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2050 Vision: Responding to Brief

Ramita Eswarappa
Jan 22, 2023
5 min read

Updated: Mar 25, 2023

Introduction

2050 Vision defines our future from the year 2050. How vastly it may have changed. There are two sides to how change may take place- Dystopia and Utopia.


Dystopian Labyrinth talks about a place where darkness has taken over. The planet starts to decay, destroy, ruin and in the end thrive to survive. This era can be compared to a nightmare (Figure 1).

Figure 1: A scene from the movie Wall-E

Whereas, Utopian Metropolis is a place where humanity has turned over a new leaf for the better. This is where humankind live in peace and harmony without any threat. A dreamlike place.

Figure 2: A scene from the movie FREE GUY

Although both the places are different, they take place in the future; probably 2050. Hence, the Vision 2050. There are artists that have created artwork on both the themes. For example, MC Escher who is well know for his illusionistic art; it also relates to the theme of Dystopia. Dark, confusing and claustrophobic.

Figure 3: MC Escher, Relativity, 1935

Mind-Map

The mind map below displays both the key similarities and differences between the two worlds.

Mind map made using Padlet

Concept Board

Utopia Concept Board

The concept board above shows the formal elements and color palette I will use. Symmetry (like the sea shells), texture(like the purple crystals), shape and pattern are the main elements I will be keeping in mind. The color palette of greens and blues will be my main palette followed by pinks and purples. I have chosen these color palettes as it relates to fantasy which includes advanced technology (like the images in the concept board).


As I made this concept board, I came to the conclusion that Utopia will be my chosen theme. The colors and techniques (Water color painting) I generally use, goes with Utopian Metropolis and it's ideologies. This made me research more into the concept of Utopia.

Research

Utopia Metropolis as a concept remind me of many scenes from the movies I have watched (Images below are few of the scenes from different movies).

  • Scene from TOMORROWLAND
  • Scene from AVATAR
  • Scene from ZOOTOPIA
  • Guardians of the galaxy V.2
  • Scene from FREE GUY
  • Scene from BLACK PANTHER

Although they are from different movies they look dreamlike. Some scenes look beautiful due to nature and others are from the advances of technology. Movies like avatar and Zootopia revolved around the place which looks like Utopia while others where brief scenes such as the movie 'Free guy'.


There are many such art styles that I have come across that give out the feeling of Utopia. Some well known graphic artists are VAN.J, Aheuredal, Sara Paz, Ina, Hyuna Lee, Alone, Lee etc. (Below is their respective artwork).

  • Van J.
  • Aheuredal
  • Sara Paz
  • Ina
  • Hyuna Lee
  • Alone Lee

These art styles depicts surrealism and fiction very. One of the graphic design artist, Sara Paz has been featured in the book 'Character Design Quarterly' a magazine for illustrators (Below are the pages from the magazine).

  • Cover Page of the Magazine
  • Sara Paz Tutorials

Since Architecture is my progression degree, I came across a book in the library that relates Utopia to architecture called 'Future City: experiment and Utopia in Architecture' (Below are pages from the book). This book is about FRAC Centre Collection which encompasses projects that are tomorrow's architecture.

  • Cover page
  • Introduction Page

Inspiration that I was able to derive from these examples were-

  • To choose a setting is important.

  • Even if the setting is simple, an art style can give the felling of Utopia.

  • The artwork has to be dreamlike and colorful.

  • Even the simplest materials combined can make a fantasy like place.

Reflection

Looking at my feedback, my strengths are-

  1. Presented selected examples of what I have done well in this assessment.

  2. Executed and demonstrated my creativity by applying my own ideas.

  3. I learnt how to preserve using Adobe Photoshop which helped me improve placement and composition of my concertina sketchbook.

While improvements-

  1. Continue to refine my work.

  2. Draw more point perspective sketches (Technical drawings).

  3. Drawing from my 3D models can will benefit my observational drawing skills.

Research is an area I will have to concentrate the most on. Giving accurate examples to compare and get inspired from which will help me present my work better.


Tasks for next week-

  1. Focus on Primary research.

  2. Try to create drawings from other art styles (while focusing on symmetry and geometry).

  3. Finalize a setting (city, structure or scene) to draw.

References

Reviewing Concepts from the Brief

Introduction

In this part of the blog we were advised to look back on the brief-

  • 2050 Vision

  • Utopia or Dystopia (inspiration)

  • Imaginary spaces

and the outcome-

  • 3-5 imaginary drawing of chosen concept (cycle 3).

  • 3D model (cycle 4).

After which we were told to plan and make concept boards for what our 3D structure will depict and if it still is relating to the brief.

Design Idea

Since I choose Utopian Metropolis, I revisited my old mind-map. I separated the idea of Utopia and wanted to add more to it.

Fig.1: Old (separated) Mind-Map

The things I wanted to include from this mind map were the colour palette and few of the keywords-

  • Balanced

  • Harmony

  • Dreamlike

  • Calm and Peace

I wanted to include this in my new mind-map with other concepts and key words I came up with.

Fig.2: New Mind-Map

There are two works of mine that will influence my design ideas (shown in the mind-map above). Based on the keywords, color palette and possibility of outcomes I will create 3 distinct mood boards. These mood boards will have my original concept, 'Feeling of Utopia' in them; my main theme in cycle 3.

Mood Boards

Fig.3: Mood Board 1

This concepts involves solely around mushrooms. The 3D models that I will be creating will mimic mushrooms and/or have their features. The concept board above shows the colour palettes and few designs that I will experiment with (SCAMPER). My first step with this concept will be making structure that resemble mushrooms.

Fig.4: Mood Board 2

Crystals always give the feeling of Utopia which is why my second concept will be based on crystals. One of my work as well inspired me to include it. I will first start experimenting by learning how to make crystals using paper.

Fig.5: Mood Board 3

The models that I will create with this concept will have the element of gold. I will be playing around with the colour gold and structures which will feature this colour as pattern and/or texture. Since black and white make look models professional I will keep my use of material to the minimum, and come up with design ideas that will highlight the use of gold.

Experimental Models

Fig.6: First Step



Before coming up with the mood boards I wanted to experiment with model making and the things I can use to create utopia-like feeling. The first experiment I used branches as the highlight of the model and then used glue-gun for the pink drops.






  • Fig.7
  • Fig.8

After which I used straws to build a structure around it. The base which hold the branches are also made of straws. Other than adding a little gold paint I wanted the natural texture of the branches to be seen.

  • Fig.9: Test model-1
  • Fig.10: Close-up
  • Fig.11
  • Fig.12: Ariel-view
Fig.13: Terrarium

The second model I made was solely based on quick thinking which resulted in uncleaned finishes. This structure resembles a terrarium. For this model as well I used straws which I later on painted pink. I wanted to place something inside the structure but it would only disrupt it.


The top part of this structure resembles Mickey Mouse logo for Disney.

  • Fig.14: Test Model-2
  • Fig.15
  • Fig.16

The third experiment I conducted was also using straws along with purple gel paper to play with reflection. It was interesting to observe shadow and light in different angle.

The last experiment model was learning about balance for a two storied structure. It was pretty sturdied which helped me understand support.

Observational Drawing (From test models)

Reflection

This week I was able to come up with mood boards and ideas to begin with. I was given the freedom to work with different media/materials. Working with different materials to make a model was helpful since I will know what works best in various situations.


Next week I will continue experimenting and coming up with 3 different ideas for each of my mood board. I will take more risks and try to complete it in a set time.

Reference

















 
 
 

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