Intercaltural Design Task 1 , 2 & 3
Zhao GuanMei | 0363166
Intercultural Design | Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative
Media
Project 1 & 2 : Proposal , Data Collection& Visual
Design
Index
Module Information Booklet
Lectures
Task 1 : Proposal
Task 2 : Data Collection
Task 3: Visual Design
Feedback
Reflections
MODULE INFORMATION BOOKLET
Lectures
Week 1 - Introduction
Module information was clearly introduced by Mr. Asrizal and Ms.
Noranis in the first week. Lectures about culture and design had
been carried out online to let us have better understanding
towards this particular module.
Week 2 - Group Discussion
In this week , we have our physical class in lecture hall and
lectures about research for cultural design were conducted.
After that, all students were distributed to form groups for
assignments , then started discussing our topic for our first
assignment.
My Group Members are:
LIM EN YU, SIN JUN MING, KONG CAI YI, LOW LI VERN, PHOON
YUK GUAN
Task 1: Proposal
Submission:
A Powerpoint presentation of the proposal that contains:
• 200-word write-up defining and interpreting the theme in
relation to the chosen cultural elements.
• Citation is necessary as evidence to the research.
• A minimum of 3 preliminary ideas in detailed sketches, each
with individual rationale.
• Visual references (visuals that inspire/influence those
ideas).
• Reference list
• Picture credits
Progress
In this week, we arranged an online meeting to share our ideas
and we create a Jam Board where we could collectively brainstorm our
ideas.
My first idea is to design a WAUL ,witch is a product rich
in national charateristics ans also suitable for design and
promotion to let people know.
After a group meeting in Google meet our group decide to
choose the culture DIA DE LOS MUERTOS (DAY OF THE DEAD).
Research
In Spanish the Day of the Dead is known as DÃa de los
Muertos.
What Is the Day of the Dead?
A private family custom, DÃa de Muertos is an opportunity to
respect and remember our deceased loved ones and welcome
them back into our homes, even if only for a single evening.
DÃa de Muertos, which has origins that stretch back
thousands of years—long before the arrival of Spanish
settlers. It has evolved into a fusion of Mexican mysticism
and Catholic tradition, honoring and remembering loved ones
while acknowledging death as a part of life.
When is Day of the Dead?
On November 2, all deceased people's souls are said to
reincarnate into the living world. However, the festival
usually starts on October 28 and honors a different type of
death each day, such as those who passed away in accidents
or as infants who passed away before being baptized. Nov.
1st, All Saints Day, is a day to remember those who have
lived virtuous lives, especially children.
Who does the Day of the Dead honour?
The purpose of the Day of the Dead is to pay tribute to
departed loved ones and accept death as a natural part of
life by approaching it with familiarity and without fear or
anxiety. The pre-Hispanic peoples of Mexico are the source
of the holiday's customs. The month-long ceremony was headed
by the deity Mictecacihuatl, also referred to as the "Lady
of the Dead."
Who celebrates Day of the Dead?
Although it is mostly a Mexican custom, other Catholic
nations also remember the departed. In the Philippines,
family members pay respects at the deceased's grave by
bringing flowers and burning candles. It's called Dia de
Finados in Brazil. Additionally, November 2 is observed as
All Souls' Day, a day on which Catholics remember and offer
prayers for the deceased, in many other nations, including
the United States.
Where is the Day of the Dead celebrated?
Mexico is the home of the Day of the Dead celebration,
however it is also somewhat observed in other parts of Latin
America and the United States.
What is Day of the Dead face paint called?
Dia de los Muertos face painting often draws inspiration
from La Catrina or Catrin, which portrays a sophisticated
rendition of a skull.
What is the origin of Day of the Dead face paint?
One element of Dia de los Muertos is a calavera de azucar,
which is growing in popularity. A sugar skull is called a
calavera de azucar. These sugar-moulded skulls are
embellished with rhinestones, feathers, foils, frosting,
glitter, and a variety of other beads and decorations.
On the skull's forehead, those who commemorate Dia de los
Muertos will write the name of their departed loved one.
This skull will then be placed on an ofrenda, which is akin
to an altar, along with marigolds, candles, tamales, fruits,
salt, and any drinks their loved one likes.
Comparable to the Celtic notion that the dead would reappear
on Halloween, the belief surrounding Dia de los Muertos is
that the skies open for a brief period of time, allowing the
deceased to roam the earth. The purpose of the ofrendo was
to allow them to savour the sweets they enjoyed while they
were alive. The idea of Dia de los Muertos is to commemorate
rather than grieve the lives of loved ones.
