Common Module - AY25.26 CTS B

I am a frog and a shoe

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CTS B Week 1: Creative Practice and Critical thinking

This week, we learned about creative practice and critical thinking. Creative practice is an ongoing process of making, experimenting, and developing ideas in any artistic or design form. On the other hand, critical thinking involves analyzing, questioning, and evaluating information. What’s interesting is that both of these actually feed off each other as creative practice gives you something concrete to think about, and critical thinking helps you refine, question, and improve that creative process. When combined, they not only make your work more aesthetically pleasing, but also “enables innovative yet practical problem-solving by blending imagination with logical evaluation.” (Milad Malek, 2024)

Recently, I’ve been watching a show called Black Mirror. One episode in particular, Season 3, Episode 1, “Nosedive”. It critiques how social media controls our behaviour, our happiness, and even our value as people. The episode uses creative practice through its visual style: pastel colours, clean aesthetics, and an overly cheerful, filtered environment. This creates a world that looks “perfect” on the surface, mirroring the polished and curated feeds we see on social media apps today.

Looking back on my first year, I realized that I have been applying these ideas without even noticing. In World of Ideas and Imagination: Week 11, I had to design a postmodernism poster using an AirPods case and an oyster shell. The creative practice came from combining two famous paintings to visually represent the oyster-shaped AirPod case in an unexpected, postmodern way. The critical thinking came from deciding why this combination made sense while interpreting symbolism, questioning meaning, and constructing a message behind the imagery rather than designing just for aesthetics. References: Milad Malek / How can critical and creative thinking help solve problems? / 2024 https://www.dartai.com/blog/how-can-creative-and-critical-thinking-help-solve-problems (268 Words)

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CTS B - Compulsory Question 2

I am an artist inspired by cartoon characters and retro video games, and these influences shape the way I see and create. Honestly, my goal is to create visuals that are not only striking but also meaningful. Because my work reflects my love for past experiences, it is closely tied to my personal life, and themes like mental health, loneliness, and self-reflection naturally appear as well since they are a part of me. While I draw inspiration from whimsical and quirky sources, I also aim to convey deeper, heavier emotions beneath the playful surface. My work is intended to help audiences feel understood and to remind them that they are not experiencing these emotions alone. One cartoon I grew up with, Adventure Time, has a lot of deeper interpretations in its episodes. In the show, there are a few episodes that talk about the story of two side characters, Simon, aka the Ice King, and Marceline the Vampire Queen. Their relationship depicts themes of loneliness, grief, and mental health as Simon slowly loses his identity to the power of the Ice Crown, leaving Marceline to cope with the loss of a father figure and protector. Through flashbacks and emotional interactions, the show subtly raises awareness on how trauma, abandonment, and cognitive decline affect both the person suffering and those who care for them, and beneath its cartoony exterior, it addresses the emotional weight of mental illness and the enduring power of love and connection amidst hardship.

On a less illustrative note, I have always been mesmerized by Japan’s Harajuku fashion ever since the beginning of my design journey. Harajuku fashion falls under tradition and lineages because it emerges from a long progression of Japanese street subcultures such as Visual Kei, Lolita, Gyaru, and Decora. Moreover, it continuously draws on traditional textile motifs, kimono-inspired silhouettes, and Japan’s history of expressive costume culture,thus, creating a modern style that still carries the visual and cultural heritage of its past.

During my time in ITE, I constantly sketched clothing pieces, many inspired by Harajuku’s bold and expressive style. Later, I had the opportunity to design apparel for a local brand, @lonchofactory. During that period, I often researched the people featured in FRUiTS magazine; their unique silhouettes and playful illustrations influenced the way I think about fashion and character. Although I couldn’t fully apply these references to the apparel I designed due to conflict of interest, the research taught me a great deal about personality-driven styling. Today, Harajuku continues to align with my artistic vision, as its playful blend of tradition and modern identity mirrors the way I approach my own character designs.

