1. Prepping for Open Studio

Table layout draft 3

Current layout of the table. I realized now my table is more of a square than a rectangle and so the layout would need to adapt to that. Normally with a rectangular table, the flow would be straight forward because its either left to right or vice versa. On a square format, there is a lot more possibilities to explore and I want to make sure it works for my project.

Table layout draft 4

After consulting Andreas on my previous layout, we shifted some things around to make it a bit neater.

Thoughts & Observations

Some tips Andreas gave for the layout of the display is to treat it like designing a publication layout on indesign. Its adviceable to try and align the objects in some way. This could mean aligning it to other objects or to an invisible margin on the table; eitherway, it makes the layout feels more structured. Another thing would be to not have to mix too many different materials on the display or it would feel more like a workshop. Something he recommended me to add is a sketch of the exhibition I had in mind to sort of show people a glimpse of the final outcomes of the stuff their seeing.

An impromptu attempt using tapes.Tapes were placed on the table to act as a visual guide for the audience to know where to look next. The arrows start from the publication and branches off to the material studies or the postcards. The rectangular tip of the tape were cut diagonally to form an arrow-like shape.

Compared to the previous layout, this one is more straightforward in terms of its narrative flow.

Stuff to add:

(1) Add title

(2) Project introduction

(3) Publication

(4) Process pictures

(5) Design statement

(6) Artefact description

3. Thursday feedback from Andreas & class

On Thursday, our class had a class critique session where we go around to everyone's tables and provide comments or feedbacks.

During my turn, I voiced my personal critique on my layout. I noted that the lack of labels on the things I had on display led to some confusion for the audience as to what they were or if they were allowed to touch/interact with them. I also noted that the sound playing from my laptop was still too small in its maximum volume to give the impact I wanted.

Addressing one of the feedback that suggested I could relate my artefacts back to Indonesia, Andreas suggested that I could do so by incorporating Indonesian motifs into the artefact's material (e.g. batik). Another suggestion by my classmate Rachel was that I could blow-up or put more focus on how all the plastic bags used were sourced from Indonesia, possibly by creating a bigger poster or a seperate publication.

Audience feedback

Collated feedback that people left during Open Studios.

I asked my audience three questions: what they liked, what could be improved, and the last question is designated especially for my target audience which are Indonesians to see if the project resonated with them

What did you like about the project?

Comments

→ Really cool to see the brilliant outcomes triggering different senses for impact! Good Job!

→ I find the plastic material samples really cool! The collection of different material exploations and different plastic types really showcases and reflects the concept of Plastisphere. Also the interactive portootypes helped to draw the connections between the plastic pollution and organisms in the ocean!

→ A creative and practical approach to address a broad topic!

→ Visuals: The images are well lit & photographed. A visual visceral experience of material that carries forwaed onto the physical experience.

→ Wow!! Very impressive

→ I really liked the experiments! You definitely put a lot of thought & skill into this. Great progress & I'm so excited to see the final outcomes.

→ Very interesting and engaging!! Great work, I think it would be nice to see all products are made of plastic.

→ The material explorations are very thorough and explorative. I like the scale of the artefacts and the concept behind it as well. It belongs in an exhibition :)

→ Love your idea, respect!! You're so incredible.

^ A comment from a year 1 student haha! So cute

What do you think could be improved?

→ Unique and interospective way of starting discussions about this issue. Perhaps make smaller ones but as a series?

→ Can't wait to see the finished display/installation! Also hope you're planning to utilize very different shapes and textures

→ Amazing work! I love everything about your artefact but I wish your sound artefact can show a more intense sound when a hand is near

→ It's interesting to combine 5 senses and plastisphere~! Well done! Maybe can explore making typography?

→ Link to Indo more

→ Super cool!! Can have a 2 or more part publcation series about plastic material explorations and take pictures of hands!!

→ Sounds like a door closing, feels a bit uncomfortable

Lastly, a question for Indonesians! Gimana persepsi kalian tentang polusi plastik di Indonesia setelah melihat proyek ini? [ trans: How is your perception on the current state of plastic pollution in Indonesia after viewing this project? ]

→ Mindset saya terubah karena saya tidak tahu mikroorganisme ini really impact your life [trans: my mindset has changed because I didn't know the impact of plastic extends to microbes]

→ I think it was a very cool and interesting way to menyadarkan and slap Indonesians in the face about plastic pollution. Very cool and interesting approach! Good job!!

Reflection

Open Studios experience

Open studios was a unique experience for me. Initially, I felt intimidated by everything going on, but seeing how excited my friends were to talk about their projects, I became inspired to do the same. I set a personal goal to talk to three people on the second day and ten on the third day, including industry professionals. By the end of the third day, I had spoken with around eight people, which I considered good progress. I learned that talking to people about my work wasn't as scary as I had imagined. Most people were simply curious and open to listening. I also realized that there is no right or wrong way to present my own work, and to be okay with the thought that it won't resonate with everyone I talk to. Instead of seeking certain responses from people, I put more focus on my own presentation to practice being able to talk about my own works. I think it was a great experience overall, and I am happy to have shared my project with those who found it interesting :)