CURATED BY NICHOLAS XAVIER
CURATOR’S It is with great pleasure that I’ve curated this issue of M.O.D.A. magazine. I would like to start off by thanking our team at M.O.D.A. for giving me full autonomy to design and choose the elements to present in the coming pages! Then there’s you! Yes you! I have crafted this issue especially for you readers! Issue V is divided into two distinct sections, the first takes you on a journey up to Mt. Olympia, through the heavens with a lighthearted approach on the subject of spirituality while the second half takes on a much darker twist.
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As you find yourself immersed in a different realm, do not miss our interview with two young talented illustrators, Priscilla and Kaitlin and funerary artist, Chiau Ling! So now it’s time to drop the meat diet, take out your crosses and holy books and put on your battle armor as we get ready to brave through the crossfire between good and evil in this issue!
Let’s go!
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35 56 63 editorial
- Editor-in-Chief -
Cornelyus Tan - Editor -
Yeo Li Juan - Curator-
Nicholas Xavier - Deputy Editor / Fashion Stylist -
Gabriel Tan - Marketing Director -
Dennison Phua - Chief Photographer -
Leslie Wong - Contributors -
Kames Narayanan Priscilla Lam Kaitlin Tai Lim Hongling Mayela SepĂşlveda Leah Theodore Woon - Special Thanks -
BASIC MODELS
www.basicmodels.com.sg
ISO STUDIO
www.isostudio.com.sg
theogony
INTERVIEW
priscilla lam kaitlin tai
editorial
the rule
75 INTERVIEW
chiau ling
INTERVIEW
wendy tan
Edge of Glory Photography
Leslie L Wong Styling
Gabby & Kames
Shoes
Depression
Theogony photography & art direction executive producer lighting stylist styling assistant makeup hair illustratiors
/ nicholas x. low / cornelyus tan / leslie l. wong / gabby g / kames / mayela sepĂşlveda / leah / priscilla lam
kaitlin kai models / josie gardin (basic models) alexandro (upfront)
Dress by Lee Ru Exi Dress by Cindy Soh Yun Hui
Feather dress by Nithya Nanayakkara and accessories, stylist’s own
Hand beaded vest by Paridhi Jaipuria, and accessories, stylist’s own
Coat and gloves by Hu Lin
Jumpsuit by Hu Lin
Dress by Mei Jun and braceket, stylist;s own
3D applique shift dress by Leong Yao Wen and Joselle Quek
Full look by Min Tzu Full look by Min Tzu
Shirt gown by Allegra Lee Zhi Yan, ring and earings, stylist’s own
Black feather dress by Shi Wen, velvet wide rim hat by Allegra Lee Zhi Yan and necklace, stylist’s own
I LIKE THAT JUICY BIT ABOUT YOUR CRUSH. WHAT SORT OF EMOTIONS DO YOUR WORKS CONVEY? IS THERE A PRE-DOMINANT ‘FEEL’?
Overall, my work is whimsical; they possess a storybook-esque feel. Once in awhile, however, I like crossing over to the dark side. (laughs) THE DARK SIDE. ARE YOUR WORKS A MIRROR OF THE LANDSCAPE WITHIN?
Not all my works are a reflection of myself. But yes, they certainly reflect how I might have looked at, or interpreted something.
Priscilla
WHERE DO YOU THINK ART WILL TAKE YOU?
I hope it takes me to Dreamworks Studios. I would love to produce conceptual art for say, How to Train Your Dragon 4. Either that, or something equally exciting.
Text by: Yeo Lijuan
This issue saw M.O.D.A. team up with budding artists to curate another spectacular read. We introduce Kaitlin Tai & Priscilla Lam - two passionate individuals with a calling to the arts. Possessing a ravenous appetite for adventure, these fresh-faced nymphs are recent graduates from NAFA, ready to turn their dreams into reality. In this inter view, we delve deeper into their young lives and give you their stor y. More on these lasses, right now. FOR STARTERS, LET’S TAKE IT EASY. WHY PURSUE ART?
I have trouble expressing myself properly with words. Art helped me express myself in a way I wouldn’t otherwise be able to. I think I am extremely privileged to be able to pursue something I love and also, make a living out of it. That’s the dream. . . right? It might also have something to do with the fact that I had a major crush on the guy from Art Attack, back in the day.
VERY NICE. WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO GET YOURSELF THERE?
I will commence classes at the 3Dsense Media School in July, where I’ll be learning from the best in the field. (Eg. Artgerm, Derrick Lim etc.) Although concepts are important, my time will be spent honing the technical skills required, in order to fufil my dreams. APART FROM ANIMATION, IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE YOU ARE DYING TO CREATE?
I would love to publish a book with my illustrations one day.