While it may take some time to reach where I want to be, I am confident that I can achieve my goals, especially with the support of the right people around me. References: Shoichi Aoki / Fruits Magazine / 2005 https://archive.org/details/fresh-fruits/page/n11/mode/2up IMDB / I Remember you / 2012 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2401584/ IMDB / Simon & Marcy / 2013 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2620082/ (471 Words)

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CTS B- Compulsory Question 1

Our group’s manifesto focuses on turning introspection into design. Introspection is the examination of one's own conscious thoughts, feelings, and mental processes through self-reflection. The five points we wrote down serve as building blocks for our creative voices and act as a compass for our design choices. However, I find that our group’s manifesto feels broad and safe. While there is nothing inherently wrong with it, it does not fully capture the authenticity of what a designer’s manifesto should be. Every designer has their own preferences, biases, and ways of working, so if each member of our group were to create a manifesto right now, they would all be different. This is why I felt the group’s manifesto didn’t fully reflect the individuality and personal convictions that a true designer’s manifesto embodies.

Physically, I do not have a formal, written manifesto, as I had only just learned about the concept. But looking back, I realize that ever since I was young, I have unconsciously followed an invisible rulebook in my head. It was never formal, but it was something I always reminded myself of whenever I embarked on a creative project. It acted as a quiet boundary, shaping my drawings and posters. In a way, my manifesto has always existed, just unwritten, lived rather than declared.

Now, with the tools and knowledge I have, I decided to create a personal mini-festo that has guided me as a designer all my life. Drawing inspiration from Stefan Sagmeister’s Manifesto #9 and Dieter Rams’ Ten Principles for Good Design, I have created five rules that i have lived by as a designer:

Talent will only get you so far

Talent sets the foundation, but hard work shapes the design. One without the other is incomplete.

Design honestly

My work reflects my values, experiences, and perspective - not trends for the sake of trends.

Create work your past self would look up to

Your younger self laid the foundation so your present self could continue the story.

Trust the first instinct, refine the second

Capture the first idea, then refine it until it communicates exactly what you intend.

Copying is a shortcut to nowhere

True growth comes from understanding, adapting, and making ideas your own.

Doing this manifesto made me realize that a manifesto and design principles share many similarities. While a manifesto is more reflective and philosophical, often catering to an individual standpoint, design principles are more practical, objective, and can be applied to a wider audience. I find that a personal manifesto can inspire principles, and principles can, in turn, reflect the values expressed in a manifesto. With that being said, both work toward a common goal: making design more thoughtful, meaningful, and effective. (451 Words)

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CTS B Week 6: Critical Self- Reflectivity

I reflect on myself and my actions often, sometimes even criticizing myself internally for the things I do. This tendency becomes especially apparent when I’m working on a project, whether solo or in a group. I often overthink concepts to the point of mental exhaustion, which can lead to procrastination. But I always ask myself: why am I putting it off? Through these questions, I’ve realized that procrastination isn’t simply a moral failing; it often points to deeper habits, fears, or priorities that I hadn’t fully noticed. Luckily, I’m not as clueless as I might seem.I acknowledge these “bad jujus,” lock in, and work on them. Still, this process isn’t all sunshine and rainbows for others… or worse, they might not even take the time to address it at all.

The five elements of emotional intelligence of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills plays a significant role in this process. For me, they are something I think about almost every day, indirectly shaping how I approach my work and relationships. After all, “It requires sitting with yourself, taking an honest moment to think about what transpired, what worked, what didn’t, what can be done, and what can’t.” (Harvard Business Review, 2022)

Reflection could help you grow as a “better person”, though being a “better person” is only meaningful if you act on your own shortcomings. Without proper reflection, unresolved emotions like anger, shock, or sadness can build up, and over time, this can even affect your physical well-being if left unaddressed. As one article puts it, “Like a muscle, your mind needs reflection to reenergize and grow stronger.” (Harvard Business Review, 2022) References:

