Objective:
“For the rest of class, make as many quick prototypes (models, mockups) for your final project as possible. The goal is quantity. Aim to make 5 – 10 quick versions of three of your obsessions.”
Obsession #1 – Identity:
For this obsession, I was interested in creating some manifestation of my identity. This resulted in the idea of a t-shirt. One that could be a symbol of me and something I could wear to express it. The graphics that will go on the t-shirt will relate to my identity in one shape or form. The first idea I had was to create a barcode that would be a composite of my heritage as well as my birth. I used the same colors and sequence of the pattern I made for the abecedarian to create the makeshift barcode. Underneath, I placed the coordinates of my birth as if the were the numerical part of the barcode.
Another idea, which I am more fond of, is using a QR code instead of a barcode. I made QR codes in the past for my previous studio class, so I knew that I needed to have a link to something for it to work. At first, I thought I could my Instagram page as that houses most of my work (it’s one of my portfolios). I used the same colors as before, however, I found that when I tried to read the code with my phone I was unsuccessful. I believe it was the contrasting colors that caused this.
The last idea I had was to use music. One way that I celebrate my heritage is through songs of the different cultures I am a resultant of. So, I chose four of my favorite songs that correspond to each culture\country that I have a personal connection with. I like this much more but I am not fully convinced that it is the right approach.
Obsession #2 – Golden Gates:
For this obsession I had the idea to create a short animation. One that shows a man (symbol of society) devouring a chicken nugget (a term used for westernized locals in the Persian Gulf as they are brown on the outside and white on the inside). This act would be symbolic of the judgement and emotions one’s feels as a “chicken nugget.” In addition, there are nods to US Imperialism and Capitalism that brought not only the word “chicken nugget” to the Gulf region, but the culture that altered them as well.
Obsession #3 – Voice:
(slides)
The most difficult and abstract of the three. I was not able to create anything during the Makeathon, so I had to complete it at home. This resulted in me having more time to come up with ideas and I decided to create a video with simultaneous
Prototype:
The final Idea I chose to go with was the T-shirt concept. This is because my main obsession of interest is “identity,” it has been since I began taking art and design more seriously (around 10th Grade).
I developed the concept further by creating a t-shirt design inspired by different t-shirts that best fit my frame. This means a large “A” shaped torso and wide sleeves. This would maximize the best silhouette for my body and give my torso enough air to “breath.” Furthermore, I added a new motif to the T-shirt design with the addition of a small insignia above the heart/left breast. The insignia will be “Identity QR Codes #3.” Lastly, the backing has been altered to feature the names of the musicians so that the onlooker will know the title of the song and the musician behind it.
The material of the clothing will be jersey (standard T-shirt material) and the graphic will be printed on satin. The New School has a fabric printer located in The University Center.
Some artist & designers that have inspired me are Eric Hu and Zeynab Izadyar. Another designer that inspired me, much more than the others, was Shamma Buhazza (a Parsons alumna). Buhazza is a biracial graphic designer from the Emirates who has worked with the topic of a multifaceted identity. In one of her works “Disorientation,” Buhazza created a flag using the different flags of her background; she created a new graphic representation of her identity.
