Design Principles: Final Project

Aidel Ivo Johan bin Mohamad Ismail / (0360349)

Bachelors of Design in Creative Media / Design Principles / Taylor's Lakeside University

Final Project

Recap

Visual Analysis:

1. Pick one goal from United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals

(UNSDG).

2. Select an art/design work that revolves around the goal of your

choice.

3. Explain, in about 50 words, why you chose that design and how it is

related to that UNSDG goal.

4. Write a 300 to 350 word visual analysis of the selected design

(refer to Visual Analysis lecture notes).

5. Create a work of design of your own, inspired/influenced

by/reacting to the one you had analysed.

6. Write a 50 to 100 word rationale explaining and defending the

decisions made in your design.

Visual Analysis: Students are to utilise their understanding of design

principles found in the design work. This project requires the students to

assess, investigate, document and analyse a design material

(billboards/television commercial/movie clip/work of design) of their

choice. They should notice, size, placement, purpose, effectiveness, as

well as aspects of design principles found in that work.

Final Design: Thereafter, they are to produce a work of design,

inspired/influenced by the one they studied on, or as a reaction to it. They

should also apply knowledge of design principles in their design. 

Visual Analysis

Through looking at the list of Goals within the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), I have chosen "Life Below Water". 

Observation

Figure 3.0.1; Balance of Nature by Chan Hou Yuan

Upon observing this artwork, I can observe that the center artwork is a Tiger, entering the ocean waters. And the school of fish around it is swimming apart, as to give the tiger space in order to be free.

In this composition I can see that there is a balance between the two species from their own respective points of origin.

Analysis

Through understanding of the principles, the artwork provides a sense of emphasis and repetition through the display of a school of fish, surrounding a lone tiger and giving it way. As if the laws of nature itself allow it, the tiger is given space and is allowed the freedom to move around. The artwork also shows a large emphasis on the tiger, as its single towering figure crosses through school of fish.

Interpretation

In this interpretation, the artwork focuses solely on the theme of "Life Below Water" and the challenges faced by marine ecosystems. It highlights the deteriorating condition of the oceans due to deforestation and water pollution. The artist symbolically represents this by featuring a tiger, an endangered land animal, escaping to the sea. The tiger's arrival in the underwater realm signifies the need for adaptation and survival in an environment that is relatively untouched and still thriving.

The centerpiece of the artwork is a large school of fish, symbolizing the rich biodiversity and interconnectedness of marine life. The presence of this vibrant community of fish welcoming the tiger represents the resilience and potential for rejuvenation within aquatic ecosystems. It emphasizes the importance of preserving and restoring marine habitats to ensure the continued existence of diverse marine species and the delicate balance of life below water.

The artwork invites viewers to contemplate the significance of "Life Below Water" and the urgent need for conservation efforts. It serves as a reminder of the critical role that healthy oceans play in sustaining life on our planet. By showcasing the juxtaposition between the endangered tiger and the thriving underwater world, the artist prompts us to reflect on our responsibility to protect and restore marine ecosystems, promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and the diverse life forms below the water's surface.

As someone with a deep fascination and underlined interest in life under water, this artwork speaks to me on a personal level. It captures the delicate balance between "Life below water" and "Life on Land" and the interconnectedness of these two realms. The deforestation and water pollution depicted remind me of the grave threats faced by marine ecosystems. The tiger's escape to the sea symbolizes the need for adaptation and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. 

The sight of the majestic tiger unharmed in its new underwater habitat fills me with a sense of hope and possibility. The school of fish welcoming the tiger represents the vibrant and diverse marine life that thrives beneath the surface. This artwork serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the fragile underwater ecosystems that hold such beauty and wonder. It motivates me to further explore and advocate for the preservation of life below water, igniting my passion for marine conservation and inspiring me to take action towards a sustainable future.

Visual References

Figure 3.1.1

Figure 3.1.2; Resonance of Nature by Lim Jing Ming

Figure 3.1.3

Figure 3.1.4; Guardians of Marine Life by Ng Joon Xiang

Design Principle

The design principle I have chosen to work with is Emphasis.

Idea Exploration and Description

In my artwork titled "Life Below Water: It Matters," I have applied the principle of emphasis to highlight the significance of life beneath the ocean's surface. Through this design principle, I have aimed to draw attention to the beauty and importance of the underwater world.

Within the artwork, I have specifically chosen two whales, mirrored vertically, accompanied by their own schools of fish. The selection of whales as the central symbols in my piece is driven by their crucial role in serving the underwater ecosystem.

Figure 3.2.1

One reason why whales are so important to our ecosystem is their contribution to nutrient cycling. As majestic creatures, whales consume vast quantities of fish and other marine organisms as they navigate the ocean depths. In this process, they accumulate essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron within their bodies.

What makes whales truly remarkable is their ability to redistribute these nutrients back into the marine environment. During their migrations or deep-sea feeding activities, whales release their nutrient-rich fecal matter and urine near coastlines or in nutrient-poor areas. This process acts as a natural fertilizer, nourishing the surrounding waters and stimulating the growth of phytoplankton and other marine organisms.

The growth of phytoplankton, supported by the released nutrients, has a cascading effect on the entire food web. These tiny organisms serve as the foundation of marine ecosystems, providing sustenance for numerous other species, including fish, crustaceans, and even larger predators. The interconnectedness and interdependence of these organisms rely on the nutrient enrichment facilitated by whales.

Figure 3.2.2

By featuring the mirrored whales with their own schools of fish, my artwork seeks to visually portray the intricate balance and harmony of life below water. It conveys the message that the well-being of marine ecosystems is intricately tied to the presence and conservation of these magnificent creatures.

In the artwork the choice of gold and black as the primary colors holds deep significance. The color gold represents the intrinsic value and preciousness of the underwater ecosystem, symbolizing abundance, wealth, and illumination. It captures the intricate beauty and richness that exists beneath the ocean's surface, highlighting the awe-inspiring nature of life below water. The use of gold also evokes a sense of transcendence and spirituality, emphasizing the sacredness and interconnectedness of the underwater environment. On the other hand, the color black serves as a striking contrast, representing the unknown depths of the ocean and the enigmatic nature of the underwater world. It symbolizes mystery, depth, and introspection, prompting viewers to reflect on the delicate balance and resilience of life below water. 

Final Design

Life Below Water: It Matters

Figure 3.2.3