Harvard Business Review / Don’t Underestimate the Power of Self-Reflection / 2022 https://hbr.org/2022/03/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-self-reflection (266 words)

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CTS B Week 2: Connecting Theory and Practice

My personal identity has evolved over time, likely because I am still finding myself, or perhaps because as I matured, I began reflecting (and sometimes overthinking) about my actions, subtly changing my personality overtime. This evolution is evident in my recent motion graphics video. Drawing from the shows and games I loved as a child, I captured the same sense of wonder, but with the help of my current experience with the software I use. I was once interested in all kinds of art, but over the years I realized what I want my work to express and streamlined my style. Through my creations, I aim to help people reconnect with that childlike imagination. These early influences also shaped my personal “Superflat” theory that my creative identity exists in a space where distinctions between “high art” and “pop media” dissolve.

By incorporating bold colors, cartoony imagery, and playful pop figures into my designs, I enact my theory: the visual and conceptual boundaries between childhood media and “fine art” collapse. This also mirrors Takashi Murakami’s approach, where he describes Superflat as "both a style and a critique of consumer culture and artistic hierarchies" (Murakami, “Interview with Numero” 2024). Murakami said the term arose from his critique of “culture flattening,” noting that postwar Japan became a place “where no distance exists between mainstream culture and subculture” (Artnet, 2024). My theory and practice are connected in a sense that the aesthetic choices I make demonstrate cultural flattening and it reflects how my upbringing in pop media help shaped my identity as an artist.

References: Numero / Interview with Takashi Murakami, a pop icon / 2024 https://numero.com/en/art-design/interview-with-takashi-murakami-a-pop-icon/ Artnet / Why Takashi Murakami Is Still Mad for Manga: ‘Super Flatness Sets the Stage for the Future’ / 2024 https://news.artnet.com/art-world/takashi-murakami-manga-anime-superflat-2584227 Mr Murakami + Mr. DOB https://toysrevil.blogspot.com/2016/11/mr-dob-by-murakami-x-bait-x-switch.html

(260 words)

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WOII - Summary Post 

This module has been an eye-opener for me. I realized the importance of being able to deeply reflect on my work and process has helped me understand not just what I’m making, but why I am making, which is something I had not really thought about before. Because of that, I feel deeply appreciative to a lot of things in my life from a design perspective. One quote I always say is “when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” Learning to reflect has helped me take things I might have overlooked like old interests, past mistakes, or even random parts of daily life and turn them into inspiration or creative ideas. I am starting to see value in things I used to ignore, which is changing how I approach both design and life. One example is Pokémon cards. I have been collecting them since 2021, but I never really paid attention to the artwork on the lesser value cards before. Now I am starting to notice how many different styles there are, and how much thought goes into the design of each card. It made me look at them with a fresh perspective.

(194 Words)

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WOII: Week 12 – Art Ecosystems

This week, we visited the exhibitions by the third-year diploma and BA students. There were a lot of different styles and ideas, but one project that really caught my eye was Sinaran by Az’ Zakirah Bte A’ Rahman.

Sinaran is a platform where people from all walks of life can come together to express themselves, feel confident, and celebrate fashion in an inclusive way. The branding was inspired by Japan’s colourful street fashion and the growing interest in public fashion around the world.

As I read through the project, I really connected with it. The brand values and the overall idea match with what I want to do in the future. The style and illustrations also reminded me of things I love, like Kingdom Hearts, Soul Eater, and BAPE. They all come from Japan too, which is why the project felt so familiar and inspiring. I’m really interested in the Branding and Illustration track because I like the idea of telling stories through visuals as it aligns with the idea of creating strong, clear ideas that look good and feel like “me.”  It’s all about making things look and feel consistent, and I want to get better at it.

