Where the fun begins!

In early part of the lesson, we shared our research to the class. It seems to me that many are interested in pursuing their own culture. Others seems more towards learning how people appreciate performing arts or rather how the performance and relate to interaction to the audience. 

Moving on, we learnt a new word called “happening”. It is a kind of art demonstrated in the present and participation of audience and is often multi-disciplinary. In a video that we have seen in class, it shows an art portraying a female figure by using blue paints. These paints are used as stains on the female body and are imprinted onto large scale of white background. In the video itself we have seen how Yves Klein was indulged in the monochrome works (fire paintings) of anthropometries. 

Save the best for the last. I finally did something pertaining to engineering field; which is software programming. It was an introduction to the software called “Max6”. The lecturer was patient in teaching us step by step to generate different pitch and tones, and most importantly, the function of each individual object. I somehow grasp a bit of idea on the usage of each object to produce the sound that we wanted. It seems quite complicated at first, but after meddling with the tools and asking around, yeap it definitely helps to get the “noise” you’ve wanted!

 Cockpit for the module

Playing around with the objects available in Max6

 First Set of "Circuit" completed

 

Getting Started..

So basically, after several thought and spending hours researching on performing arts so as to start on the assigned homework, I decided to work on something concerning my culture which is known as “The Silat Pengantin”. It is the artistic aspect of Pencak Silat, which is known as the Malay martial arts now known in Singapore and a few other neighboring countries. So what is its significance?

This ritual is still being practiced today as a form of heritage. Newly-weds are perceived to be the sultanate for the day. Back then in the olden days, the performance of Silat Pengantin is only performed solely for the groom to welcome his arrival at the bride’s house; or for the bridal couple when they arrived at the groom’s house. Many aspects of the performance are still preserved although it serves a slightly different purpose now. Each movement of the Silat Pengantin has its own meaning which usually signifies:

• Salam Hormat(Respect to the "royalty")
• Merestui Mempelai(Blessing the couple)
• Perlindungan Mempelai(Protection to the couple)
• Mencabar Sekeliling(Showing of his prowness to those around)
 

An Example of Silat Pengantin whereby the performer will perform and after which "Salam"(Respect the newly weds

Of course there would be other artistic aspect of Silat. It comprises of choreographed silat movements which cover a combination of skill, aggression and aesthetic value. It is commonly presented as part of a Pencak Silat Competition. However, Silat Pengantin would be the one I would love to explore due to the fact that I have been attending wedding ceremony and I realized that there are many kinds to this performing art. What are those kinds? Is there any etiquette to abide when performing?

Did I make the right choice?

The 1st week was rather nerve-wrecking for me. I was very eager to enter the school of Art, Design and Media which is known as "NTU Marina Barrage" due to its structure. I went early to check out the place and locate my next class – DM2009 Performance and Interaction. 

The elective I chose was purely a decision based on my interest to find out how performing arts interact with the public or rather how people view performing arts. My first impression was honestly “oh no, please no more literature”. The introduction however made me feel otherwise. The lecturer made us interested in his lesson,giving us an opportunity to express our views on performing arts. I can’t believe I was actually eagerly reading the 9 pages of essay to really imagine what the writer wants to bring to his audience - It’s not about how the painting turns out to be, it’s how the painter demonstrates are by splashing his work to create the painting.

The most interesting part of the day – the performing of an act found in “Fluxus Performance Workbook”. We brainstormed and cracked ideas in group of 3 to come up with a simple skit and portrayed as per instructed in the pdf booklet. Improvement can be made with each individual group skit, but sure do, everyone had a good time. Ironically, due to our enthusiasm during lesson, the 3hours of lesson felt as though time passby very quickly which ended pretty well. I Certainly look forward to the next lesson with homework – research on something that we would like to pursue for the next 13 weeks.