Research Topic:
Cosplay is the teenager's obsession with replicating an alternate identity to escape reality.
Symbol:
Virtual/fictional character symbolises alternate identity & cosplay.
Girl represents teenagers.
Background:
When going to Suntec Convention Centre, I have noticed that there are more and more cosplay conventions in Suntec. 'Cosplay' , short for "costume play", is a performance art in which participants wear costumes and fashion accessories to represent a specific character or idea that is usually identified with a unique name. Cosplayers often interact to create a subculture centered on role play. A broader use of the term cosplay applies to any costumed role play in venues apart from the stage, regardless of the cultural context. (Sourced from Wikipedia)
Based on my observations of the trending 'Cosplay' as a increasingly popular trend all over the world, I am very curious to find out what drives the teenagers to do cosplay? How did this 'Cosplay' trend gain popularity? Why are they not satisfied with their own identity? Why are teenagers so preoccupied with their unique identity that they sacrifice their own for another?
My Approach:
My artwork will attempt to answer these questions, simultaneously helping us to understand myself as a teenager. My artwork will be made up of a person segregated in school on one side of the artwork. On the other side of the artwork, it will be made up of people cheering for the same person but in her cosplay costume. This will allow the viewer to view cosplay in a different light with two ironic perspectives as it shows a girl who is unpopular in reality yet very popular in the virtual world shown by her being supported by many virtual characters My poem will be made up of the contrasting ideas shown by the two sides of the artwork-virtual and reality. It will showcase the persona's point of view on cosplaying by comparing and contrasting the virtual world and reality.
Inspiration:(google images)
Virtual vs Reality Inspiration
Reality Inspiration
Written by Jonathan Chew and Hannah Sui
Symbols are relatively good, as an audience it is quite clear and obvious what the symbols symbolises and that is pretty good as the audience will not be confused about what the symbol means. However to emphasize on the "virtual reality" or the "alternate identity" you may want to use colors such as green or blue to emphasize on that it is indeed virtual.
ReplyDeleteI think some people might enjoy cosplaying as they can meet many people who have the same interest as them. Some teenagers who cosplay might be bullied in school for being a nerd and not being able to fit in, but when they are surrounded by people who share the same love for cosplaying, they will be able to fit in and enjoy themselves. You might want to colour the ''virtual identity'' in different shades of grey, as grey can symbolises their sadness and loneliness in school. However, the colours in the ''alternate identity'' can be bright and colourful to symbolise their happiness as they are surrounded by people with similar hobbies and accept them for who they are.
ReplyDelete-wenhui