Our Masters Graduates

Goh Hui Ying

The Aesthetics of the Nanyang Artists: a close study of their Colour Palette

Research Area:

• Color Theory
  
• Color Science: Human Eye Perception
  
• Color System: Munsell Color System
  
• Aesthetics in Color
  
• Nanyang Artists
  
• The development of Nanyang Paintings
  
• Nanyang Colors
  

Supervisor Asst Prof Ng Woon Lam

Email: [email protected]​

Han Phay

Creative AI : a data-driven design approach for creative online ad optimisation using artificial intelligence and big data​

​​​​​​Han is the founder and Managing Partner of Phay & Partners, specialising in the areas of tech innovation and startup methodologies.
An award-winning tech entrepreneur, he currently manages Phay & Partners, and is the co-founder of AMY.ai - an AI driven voice & text chatbot in the F&B space. Previously, he was the Founder & CEO in ad-tech startup Lumin(ai)re. He is also currently appointed as Adjunct Lecturer at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), teaching Entrepreneurship in the Arts.Han was named Leading Innovator in Automated Marketing Technology 2020 by the Singapore Business Awards, an Honouree in the Brands for Good 2019 under the Community - Empowering Local Markets category, the Pitch Champion at the Vikingcubator 2019 and the TOP100 in the Echelon Asia Summit 2019. He also holds a Certificate of Attainment in Social Innovation from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Institute for Entrepreneurship. His new startup AmyAI has also been recognised as a Top 60 Startup in Ideas Inc 2020.

He holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Essentials from the Harvard Business School Online, graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Advertising from the Savannah College of Art & Design, and a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) in Interactive Art from the Lasalle College of the Arts, Singapore.
​

Supervisor: Assoc Prof Jesvin Yeo

Website: www.phaynpartners.com​

Yu Fengyao Jasper

THE DIFFERENT WAYS OF FOOD BEING PHOTOGRAPHED AND ITS VISUAL IMPACT ON CULTURE  

It seemed that the role of food photography has evolved and grown to become a prevalent subject in the recent years. This research examines the different roles of photographed food from 5 different photographers across different time periods and the study of different visual impacts in culture coming from food photographs found on social media platform, Instagram. 

Research Areas 

• Food in Art
  
• Food Photography
  
• Photography History
  
• Visual studies on Food Photography
  
• Visual Impacts of Food Photography
  

Supervisor Assoc Prof Oh Soon-Hwa

Email: [email protected]​

Vincent Liew Weh Siang

An investigation on documentary photography as an effective visual method: Documenting the religious practises of the Tenggerese 

The research investigates the applicability of photography as a means for documentary work and its role in visual methods. 

Research Areas: 

• Art History
  
• Documentary Photography
  
• Visual Methods
  
• Cultural Elements
  
• Religious Practises
  

Supervisor: Assoc Prof Oh Soon-Hwa
Co-Supervisor: Asst Prof Michael Tan

Email: [email protected]

Hong Chu Yu Grace

Curatorial Narratives of Contemporary Southeast Asian Art

Examining the presentation of Singapore and Southeast Asian contemporary art in major group exhibitions and curatorial strategies employed

Research Areas

• Contemporary Southeast Asian Art
  
• Curation of visual art exhibitions
  
• Southeast Asian art history
  
• Western models of framing and narrative-writing
  
• Voice and Identity

​Supervisor
Asst Prof Michelle Lim

Hera

In the Spaces of Exhibition History: Art Exhibitions in Singapore from the 1950s-1990s

This research studies exhibition history in Singapore from 1950s to 1990s, with a focus on the exhibition spaces as a both a source of historical enquiries as well as an inherent discourse. The decades between the 1950s to the 1990s is selected as a period in local art-historical context that marks the transition between the modern to the contemporary. The thesis consists of a two-part investigation: firstly, a contextual study of the historical impulses and changing tendencies of exhibition spaces in the selected period and place, secondly a closer grained study of three selected exhibitions using archival materials, interviews and research drawings. The exhibition space is a fundamental aspect of an exhibition, yet it is rarely discussed with ample emphasis. In the Spaces of Exhibition History aims to throw light on how the study of space in exhibition history can present its own challenges, but also be productive in revealing the complex narratives, collaborations and processes inherent in exhibition making and discoursing.