FOR A YOUNG LASS, YOU SOUND ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT. BRAVO. BUT, YOU KNOW, LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE. HOW OPEN ARE YOU TO CHANGE?
Very open! The only constant in life is change. What I want is simply to be happy with whatever I do. It doesn’t matter what I end up doing, as long as I enjoy doing it. That is a win, in my opinion.
ONE TOUGH COOKIE. WHAT’S THE SECRET BEHIND THE CERTAINTY AND STRONG WILL?
It’s not really a secret. For me, the most important thing is to have faith in yourself and your abilities. Once you have that, people can see it. When people start believing in you, it too, will serve as a form of motivation. I wouldn’t want to let the people who have placed their hopes on me, down.
WISHES DO COME TRUE AND WE CERTAINLY HOPE YOURS DOES LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS A BED OF ROSES. NOT ALWAYS. YOU SPEAK OF HAPPINESS. WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOUR PURSUIT OF ART BRINGS YOU SORROW?
It is something to be expected. I have experienced my share of it and have survived. Nothing worth having comes easy.
TOO. WE’RE GONNA BE SICK, BUT AS A BOW OUT, HOW ABOUT A GOOD WORD FOR M.O.D.A.?
M.O.D.A is awesome because it gives local, budding designers the opportunity to curate and contribute. We could certainly do with more magazines that allow young artists, talent and designers, to be heard in the local scene. (How’s that for a plug in?)
KaitlinTai Text by: Yeo Lijuan
Moms are awesome, aren’t they? My mom is an avid artist herself. Apart from mom, where else do you draw inspiration from.
Apart from browsing online art sites, I enjoy playing computer games very, very much. Hence, it is inevitable I receive inspiration there too. How would you describe the art you produce?
Currently, the art I do are mostly manga drawings and cartoons. However, I feel it is important for an artist to be fluent not just in one, but many styles. (This is a personal opinion.) I do believe as I mature, my inclinations will change in the years to come.
Describe yourself in three words.
Adaptable. Stress-free. Easy-going. Stress free is not a common adjective used to describe oneself. Tell us, how chill are you?
I am able to work under pressure pretty well. As compared to my classmates, I am, usually, able to remain calm in the face of tight deadlines. Your classmates must be envious. How do you keep your head level in pressing situations?
Well, in order to get things done, I believe one must remain calm to make good decisions. Over the years, I guess I’ve learnt to handle stress better, such that it will not affect my performance when it matters the most. So, how did your affinity with art begin?
My mother inspired me when I was a child. She would draw my favorite cartoon characters often, for me. It was these moments that made me want to be like her.
I see you much prefer to be diverse than stick to a niche. Why do you think it is important?
I believe being flexible and diverse is extremely helpful. Whether it be working or gaming; in order to survive, we need to constantly evolve. We need to be flexible. Personally, I love being adaptable. Perhaps, that explains my preference for diversity. Cool beans. Being flexible is crucial in our industry. Any other philosophies you hold onto when working on your art?
For me, art is about who you are. It a medium to express what is upon our hearts. A piece of work speaks a lot about the artist behind.
I certainly agree. Art is a powerful tool for self-expression. What ideas do you hope to communicate through your work? (Love, hate, anger etc.)
Everything positive, I guess. Love. Humor. Encouragement. I’m a rather happy person. (laughs)
Stay that way. Happy girls are pretty girls. How about a (pretty) word of encouragement for every emerging creative on this page?
Everything starts with a dream! Don’t be afraid to dream big and work hard!
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THE RULE Photography Cornelyus Tan Art Direction Aashna Gilder & Gabby G Designs Aashna Gilder Styling Gabby G Makeup/Hair Lim Hongling Assistant Nicholas Low Model Tina (Upfront)
HUEMANITY
M.O.D.A. is scouring for creative individuals with a story to share. r Professional or pupil, if you are burning with passion, dripping with talent, we want to hear what you have to say. It could be about a latest muse, a leaf from your artistic pursuits, a cantakerous client, a dream project. Anything. Get us excited. Send a 100 word write-up about yourself, accompanied with a high resolution black and white photo, your name, your work bio to contribute@modamagsg.com by 31st July 2014 , and get yourself featured. #ProjectHuemanity
chiau ling’s interview
The
Whisperer host G eo Chiau Ling
Photo credits Seo Chiau Ling Text Kames Narayanan
Beyond FUNeral
Rites Of Passage-Hearse
Imagine a scene from the hit television series Ghost Whisperer - tormented spirits wandering around the Earth, walking the same land as us, humans. This is what Chinese Taoists believe to be reality on the 7th Lunar month of every year. On this particular month, Chinese Taoists celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival. The “Gates of Hell” are said to open, granting tortured spirits from Hell the freedom to roam the earth. In the heartlands, worshippers will gather for outdoor concerts and fanfare, believing the festivities will appease our spirit friends. All over Singapore, it is not uncommon to witness the performance of traditional rites. Families burn stacks of hell notes currency of the underworld - as offerings to the deceased; their loved ones. Many believe that the burning of paper replicas simulating the world of the living, will in turn, give the deceased a comfortable life in the underworld. Elaborate paper offerings are also burnt at funerals to “help” them get by. Despite the lack of evidence to prove that these religious rituals benefit the dead, the tradition continues fastidiously, year after year.
