Seedlings

What is the mechanism / ongoing tension between representation / symbol, perception, and reality / phenomenon?

Reality / phenomenon leads to perception
Perception forms representation / symbol
Representation / symbol influences perception
Perception weakens / reinforces / distorts the reality

What is the tension between medium and symbol in art / visual culture? 

How do they shape the perception together and influence reality in a contemporary context?

To what point does one override the other, and alter the human’s (cognitive / visceral) response mechanism?

How does the intention of the author, the way theories are applied to read the artwork, (de / re) construction of meanings become the Schrödinger's cat of the art world?

While logic, structure and theme are currently viewed as non-negotiable elements in artworks by the gardener, what are the other models of structure of artworks? What is the limitation of this?

Does visceral, emotional impact of art and symbols transcend potentially ever-changing meanings and contexts?

(coming soon)

From grand de tours of European elites, vintage postcards, to social media posts, how does travel signal power, status, and taste?

How does travel become a commodity and reinforces the ideal of a culture instead of letting it become fluid / dynamic? 

Why do we want the way a certain place is presented and its development stays as is?

What’s the line between heritage preservation and clinging onto the past in the name of tourism?

Are stereotypes necessarily inferior to authenticity?

What is the tension between them when it comes to getting to know a culture?

Who holds the narrative power on what stereotypes and authenticity are?

How do locals reinforce cultural stereotypes unconsciously in order to fit in ‘tourism markets’; or how do diasporas do that to fit in local communities? Does that automatically mean there’s a loss of authenticity? 

(coming soon)

What ways of expressing desire and affection are considered conventionally feminine, accepted by males yet not widely accepted by females yet?

Why does one have to enjoy and express their hyper femininity and desire / affection in secret?

Who gets to decide what is a proper way of female to express desire and affection and who benefits from it?

Why does female’s expression of desire and affection have to be scrutinised by both genders?

Why does one want to be a pick-me girl and surrounded by men, and why is the complicity secretly enjoyable? 

How do female enforce patriarchal standards to other female in the name of gender solidarity and social acceptance, and how do they both benefit and constrained by this?

Can one be truly free from gendered gaze?

(coming soon)

(coming soon)