Sugar skulls have grown in popularity recently, and many
people even paint large, vibrant swathes on their faces to
mimic the skulls for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. The
purpose of these masks, as well as some face paint, is to
allow wearers to temporarily forget about their concerns of
dying and connect with their playful side. Face Painting
with sugar skulls has cultural beauty, deep symbolic
importance, and serves as a means of honouring the lives of
the deceased.
Ideation and sketches
Idea 1: Face Paint
The first idea of visual outcome we have decided is
recreating and reforming a face paint. The purpose of us
doing so is to increase the acceptability of publics
toward the face paint. Also, we aim to introduce this
culture and attract public's attention toward Dia de los
muertos and its unique face paint culture.
Fig 2.0 Skectehs of face paint, Week 3
(20/2/2024)
Since face paint plays a central role in Dia de los
Muertos, we have chosen to reform it by altering the eye
shadow color and introducing minor decorations. We enhance
the overall face paint with vibrant colors and minor
decorations to make it more appealing and accessible to
introduce to the public. By adapting the face paint in
this way, individuals can continue to participate in Dia
de los Muertos festivities while acknowledging and
respecting the cultural context from which it originates.
Idea 2: Theme Mask
Other than that, our second idea of final visual outcome
will be a 3D mask that made up of clay or 3D modeling face
mask that represents the face paint of the Day of the
Dead. Here is a reference that we have found online:
Fig 2.1 Reference for idea 2, Week 3
(20/2/2024)
The mask is based on the artwork produced by the Mexico‘s
The Day of the Dead face paint, the mask retains the
traditional structure of the face paint , and is optimized
to make the mask look less scary,
.png)
Fig 2.2 Skectehs of Theme Mask, Week 3
(20/2/2024)
a more gentle design can make more people feel comfortable and inclusive.
By designing the mask, we can inherit and protect the
traditional culture of Mexico, and also help the younger
generation to understand and respect the traditional
culture of Mexico.
Idea 3: Short Video Film
Fig 2.3 Reference of Video Film, Week 3
(20/2/2024)
A short visual film is an efficient path to transfer
messages to the audience. The purpose of this short film
is to showcase the celebration of the Day of the Dead and
their face painting art to introduce this culture and
their very own perspective on death in life from Mexico to
the world.
This video will consist of the process of face painting
experience on ourselves. Since the skull face paint is
commonly perceived as scary and terrifying in Asian
countries, street interview scenes will be shown as
content in the video to survey interviewee’s reaction.
The video format will be documentary style as mexican
music will be used as background music and together with
clips to create an opportunity for audience to experience
this culture.
Proposal Slides
Presentation Video
Project 2: Data Collection
Research methods
Before we started our data collection stage, we have discussed
about several research methos that we going to have which are:
1. Method 1: Interview
2. Method 2: Online Research
Research Method 1: Interview
To collect detailed and accurate data, our group has also
planned to visit the Mexican Restaurant "Chica Bonita" which
the theme of the restaurant is Dia de los muertos. It is
located in Publika Shopping Gallery.
Address: Lot 34, Level G2, Block C5 Publika Shopping
Gallery, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Notably, Chica Bonita also pays homage to Mexican culture
and the Day of the Dead. In anticipation of our interview
with the manager Miss Ashrini , we've prepared a set of
questions to glean insights and experiences regarding
Mexican culture and the Day of the Dead celebration.
Fig 3.0 Decorations of sugar skulls on wall in Chica Bonita,
Week 4 (02/03/2024)
Fig 3.1 Mexican style of decorations in Chica Bonita, Week
4 (02/03/2024)
Video of visiting Chica Bonita, Week 4 (02/03/2024)
Pysical Interview Video
Questions for interview:
1. Can you explain the significance and origins of Dia de
los Muertos?
2. How do families honor their deceased loved ones during
Dia de los Muertos?
3. Are there any specific rituals or customs observed
during Dia de los Muertos?
4. How has the celebration of Dia de los Muertos evolved
over time?
5. What role does art, such as altars and calaveras, play
in Dia de los Muertos celebrations?
6. How does Dia de los Muertos compare and contrast with
other cultural celebrations of death and
remembrance?
7. How do you personally feel about Dia de los Muertos,
and what does it mean to you and your community?
Research Method 1 : Google Form (Online Interview)
First, we have created a google form for publics to answer.