While skeptics and non-believers may question the reality of an afterlife, much less the rituals themselves, few have expressed their doubts openly. Artist Seo Chiau Ling is one of the those who does not shy away from the hard questions concerning life and death. With a Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, Seo, is an artiste on a mission to get people thinking about the validity of these rituals, passed from one generation to another. The idea of exploring the touchy realm of religion- Taoism in particular – stems from her personal run ins with the religion. Born into a family of Taoists, Seo grew up participating in the very rituals she has come to question later in life. “The more you understand, the more you question,” said Seo. Now a free thinker, she questions the reality of an afterlife, and would continue to do so until she experiences a phenomenon that proves otherwise.
Beyond Hell Mail
Cross-country Travel Agency
Beyond FUNeral
As Seo studied the uncanny similarities about the common folk’s perception of after life and reality, she concludes that the idea of an afterlife is fashioned after the now. Believers burn paper replicas of material possessions they have on earth - cars, mobile phones, houses under the assumption that the afterlife is but a duplicate of life on earth. Comprising of 3-Dimensional models that were constructed with a variety of materials, her art installations play on people’s perceptions of the underworld. Models of banks, casinos, hospitals and even a travel agency - all with a “hellish” twist grab your attention. Seo is careful to tread lightly, understanding that her musings on religion could be offensive. She injects a sense of humor into her work by adopting word play – “FunFair” to “FUNeral”, “Healthcare” to “Hell care”. By doing so, she lends a
touch of playfuness to a potentially controversial piece. Taking it a step further, she includes herself in her work. How, you ask. As with Taoist rituals, it is tradition for a picture of the deceased to be placed at the front of the hearse, during a funeral. For laughs, Seo dismantled a remote control car to create a hearse for herself, and her photo sits at the front of it. While this is considered a no-no by the superstitious, Seo insists that her piece is to be taken with a good spirit, and it didn’t matter. Seo is lucky. Her work has garnered little, or no criticism, because her witty potrayal of the afterlife was, more or less, well received by the public. Her toughest critiques, she says, have been her Taoist parents.
Hell Care Centre
Seo recounted her mother’s initial refusal to store the mobile hearse at their residence, when she brought it home. For protection, her parents went so far as to give her a red packet to ward away the bad luck, that could come as a result of her project. Though her parents may not be avid fans of her work, over time, they have become more accepting of her creative expression. The artist is excited to create another similar series – an exploration of ideas and beliefs and values. In the future, she hopes to move out from her roots in Taoism and embrace other religions. Having dabbled in Christianity for a short period of time, Seo hopes it is a religion she can adopt as inspiration for future works.
Currently, Seo is in the process of creating 2-Dimensional mixed medium pieces. Receive the latest news about her at the following address : http://seochiauling.wix. com Be intrigued by the journey she takes in art and life, as she continues to create pieces for thought.
v a n i t y of v a n i t i e s photography / nicholas x. low lighting assistant / ng shimin logistic assistants / jo c., sam l., ng shimin text / theodore woon Special thanks to The Heritage Shop
In Retrospect This one’s for the sentimental. The Heritage Shop is a small, nondescript shop that sits along Jalan Sultan, but has offerings are far from trifling. Armed with a collection of various trinkets and antiques that speak volumes of their own, the shop is arranged in organized clutter, withholding memories of a time long gone. To the trained eye, this shop is a treasure trove, stocked with pots and pans, key chains and coasters and a variety of knick knacks lying around. Pick one up and allow the memorabilia to unload its’ story. Open daily from 1.30 p.m. to 8 p.m., this hidden gem is a stand out in an age of fast-moving and uniformed wares, making it a definite stop for anyone looking to take a glimpse into Singapore’s rich history.
The Heritage Shop
93 Jalan Sultan #01-01 Singapore198997 6223 7982
t
Wendy Tan
Tattoo - A word laced with negative undertones; a word synonymous with the dark, the mysterious. Yet, it is the very obsession with the unknown that makes the subculture more intriguing, charming.
Text : Yeo Lijuan
In Asia, perhaps, the stigma lingers. A tattoo, still, reprises itself, in the eyes of many, as a symbol of rebellion and fear. “Don’t stare”, some mothers would say, yanking a supposedly endangered child, away from an inked uncle, to safety. How petty. Not every tattooed individual is a crook. That school of thought, in my opinion, is dated and unappreciated.