Research Interest Areas:

• Exhibition History
  
• Modern and Contemporary Southeast Asian Art History
  
• Spatial Studies
  
• Design Research​

​Supervisor
Assoc Prof Laura Miotto

Li Yihan

​Supervisor

Asst Prof Kristy Kang

Tan Ming En Melvin 

Approaches to visual identities for Large-scale International Contemporary Art Exhibitions: Art Biennales in Singapore from 2006–2016

A study into visual identities for the the Art Biennale of Singapore. Given visual identity’s common use, this area has been over-looked and under researched in such exhibition events, until recently. The report aims to be a beneficial frame of reference through Singapore’s exemplification of the burgeoning independently-funded curated model of large scale international contemporary art exhibitions (LSICAEs) across the world, particularly in Asia. At large, the paper demystifies the roles and processes of visual identities for LSICAEs, substantiating the possibility of a specialisation for cultural identities. Contextually, the case study considers local and ideological inclinations that would inform the outcome of visual identities. ​

Supervisor

Asst Prof Laura Miotto
Assoc Prof Danne Ojeda

Teo Sie Peng

• Modern and Contemporary Art in Singapore
  
• Southeast Asian Aesthetic
  
• Art and Transnationalism
  
• Artistic and Art-based Research

​Supervisor

Asst Prof Sophie Golt

Muhammad Faisal Bin Husni​

​Supervisor

Asst Prof Sujatha Arundathi Meegama

Testimonial

Pursuing my master’s degree in Arts (Research) at the School of Art, Design and Media (ADM) was definitely one of the most fulfilling years of my life; owing largely to my academic supervisor, Prof Sujatha Meegama. In fact, it is in my opinion that ADM’s extraordinary academics and professors—had a huge role in my academic success. And that is what the school and programme offers: minds and mentors that will push and test you and help you grow.

NTU, being a university of diverse forms of knowledge and sciences, also allowed me to connect with and interact with other academics of different disciplines. This proved to be extremely energizing as it gave me opportunities to learn from students from other majors and faculty and employ those perspectives in my own work; perspectives which might otherwise have not reached me. The camaraderie between us students (within ADM and also the wider NTU) also provided a healthy environment of aid and concern, especially during stressful periods of thesis writing and such.

The research-welcoming nature of NTU, ADM and the MA programme also provided me opportunities to work on and assist in a variety of research led by different professors; this was experience that could be gained simply in a classroom. It allowed me to hone my skills as a researcher and scholar. It was these experiences that helped me progress in my career.

Peh Yang Yu

Supervisor
Co-Supervisor

Asst Prof Sujatha Arundathi Meegama
Asst Prof Bacsal Rhoda Myra Garces

Audrey Ng

​Exploration of new textile application in the area of design

This research aims is to experiment and explore the possibilities that can be achieved through a new form of material application for fashion and product design field. A new form of material that could be explored and shaped by patterned textile integrated structural folds with a touch of cultural element.

Research Areas

·       Textile
·       Folds
·       Material ​

Supervisor

Asst Prof Galina Mihaleva​

Alan Chong Wei Lun

Brief introduction

My name is Alan Chong and recently embarked on a journey to learn the ropes in Chong Tuck Tong Chinese Temple, at the same time, I am also practicing pottery with my own little workshop at home complete with a potter’s wheel.

In retrospect, there are various factors that attracted me to ADM when I applied. To name a few, it was the position of the school within a technical environment which gave me the impression that art can be pursued anywhere by anyone. Secondly, the chance at experiencing varsity life and culture within an art school was something that I could only dreamed about. Last but not least, being able to express myself artistically with different medias.

My most memorable moments in ADM was meeting new friends, burning midnight oils to rush deadlines. On the other hand, the architecture of the school is something that I am proud of whenever my friends talk about it. The most important lesson I have learned only came to me during my FYP - that I am not restricted and defined by our vocation but by our ability to adapt flexibly. On this vein, the soft skills that I picked up when studying in ADM could be adaptively applied in the Temple environment that I am working in right now. In sum, my journey has been filled with ups and down always be ready to work on it persistently, eventually there will be a better path ahead.

Masters thesis title

The Metaphysical Symbolism of the Chinese Tortoise

Research Areas

• Visual language
  
• Symbolism
  
• Chinese cosmology
  
• Geomancy
  
• Parallelism
  
• Taoism and Buddhism
  

​Supervisor Asst Prof Nanci Takeyama

LIEW KONG MENG

Brief introduction

I’m currently a PhD student in the Cognitive and Behavioural Science programme at the Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University. Before this, I completed my Bachelors’ degree in Music Composition at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, NUS, and my Masters’ in Research here at ADM. Coming from an interdisciplinary background, I’m interested in understanding how aesthetic experiences, such as watching a movie or listening to music, shape our feelings, thoughts and behaviour, and most of my research work is dedicated to that.

