What is Seenthesis: Visual Literacy through Singapore Photography?
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Seenthesis: Visual Literacy through Singapore Photography is an attempt to put together a resource book that provides educators and general public on the fundamental overview on photography and the contemporary approaches illustrated by over 100 works by 32 Singaporean/Singapore-based Artists. Providing context to the works are concise essays on the history and theory of photography as well as a timeline on the social history of photography in Singapore.
Different ideas and approaches to photography outlined in this publication: Documentary, Typologies, Staging and the Art of Mise En Scenes, Found and Archival Materials and Multidisciplinary.
Each sub-chapter is accompanied by a concise writeup on the approach, theory and technique. Different bodies of work by Singapore photographers provide vivid example to each chapter.
Suggested Classroom Activities
At the end of each chapter are suggested classroom activities which school educators could carry out to inspire and to encourage photographic creation by students.
Context & Information
A timeline table on the photography culture in Singapore between 50s to 90s.
Suggested reading materials, glossary page and a list of photographic works for more reference.
Photographic works are kindly contributed by the following artists: Abednego Trianto, Alecia Neo, Ang Song Nian, Benjamin “Ziggy” Lee, Charmaine Poh, Chia Aik Beng, Chow and Lin, Chua Chye Teck, Darren Soh, Geraldine Kang, Hu Qiren, Jing Quek, John Clang, Kamarulzaman Bin Mohamed Sapiee, Kevin WY Lee, Lavender Chang, Liana Yang, Liu Ying, Marvin Tang, Mintio, Nguan, Robert Zhao Renhui, Sarah Choo Jing, Sean Lee, Sebastian Mary Tay, Sim Chi Yin, Tan Peiling, Tristan Cai, Wilfred Lim, Woong Soak Teng, Zakaria Zainal, and Zen Teh Shi Wei.
A Sneak Preview by Do Not Design (Tentative)
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What We Need: Every Dollar Counts
Cost of Production
- Design Fees = SGD 5000
- Printing Fees = SGD 18000
- Writer & Editor Fees = SGD 5000
- Artist Token Fees and Image Rights = SGD 3700
- Educator Fees for Activities = SGD 2500
- Misc (Shipping/Materials) = SGD 800
Total Cost of Production = SGD 35000
All funds will be directed solely to the creation of this publication.
Production Timeline
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Fundraising & Online Crowdsourcing — April – July 2019
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Printing — Mid June 2018
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Exhibition & School Programmes —27th June to 27th July at DECK Gallery
- "Reading Photographs" is the accompanying exhibition for the Seenthesis publication, featuring an educational display of the methods of photography and the ways to read the photographs.
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Book Launch & Public Dialogue — 28 – 30 June at Singapore Art Book Fair, at NTU Centre for Contemporary Art.
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Public Dialogue with Guo Yi Xiu (writer), Ang Song Nian (Artist) and Gwen Lee (DECK Director) at The Single Screen, NTU Centre for Contemporary Art, 2pm - 3pm, 30 June 2019.
The Importance of Education in Visual Literacy
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The greatest barrier that hinders the entry to photography lies in the lack of material to help understand it. This 230-page is not an exhaustive record of photography in Singapore nor is it the only source for educators to tap on, but it is a first step towards a more accessible education in photography.
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Tokens of Appreciation for your Support
As tokens of appreciation for your support on the publication, you will receive, (depending on the tier you pledge):
- The physical copy of the fully printed and design book, Seenthesis: Visual Literacy through Singapore Photography
- An invitation to the opening reception of "Reading Photographs" exhibition at DECK on the 20th of June 2019. Reading Photographs is an extension of the publication to bring contents to wider audience.
- Thank-You Credit, with your name in the Page of Supporters in the Book.
- A DECK Totebag, to bring everywhere with you.
- One Photographic print (A3size) via LUCKY DIP- featured selection from 32 artists who have contributed to the publication. (The artist's work you will receive will be determined via a live lucky dip at the exclusive preview of the book on the 20th of June)
Thank you AVS Printing Pte Ltd for support of artist prints for this publication fundraising.
Find out more about our supporting partner at https://avs.com.sg/printing/
- A set of 3 Photographic print (A5size) featuring the works of Aik Beng Chia, Hu Qi Ren, and Chow & Lin.
Thank you for your donations and your support of DECK's initiatives towards a more accessible photography education and practice!
For any enquiries, doubts, actions of support, feel free to email us at meet@deck.sg!