The google form aims to gain a better understanding of how
much publics know about Day of the Dead, their perspectives
towards the Day of the Dead, face paint culture and also their
acceptability of it and also after we have reformed it.
Google Form Link:https://forms.gle/dt6bXEzczFpw7Zqz6
Data Collection and data analysis PowerPoint
Final Project: Visual Design
Sketches
As the theme will be a family theme, we have allocated
each person a role in a family. The family members will be
father, mother, eldest daughter, second daughter, third
daughter and youngest sister, and each of the member
represent different meaning. When the family members come
together, their distinct face paint designs will blend
harmoniously, symbolizing the unique qualities and
contributions of each individual within the family unit.
Father
Black base
Representing his role as the protector and provider of the
family
Geometric patterns and tribal-inspired motifs -
symbolizing strength, resilience, and wisdom
Bold lines and angular shapes - striking and masculine
appearance
Fig. 4.0-4.5 Final Sketches Week 6 (15/03/2024)
Mother
Abundance of colorful flowers
Symbolizing her nurturing and caring nature
Flowers can be intricately painted around her eyes
Shades of pink, purple, and yellow can be used to create a
vibrant and joyful look
Eldest Daughter
Feature elegant patterns
Reflecting her maturity and responsibility within the family
Delicate swirls and filigree designs
With touches of gold to add sophistication and grace
Second Daughter
Feature elegant patterns
Reflecting her maturity and responsibility within the family
Delicate swirls and filigree designs
With touches of gold to add sophistication and grace
Third Daughter
Incorporate elements of nature and growth
Symbolizing her youthful energy and vitality.
Leafy vines and floral patterns
With shades of green to evoke a sense of freshness and
renewal
Youngest Daughter
Sweet and innocent, reflecting her youth and innocence
Baby pink colour can be used to create gentle swirls and
hearts
Small flower or heart motifs can be scattered across her
face - adding a touch of whimsy and charm
Visual References
Street Interview
Before final presntation, JunMing and I tried this face
paint and also walk around campus ,we have also
carried out a street interview video with some of our
face paint on, and also we aim to see and survey the
passers-by reactions.
Interview Questions:
1. Have you seen this kind of face paint before?
2. How did you feel when you first saw this face
paint?
3. How would you describe the differences between th
picture i shown here and this girl/ boy?
4. Would you be interested in trying out this type of
face paint for yourself? Why or why not?
Street Interview
Physical Presentation Video
Final Presentation slides
Feedback
Week 4 Mr. Charles provided us with feedback
regarding the sketches of the face masks. He suggested that
the face masks should incorporate black or white elements
around the face for a distinctive appearance.
Week 5 Mr. Charles encouraged us lto let
hairstyle and chlothing be a part of our design, and use of
glow-in-the-dark paints, which he deemed special compared to
traditional options.Furthermore, he proposed that the face
masks could symbolize familial unity, with each member
representing unique characteristics and also recommended us
incorporating shared elements, such as a family flower, to
signify unity.
Experience
During this semester , I think my grestest achievement is to
cultivate my understanding of various cultures ,it's also a
challange for our group.We chose the Mexico's Day of the Dead,
which we were most interested in. In order to have a deeper
understanding, we had many group discussions. We were a very
active and efficient group. We visited Mexican restaurants,
interviewed friends from Mexico to collect more appropriate
data, and conducted street visits to spread this interesting
culture. At the beginning, I felt a little nervous and
embarrassed, and I felt a little pressure in the face of
everyone's eyes, but after many interviews, I became very
confident, and I will be proud to spread this interesting
culture to everyone, thanks to the encouragement of my team
members and the recognition of passers-by, what a wonderful
experience, it is really unforgettable!
Findings
As a Chinese, we have a similar festival called Qingming
Festival, I am used to mourning relatives from childhood is
very serious, we rarely laugh, because it is likely to be
regarded as disrespectful ancestors, but after learning about
the Mexican Day of the Dead, I also like this form of
celebration, it is very special for me. Even I never imagined
that I could celebrate the Day of the Dead in such a lively
way. After experiencing it, I think it is indeed a good day
for friends and relatives to gather together, which also makes
me feel that we should cherish the reunion day and happy days.
Observation
In the process of our research, I looked at a lot of masks and
face painting , and when I saw them, I would think, "This is
Mexico's Day of the Dead style!" There are special symbols on
people's face painting , such as petals, cracks in mouth
painting, etc. Therefore, we also use these materials when
designing facial graffiti, and make our own designs on the
basis of preserving the traditional colors of this festival.
END
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