One designer that I look up to is @yalocaloffgod. Real name Andrew Mok, is a Hong Kong-based designer. He is best known for creating  3D-printed attachment for Apple's AirPods Max headphones. Mok has collaborated with various brands and artists like A.Society, a Hong Kong-based eyewear brand and Adidas Hong Kong. Mok's work is characterized by a blend of anime-inspired aesthetics, street fashion, and hip-hop culture, reflecting his diverse influences and creative vision.

References: Kingdom hearts Playstation poster  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_Hearts_%28video_game%29

Soul Eater manga front cover https://souleater.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_Eater_(series)

Bape Art https://www.pinterest.com/pin/7670261860949651/ Andrew Mok (Offgod) https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/people/40-under-40/andrew-mok-offgod/

(271 Words)

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WOII Compulsory: Week 5 & 6 - Design Analysis and Field Trip

Back in primary school, my teacher had a tradition of making birthday cards for each student, where everyone would write a message or decorate it. I was always excited to contribute and curious about what mine would look like. But since my birthday fell during exams, I realized I might not get one at all and it left me disappointed.

When my birthday came, I did not expect anything. But to my surprise, I received a card. As the class sang to me, I opened it and smiled at the messages inside. I kept that card ever since, and sometimes when I am bored, I would reread what people wrote to me, reminiscing about the simpler times.

A simple piece of paper, a few cents in ink and a little time somehow holds more weight than anything money could buy. It is not the paper or the pen that gives it value, but the meaning of each message, the shared joy, and the fact that, for a moment, everyone paused to think of me. That's what makes this birthday card really sentimental in my heart.

Since there was not anything sentimental in Kampong Gelam district that I can find, I decided to focus on the people instead of the place. I asked 3 random people in that area what the most memorable object they have with them.

One was a watch, given to by their mother who secretly researched what her son liked. One was a necklace in a shape of a dog bone made from the ashes of her dog who had recently passed away. One always carried a camera filled with pictures and memories from her life. It showed me that sentimental value isn’t always found in places but often found in the things we carry daily. The watch, camera and necklace might seem normal to us, but to them they are objects that holds strong meaning.

(319 Words)

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WOII: Week 11 – Post Modernism

“How do I add this lesson into my works?” This was my first thought process when I was reflecting on this lesson. After thinking about it for some time, I feel as if during my time here in Lasalle, I have been following a set of rules that I had learned from my modules. Maybe it’s because this course trains designers or that my grades depend on what the external examiners think. In the end of the day my works subject to interpretation and there are always certain expectations I have to hit. This brings back to the idea of postmodernism, where audiences are forced to question the norms and think beyond it. How can I use this for my future projects while still focusing on form over function? Art has no rules, but design does and technically Postmodernism is a mix between those two, so I find myself asking again, “How do I add this lesson to my work?” This has been a struggle for me since the start of my graphic design journey as I have always wanted to create really experimental visuals which always has a connection to post modernism. “In postmodernism, every answer is a question, and every question is an answer.” (Jean-François Lyotard,1979) Postmodernism makes me question whether it is possible to break some of these rules, whether its possible to balance both art and design while still maintaining the integrity of the final piece?  It can be really frustrating to think about at times, but I do think I have done it before and that it is achievable, It just requires a lot of time, research planning and conceptualizing.

References: Jean-François Lyotard | "The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge" | 1979 https://monoskop.org/images/e/e0/Lyotard_Jean-Francois_The_Postmodern_Condition_A_Report_on_Knowledge.pdf (275 words)

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WOII: Week 4 - Semiotics

During Week 4, I worked with two of my classmates to analyse an advertisement both formally and contextually. We chose to examine the KFC FCK ad launched in the UK in 2019, which was created to address a crisis when KFC ran out of chicken. The ad not only responded to the crisis but also showcased KFC's ability to handle the situation with humour and confidence. By combining an apology, wit, and iconic branding, the ad became a memorable moment in advertising.

This week of Semiotics taught me to understand how people interpret visuals in design. It teaches me me how to pick the right elements and shapes for my work so that people can understand them.

