Life and dyeing : floral escapes

Abstract

Life and Dyeing: Floral Escapes is an exploration and physical manifestation of an intimate relationship between the artist and nature. It questions the notion held by many Singaporeans that Singapore does not have nature and that nature can only be found overseas. It challenges the idea of what constitutes nature, and our relationship with it. The current work aims to reflect the artist’s take on nature and her increasingly intimate relationship with it. Life and Dyeing: Floral Escapes is a multi-sensorial experience that stimulates one’s senses, re-immersing the audiences in nature that has been rebirthed into an abstract form. The experience aims to get audiences to reflect upon their own relationship with nature, and even get closer to nature as per their own terms. This thesis paper explores the various ways of recreating features of nature in abstract forms and attempts to expound its characteristics. Life and Dyeing: Floral Escapes is a multi-pronged approach consisting of four main components - (1) visual, through orchid paper curtain, dress garment and dance performance (2) auditory, through soundscape derived from plants (3) olfactory, through orchid paper curtains (4) tactile, through orchid paper curtains. A diversity of methods were explored and utilised for this project such as organic dyeing, sensors and computer programmes, and dance. This thesis also addresses the methodologies and concepts used by reference artists and how it has shaped this project. Future directions are also discussed in this paper.