Urban Phenomenon

Images of Surrealism are founded in the subconscious – usually based on fantasy and daydreams, but expressed with maximum realism. In the same way that dreams seem so believable at the time, surreal images are often pervaded by strange occurrences and juxtapositions which appear perfectly realistic.

The few images below were used in my photomontage.

Image 1: Bukit Panjang Park

Image 2: Lasalle College of the Arts

Image 3: Lasalle College of the Arts
Image 4: Fusionpolis

Image 5: Ministry of Education
Image 6: Fusionpolis

Image 7: Fusionpolis

Since this assignment is on Urban Phenomenon and we are suppose to represent it using the surrealistic approach, I decided to start with the simpliest object I have on my list which is Image 3. I cropped it and used it as a base of my artwork which I will build upon.

I attempted to work like a surrealist artiste, cropping and trimming every image I have chosen above and placing them together. All the while, I was letting my subscious mind guide me. I didnt really think much about the subject placement and just went ahead with the flow.

As I progress in my work, I realised that I was generally moving towards a particular direction and where my subconscious mind was leading me to. One after another, my cropped images were placed together.

In this urban jungle we live in today, many generations today are chasing their dreams enthusiastically. Some are so engrossed in it that they are oblivious to the happenings around them. Others are so comfortable with the 'journey' that they fail to realise the danger which lies ahead of them (the edge of the 'river').

The block of grey building facade was rotated and used to symbolise a running river on a cliff but it has a shape drop at the edge. The edge of the river symbolises dangers and problems.

Buildings 'drifting' on this river were distorted to look like sails, giving the idea of a 'smooth and calm' journey the youths are experiencing.

The two brightly colour figures running represents the younger generations who are charged with energy and ambitions. Since the 'journey', as mentioned above, for them might be a smooth one, many are complacent and unguarded towards the dangers and problems they might encounter. Therefore, although they seem to be moving nearer the edge, they are unaware of it.

The older generations, represented by the old men, have their backs turned aginst this phenomenon. It portrays a case of "been there done that" and it is time the younger generations give it a go. Advices from the older generations often falls on death ears and the older generations would like the younger generations to face the consequence of their own actions, thus turning their backs against them. They tend to be sadddened by the unrealistic and over zealous nature of the younger generations today.

The many trees we see growing along the roads in our urban areas today adds a touch of nature into this concrete jungle. However, we have to remember the fact that these plants are planted there by humans and the natural habitat has long been manipulated and destroyed by us. Therefore, I added in two metallic looking plants into the picture as well.

The above is my 1st attempt at the assignment.

I would be adding more old men into the picture to push the visual aspects of the image further. Also, slanting the 'river' further, might better give the idea of an alarming phenomenon that requires our attention since the possiblity of slipping off the edge seems even greater.