One instance which I used semiotics is the creation of my poster for my studio project. I broke down my designer by understanding their message through their works, paid attention to the elements they use commonly in their designs and finding out how their works connect with their works. This helped me create a design I was happy with and made me realize how important it is to understand the message behind the visuals.

Because of this, I decided to decode some of playstations ads in the early 2000s.

In both ads, elements of the PlayStation button symbol—triangle, circle, X, and square appear in the eyes and veins. This could suggest that gaming on PlayStation isn’t just an emotional experience but a physical one too. The raw intensity and focus shown in these visuals highlight how gaming grabs the player’s full attention, becoming a part of them. This deep connection helps shape the experience, making it something that truly immerses the player. Both ads were part of PlayStation's strategy to connect with players on a personal level and shapes their experience with gaming. References:

Empire | "70 Best print adverts of all time" | August 18 2020 https://theempire.com/best-print-adverts/ Daylight Curfew | March 1 2025 https://www.instagram.com/daylightcurfew/p/DGqNeonMdTs/?img_index=6

(301 Words)

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WOII: Week 2 – Aesthetics

When form and function form together, the design becomes both practical and visually pleasing. Function ensures that it works properly, while form makes it look appealing. Because of this, an aesthetic is created. The design becomes more enjoyable to use, creating a connection that encourages people to interact with it more. “if your design functions flawlessly but lacks the spark that makes someone care, what’s the point?” (Ayo Aluko. 2024) When documenting about the different signages, it made me reflect how there are a lot of aesthetics in the different shops and how it evolved over the years. It made me look back on my aesthetics over the years. Jean-Michel Basquiat – "I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life." This quote from Basquiat emphasizes the connection between personal expression, life experiences, and the art created from those emotions, bridging aesthetics with personal meaning.

When I was younger, I was drawn towards things that were trending at the time. But over the years, I do see myself “evolving” over the years and finding my own aesthetics from the things around me. This has been really apparent during my time in Lasalle and because of that, I find myself being able to appreciate all forms of art even though it might not align with my personal taste. Maybe it’s just growing up, but the ability to see the worth in all forms of art, reflects an important step in creative maturity.

References:

Ayo Aluko | "Why Design should make you feel something" Fourth Canvas | September 5 2024 https://www.fourthcanvas.co/canvas/aesthetics-as-a-tool-to-inspire-function-why-good-design-should-make-you-feel-something

(245 Words)

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 3: Connect CTS A to your learning and professional journey

I would love to collaborate with the Diploma in Creative Direction for Fashion as I have experience designing clothes within Singapore's local fashion scene, and with the graphic design skills I've developed this year, I can contribute by creating graphics, typography, patterns, and more for them.  I would also really like to bring my ideas and creativity into the projects as I have a strong passion for both fashion and design if given the opportunity. I would like to do something related to fashion for my final project. Creating a campaign or developing a visual identity for a fashion brand would interest me a lot. These projects would allow me to showcase my skills in branding and visual communication and would develop my knowledge in the fashion industry.

I’d like to work with The Salvation Army Singapore, a nonprofit that helps vulnerable groups like kids, the elderly, migrant workers, and families in need. They often need posters and flyers for events and campaigns but don’t have the budget for professional designs. By offering my services, I can use my design skills to create eye-catching and effective posters that could help promote their events and causes.

One job position I desire is becoming a Creative Director. One lesson I learned from CTS A that could help with this job is that a Creative Director often leads a team of designers, copywriters, photographers, and other creatives, which can result in a diverse range of ideas. In this role, they have to encourage creative solutions while also staying open-minded, considering each team member’s input while also ensuring that the ideas align with the project brief and the overall vision.

(276 words)

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 2: Connect CTS A to all your other modules (and components)!