In recent years, the pre-eminence of street culture in urban jungles, fuels a steady growth of devotees, in pursuit of the monomania. There are, of course, folks who made the call motivated by love; a cause. No matter, rampant sightings of these markings are undeniable. From top act Rihanna to the unassuming passerby on the street, the lure of ink art is evident. Conservatives keep them hidden from the prying eye. The flamboyant, however, display them in full array. Nothing proves more satisfying, I reckon – than to receive a stare of incredulity or hear a gasp of astonishment from a complete stranger. Oh, the thrill that comes with living life on the edge.
I speak to Wendy Tan, a professional tattoo artist - about her life, art and inspiration. The loud, bubbly lass count good books and good coffee a comfort. She enjoys swimming and lately, brisk walking. An art student in secondary school, she claims art gave her “a sense of peace and quiet.” This issue, M.O.D.A. takes you into the world of a subculture proprietor; an intimate peek that will leave you wondering, if tattoo enthusiasts are any different from you and I.
I’ll cut to the chase. When did you
What inspires you?
decide on tattoo as a career?
I always say stepping into the tattoo industry was the best thing that has ever happened to me, even if it happened by chance. I’ve worked in the F&B industry, did sales, fronted customer service, landed myself clerical jobs, but nothing stuck. Somehow, I felt there was something more (to life) than that. I was always job-hopping and that wasn’t very impressive. I’ve thought about being a zoo-keeper to get away from all the ‘noise’ in this world. The world that wants you, the way it wants you. Then, a friend of a friend, who had a tattoo parlour in Johor Bahru, offered me an apprenticeship. I took it. That was 7 years ago. And I’ve never looked back since.
I take reference from Facebook, Instagram, magazines, books. Basically, whatever I can get my hands on. How would you describe the art you produce?
I would say contemporary, individualistic. More feminine. Colorful. What is your approach to work?
I hold fast to the fact, that, whatever I tattoo will tell the story of an individual for the rest of his, or her, life. I am honored that I am able to be a part of the journey. Also, trust is very important. I am fortunate that my clients allow me to ink them, as their tattoos will remain for the rest of their lives.
Female tattoo artists are a rare breed in a male dominant industry. Do you have a mentor(s) you admire?
A person I have worked closely with and hold dearly, is Su. She began her foray when she was a student, and worked hard to be where she is today. Tattooing is a never-ending learning journey for me. She gave me valuable pointers and did not withhold information, that will help me excel and be better at my craft. That is one thing I respect the most about her. Seven years. I am sure you have stoWhat tattoos do you ink?
If you had a choice, what message do
ries in your bag. What was the most
Is there a dominant type?
you hope to convey through the tat-
interesting request for a tattoo,
toos you create?
you’ve received to date?
I want to convey love and harmony, peace and understanding. Tattoos are expressive and permanent. Understand, not judge. Live in harmony, not ostracize. Love, as we are the same. And there will be peace.
I’ve quite a few. There was a client who wanted a red line tattooed across his palm and another, a small Chinese teapot on the hand, both at the bidding of a Feng Shui master.
All sorts, actually. I have tattooed the names of newborns, firstborns and parents who have passed on. I have tattooed religious symbols as a reflection of faith and love. I have helped to cover up old tattoos, because it reminded some of the hurt and despair they experienced. Symbols, logos, phrases, you name it – I tattoo a variety of designs, for a variety of reasons. Some clients want a tattoo to remember the fight against cancer they won. Some want a tattoo for the pain, just to feel alive. How do you view your role as a tattoo artist?
I would say my works are a mirror of my clients’ inner world. It translates what is within to the outside, for others to see. I am simply a messenger.
It is a competitive industry. Not to mention, a very niche market. What, in your opinion, sets you apart from other tattoo artists?
I do not know how other artists engage their clients, but for me, I ask many questions in order to know what they want and how they want it done. Also, it is important that I make my clients feel comfortable, not intimidated.
There was a client who requested that I tattoo milk over an existing tattoo because he had heard, that doing so would remove the tattoo. Recently, I had a female client who wanted a tattoo on her privates.
How about the most memorable tattoo you’ve worked on?
Most tattoos are memorable. Not long ago, I worked on a goldfish and an anchor tattoo, giving them a “watercolor effect”. I’ve done a few of such tattoos and I enjoy doing that. I believe this industry has evolved into something less rigid and more fun. Way cool. Let’s play pretend. If you are not a tattoo artist, what would you be doing?
I will love to be a zoo keeper. :D Last question. Any hopes as you remain in this industry?
I hope my love for tattoos will take me around the world, to different cultures and people, that I may know their stories.
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CURATED BY NICHOLAS XAVIER