowned for their remarkable craftsmanship, as evidenced by several ancient artifacts that demonstrate their mastery in stone sculpture, metalworks, weaving, and ceramics.

The Olmecs are commonly regarded by historians as the initial indigenous tribes to initiate the practice of hieroglyphics and the development of calendars. Following the development of hieroglyphics and calendars, the Olmec civilization emerged as a more sophisticated and knowledgeable society. Consequently, they incorporated their acquired knowledge into their architectural creations.

Mayan art is referred to as steale, which is derived from the word "Stela" meaning singular. A stela is a substantial and towering stone slab adorned with elaborate carvings and inscriptions. These stelas were crafted as a tribute to the reigning monarch. The Maya civilization was reputed to have produced a diverse array of artistic and artisanal creations, including various mediums such as paintings, ceramics, carvings, and scriptures. Only a small quantity of parts remains to this day.

Folk art and crafts often utilize a variety of materials such as clay, wood, stones, metals, and plants. These elements can be combined to produce vibrant, ornamental, and distinctive artworks. The Day of The Dead is frequently linked to it.

References

1. Alan Travels (2019), Mexican Art / Tradition and Culture

https://www.traverstravels.net/post/mexican-art-tradition-culture

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Mariam Ayman (347638)