CTS has been super valuable because it seamlessly connects with all my modules. Collaborative Skills and Mindfulness during Studio group work sessions have helped me stay open-minded and listen to my classmates' ideas without judgment, while giving them constructive feedback in a way that wasn’t offensive. This has been extremely helpful in achieving goals with my classmates. One good example would be during Week 6 of studio, when we had to create a data space using colors and random objects from our bags.

I find that individual works also connects with CTS. It has taught me to step back, reflect on my work, and check if it’s going in the right direction. CTS helps me recognize when to take breaks, so I don’t overwork or get stuck trying to make everything perfect. "By practicing critical thinking, we are allowing ourselves not only to solve problems but also to come up with new and creative ideas to do so. Critical thinking allows us to analyze these ideas and adjust them accordingly." (Writers of UOPeople, 2020)

One thing CTS has really helped me with is the ability to properly source and cite references for my Creative Process Journal (CPJ). It has taught me the importance of using reliable and credible sources, ensuring I avoid plagiarism while giving proper credit to the original creators.

Concepts like Emotional Intelligence, Assertion, and Conflict Resolution, learned during CTS, not only help me during school but also in my personal life. It encourages me to reflect on my actions, like thinking before I speak to people around me and taking responsibility when I slip up by using the wrong words. Learning how to express my opinions, needs, and feelings clearly, in a respectful way, has improved my communication with my family and friends and has helped me build confidence, improve relationships, and grow as a person.

Works cited:

Writers of UoPeople. “Why Is Critical Thinking Important and How to Improve It.” University of the People, 2 Apr. 2020, www.uopeople.edu/blog/why-is-critical-thinking-important/#blog-author-.

(323 words)

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 1: Discuss the seven weekly topics as a whole

Critical thinking means understanding how conclusions are being processed and thinking about my own thought process while looking deeper into an issue. It is also about questioning the reasoning of others and considering different points of view to get a fuller picture and staying open-minded while not letting personal biases affect my judgment. I see critical thinking as a fork in the road with multiple paths, each path represents a different idea or solution. Critical thinking is like taking a moment to consider all the options and think and helps me avoid making rash decisions and finds the best route to understanding or solving a problem. One of my favourite activities was during week 5 was when I had to draw 15 logos using my non-dominant hand. As someone who loves drawing, I found the activity both fun and frustrating. Despite struggling, I realized that the exercise taught me patience and persistence. What made this exercise memorable was looking back at the finished logos. Some of them turned out well, and seeing the progress I had made was incredibly rewarding. In a group setting, we can provide more range of ideas, which could lead to more creative solutions. Working together also helps lighten the workload, making tasks more manageable since everyone contributes. Additionally, collaborating with others allows us to learn from each other's strengths and skills, cultivating personal growth and development. I wish I was more open-minded. I can be stubborn at times, and when someone shares an idea, I don’t always consider it, and I would try to push my ideas towards them. "we can’t really think critically unless we are aware of our biases. They can alter our perception of reality, our judgment, and our capacity to make impartial observations." (Shiroma, 2022)

I realize that being more open to different perspectives and finding ways to integrate others’ ideas with mine would help me grow and It’s something I’m learning. we can’t think critically unless we are aware of our biases. They can alter views, judgment, and capacity to make impartial observations. 

Works Cited: Shiroma, Mauricio. “What Critical Thinking Is and How It’s Taught | Cambridge English.” World of Better Learning | Cambridge University Press, 7 Sept. 2022, www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/09/07/what-critical-thinking-is/. (344 words)

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CTS A - Week 03 / Emotional Intelligence

What I bring to the table most effectively is empathy. In past group work experiences, I am also focused on understanding others' responses without passing judgment on the questions themselves. Being at LASALLE has taught me that thoughts and feelings are not inherently good or bad; they simply just are. Reflecting on weeks 1 lesson about mindfulness, I've come to realize that taking a moment to step back and consider my response thoughtfully allows me to better understand others' perspectives. By doing so, I can engage more deeply with their viewpoints and contribute more meaningfully to the discussion. What I recognize as an area of improvement is my self-management. I often find that my temper can be shorter than average, which might negatively impact both myself and those around me. Ever since primary school, I have always struggled with planning and managing my time effectively, frequently procrastinating and leaving tasks till the last minute. My lack of resilience might also contribute to these challenges, always getting distracted by my phone mostly. Recently, with the increased workload from all my assignments, I've realized the importance of being more proactive and improving my time management skills. By addressing these issues, I  can reduce a lot of stress and be more responsible.