Masters thesis title

Meaningful Noise: Auditory Roughness and Dissonance Predict Emotion Recognition and Cross-Modal Perception

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m working on a couple of research projects as part of my PhD- I’m running a multinational study looking at how cultural thought patterns, such as holistic or analytic thinking styles, influence the way music contributes to our overall well-being. I’m also developing a Japanese version of the Aesthetic Emotions Scale, which aims to measure and sort the emotions one feels during an aesthetic experience, which could be from activities such as appreciating art, watching a movie, or simply listening to music. Finally, I’m also researching the neurobiological foundations of emotions, by studying brain activity during movie-watching.

What was it that attracted you to the ADM when you applied?

There were a number of reasons - the beautiful campus, the diverse facilities, but I’d say the deciding factor was being able to work with my then-supervisor, Dr. PerMagnus Lindborg, as we had several overlapping interests and really hit it off.

What’s the best thing about studying at the ADM?

Again, so many great things! If I had to give just one thing, it’s definitely the freedom to research what I wanted to research. Having just come out of an undergraduate programme in music, I was lost as to what to do, how to do it, and even what it meant to do research. Thankfully, the faculty at ADM were all patient and supportive, and I was always given the freedom to try out new ideas or explore new areas, even if they were outside the traditional research domains at ADM. I was also encouraged to have a co-supervisor from outside of ADM, Dr. Suzy Styles from the School of Social Sciences, who helped tremendously in the interdisciplinary research that I was doing. Over the course of the MA programme, as I gradually stumbled my way along researching all sorts of strange perceptual phenomenon, the environment at ADM was always conducive and generous, be it with logistical support from facilities or equipment, to simply having many opportunities to bounce ideas off faculty and peers.

What’s been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

It would have to be my final research project at ADM, which was also my most ambitious project - I had planned out a new composition to be performed at a concert of electroacoustic music, and as the culmination of the research I had been doing thus far, combined art and science in performing dual roles: as a creative expression of art, and also as a perceptual experiment. The premiere was a success and the results of that experiment were published in Frontiers in Psychology, a major peer-reviewed psychology journal. Personally, it marked the intersection of where I had come as a composer and where I was headed as a researcher, and it would not have been possible without the support given by ADM in terms of advice and technical assistance.

Do you have any advice for current or future students?

Find a supervisor that can help you grow. I’ve been blessed to be able to work with fantastic supervisors, and they have played an instrumental role in helping me grow as a researcher. Sometimes the advice can be a little confusing, but there’s much to be learnt by understanding where they’re coming from.

I have published portions of my MA thesis in a journal article (not a book unfortunately). Details are below:

title:Cross-Modal Perception of Noise-in-Music: Audiences Generate Spiky Shapes in Response to Auditory Roughness in a Novel Electroacoustic Concert Setting 

• Year of book published: 2018
• Name of publisher/publishing house: Frontiers in Psychology
  
• Link to published book if any: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00178 ​

​Supervisor
Co-Supervisor

Asst Prof PerMagnus Lindborg
Asst Prof Suzy Styles​

Websites

https://twitter.com/itskongmeng
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kongmeng_Liew

Muhammad Noor Iskandar Bin Othman

Masters thesis title

​Aesthetics of Losing : The Islamic Image

A study of the poetics and politics behind the mosque architectural evolution in Singapore

Research Areas

• Islamic art and architecture
  
• Aesthetics​
  
• Loss and death
  
• Spaces
  
• Spirituality, faith and art
  
• Visual culture
  
• Singapore heritage​
  

Supervisor

Dr Gul Inanc

Nicholas Ong Thian Chai

Masters thesis title

​Lighting Design for Paintings with Selected Artefacts from Nanyang Style Paintings as case studies

Research Areas

• Lighting design
  
• Exhibition design
  
• Art history
  
• Architectural Lighting
  
• Perception and psychology
  
• Physics of light
  

​Supervisor
Co-Supervisor ​

Assoc Prof Andrea Nanetti
Martin Reiser​

Tengku Kamiliah Binte Tengku Bahdar

Masters thesis title

​Launch Pads into the Field: Art Residencies and Social Engagement in Indonesia

Research Areas

• Contemporary art ecology in Indonesia
  
• Residencies and artists
  
• Art and social engagement
  
• Conditions of art production​
  

Supervisor

Prof Ute Meta Bauer

Zann

Brief introduction

A self-taught and self-funded photographer, Zann began her first serious foray into photojournalism after the tsunami in January 2005. Since then, she has covered humanitarian and socio-political issues in the Middle East & Asia. Her works have been published in Time magazine, Le Monde, Geo Italia, L’expresso and other publications in the US, Europe and Asia.

