Ken ✶ Syakira
UNIT 1
✶ info
syakiraken@gmail.com
UNIT 2 -> UNIT 3
For the summer show, I want to express my evolving idea of 'inbetweenness' by intertwining metalwork with drawings on fabric. By interweaving these contrasting mediums: the solidity and the toughness of metal against the softness and translucency of the fabric foregrounds the tension and harmony that exists between seemingly opposing materials.
I decided to integrate those contrasting mediums to achieve harmony. Combining them to create elements of a window by depicting metal as a window grill, with the drawn-on fabric as its curtain. I aim to create a dialogue between the materials, exploring further the push and pull of the inbetween states. Windows have consistently been a crucial element in my art. In
Initially, I explored using stocking-like fabrics due to their translucency and intimate connection to the body. I experimented with dyeing them in various shades and stretching them. However, the fabric was too hard to manipulate. Dyeing diminished its stretchability, increasing the difficulty to draw on it consistently. Consequently, I abandoned the stocking fabric idea and returned to calico, a familiar and consistent material in my practice.
Returning to calico provided a sense of control and predictability, which was needed after exploring too many new things and stagnating during Unit 2. For the summer show, I’m already experimenting with a completely new medium in the form of metal. The familiarity that calico brings helps maintain my motivation in making and prevents me from feeling too strayed away from my practice as I progress with new explorations.
Although new to me, I was very excited with the challenge to try metalwork. The idea culminated into making window grills out of metal works as a metaphorical barrier, offering protection to the interior space without completely obscuring the outside world.
I began by creating a window grill prototype. Although my initial intention was to use flat bars, I opted for cylindrical copper bars as this is still just the prototype. This decision allowed me to practice welding, sanding, bending, and cutting metal.
The prototype for the window grills was created at the intended initial scale. Upon finishing the whole thing, the grills appeared smaller than I wanted, so now I am working on expanding its scale.
As i worked on the window grills, I also started experimenting on the lattice design on it. I decided to not make the lines central inside the frame and only put thet design on one of the corners, to play with the composition of windows, fragmenting it and constructing it in a different way.
While working on the window grills, I had a play with the composition as well as the lattice design, fragmenting and reconstructing them. It allowed me to reflect on how I view the ‘inbetween’ as a liminal space that challenges memories and fantasy towards the physical space.
The experience of working with vastly different mediums were intriguing. The delicate and gentle nature of handling fabrics starkly contrasts with the strength and power demanded by metalwork. Engaging on both mediums back-to-back made me reflect on the opposing qualities of both mediums, prompting a deeper appreciation and realization of how seemingly opposite mediums with unique inherent characteristics may still harmonize with each other.