Overall, while empathy is my greatest strength in group settings, there is always room for growth. By continuing to refine my empathetic skills and improving my self-management, I will enhance my effectiveness both individually and within collaborative environments.

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CTS A - Week 02 / Collaborative skills

My strength as a collaborator is my vocal engagement during group discussions and my ability to generate and share new ideas on the spot, speaking whatever that comes to my mind. However, one of my weaknesses I found to have noticed is that once I become attached to an idea that I believe I can do well on, I can be very determined to pursue it, even if other team members may potentially have better ideas. I should be more open to other alternatives given by my team members. Instead of working against their ideas , I should look for ways to integrate my ideas with theirs. One example during the activity was the idea of switching from Steve Jobs to Van Gogh. The original idea was building a Steve Jobs monument but it was scratched for Van Gogh. Instead of being salty, i became more mindful of their ideas and slowly adapted by finding ways to integrate my ideas related to Steve Jobs to Van Gogh. "Collaboration allows us to know more than we are capable of knowing by ourselves." — Paul Solarz, Learn Like a Pirate If I had more time and an unlimited budget, I would acquire all of Van Gogh's paintings and establish a museum dedicated to showcasing them. The museum would feature Van Gogh’s life story, his influence on art and culture, and his artworks throughout history.  After much thought, the idea that me and my team members have crafted seems really ingenious and creative to me so I decided to update the idea. Instead of placing Van Gogh’s ear against a wall, I decided to position it in the center of the room with the projectors on opposite sides of the installation displaying all of Van Goghs paintings on the ear.

(296 words)

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CTS A - Week 01 / Critical thinking & Mindfulness

Before the class began, I thought critical thinking was primarily about intense mental effort and generating numerous questions. However, after reflecting on the lesson, I've realized that critical thinking is more than just working towards a solution, "critical thinking involves first discovering the who, what, when, where, and how of things".— Bell Hooks, Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom (Page 8) Critical thinking also involves examining how my work can convey a story that resonates with others and connects with their experiences. Ultimately, critical thinking can mean different things to different people. It involves not only reflecting on my own thoughts processes but also reflecting on other people's perspectives as well.

As for mindfulness, being mindful as an artist and as a student means immersing myself in the moment without judgment. It involves stepping back to assess the situation with curiosity and acceptance and asking questions to understand different perspectives. Mindfulness allows me to explore both sides of the story and gives me the space to approach challenges more effectively. When I encounter obstacles or failing to achieve what I want, I should approach it mindfully by reflecting on what went wrong with an open mind, and consider alternative strategies for improvement. "Keeping an open mind is an essential requirement of critical thinking." — Bell Hooks, Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom. (Page 10)

Lastly, one eventful moment i experienced in class was seeing a diverse group of people from various walks of life coming together in my class. Meeting everyone and learning about their different backgrounds not only inspired me but also sparked critical thinking in me. I learned to really listen to each other and think about different viewpoints, which made our discussions deeper and it helped me think about their point of view. Each person’s unique ideas challenged my assumptions and made me more mindful, It showed me that reflecting on people's ideas helps deepen insights and makes conversations more engaging. (309 Words) Bell Hooks, Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom. - https://edisciplinas.usp.br/pluginfile.php/7604824/mod_resource/content/2/bell%20hooks%20-%20Teaching%20Critical%20Thinking_%20Practical%20Wisdom-Routledge%20%282009%29.pdf