Zann’s works have been exhibited in various prestigious photo festivals such as Noorderlicht 2006, Visa Pour L’image 2007, Reportage Australia 2010, Angkor Photo Festival 2011 & 2013, Arles Photography Salon 2012, Chobi Mela 2013, Palm Springs Photo Festival 2013, Copenhagen Photo Festival 2013, Obscura Photo Festival 2013, Pingyao Photo Festival 2015 and the National Museum of Singapore 2014 among others.

She has also covered “Mental Health Issues” in Singapore and was featured in the Asia Exposed 2 series in late Sept 2011 on Channel News Asia which won a silver medal in the Best Social Issues/Current Affairs category at the New York Festival International TV and Film Awards 2012.

Zann has also spoken about her self-initiated and self-funded projects at TEDx Singapore 2012 and her photo documentation of Iran at TEDx Kuala Lumpur 2012. She is also a judge for NOISE Singapore 2013. In 2014, Zann received the Magnum Foundation Emergency Award for her work on “Remember Shatila”. She was appointed as a cultural ambassador for the Singapore Internationale in 2014.

Zann embarked on her second MA in Journalism in Aarhus Universitet, Denmark under the Tan Kah Kee Scholarship from 2016-2017. *Zann funds her work by teaching English.

Masters thesis title

Ethical Issues Concerning The Photo-Documentation Of Palestinian Refugees in Shatila Camp

What are you working on at the moment?

Freelance Photojournalist/Writer

What was it that attracted you to the ADM when you applied?

The fact that I can combine my research which spans two diverse faculties – ADM (Visual Arts) and RSIS (Middle Eastern Politics)

What’s the best thing about studying at the ADM?

Meeting the BEST supervisors – Kenneth Feinstein (ADM) and James Dorsey (RSIS). They are both amazing people and highly professional and knowledgeable mentors. I still remain in close touch with them and will always do. (It is a huge shame and loss that Assoc. Prof Kenneth Feinstein is no longer with NTU)

What was the most important thing you learned whilst you were at the ADM?

Be very careful who you choose as your supervisor. The wrong one will ruin your thesis. Assoc. Prof Kenneth Feinstein kindly took me under his wings in the final 8 months prior to the thesis submission deadline (in which I almost completely changed and overhauled my work). He was absolutely instrumental in ensuring that my 2 years of research was not conducted in vain. BRAVO to Ken and James!

What’s been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

None, I never rest on my laurels.

Do you have any advice for current or future students?

Pick your supervisor wisely! ​

Website(s)

https://www.instagram.com/zann_huizhen_huang/

Chun Wan Ying Rachel

The demographic shift towards a rapidly ageing population in Singapore has seen an increasing prevalence of dementia. As the irrevocable neurodegenerative condition progresses, the individuals and their family inevitably have to rely on community resources and aged care services to meet the increased care needs. While there have been a proliferation of community and centre-based care services to support ageing-in-place policy, efforts looking into creating meaningful and quality programmes, and understanding its effect on the wellbeing of elderly people have been limited. Considering the above, this proposed study foregrounds arts-health practice to offer inventive care for elderly people at Dementia Day Care Centre (DDC) in Singapore. 

Preceding to her graduate studies, Rachel Chun has been an art administrator overseeing community outreach projects in the performing arts sector. Her interest in the sphere of community arts, arts, health & well-being and conversance with dementia has led to her keenness in pursuing a research titled; ‘’Animating Senses: Exploring Multi-Sensorial Art Engagement, Intercorporeality and Wellbeing of Elderly People in Dementia Day Care Centre.’’

Kong Wen Da Gideon

His research looks into the critical and artistic potential of graphic design practices and is situated within fields of discourse in “critical graphic design practice” and “graphic design research”. A key part of this research involves the close study of Sulki and Min’s graphic design practice, based in South Korea.

Gideon Kong Runs gideon-jamie, a two-person studio for design, research, and learning. Other than commissioned work that spans mostly across books and printed works, the studio's activity includes small-scale publishing under Temporary Press and running occasional exploratory workshops. He currently teaches at Lasalle College of the Arts (BA Design Communication).

Tseng Ke Ting Christian

Thesis Topic

Stereotypization and the Films of Stephen Chow

Write-up and Research Areas

While cognitive psychologists have theorised stereotyping to be a natural (and even necessary) process, the concern here then, is how such arguments can reconcile with the sociological, ethical and artistic concerns surrounding stereotypization. Only by first addressing this can we begin to grapple with the complexities concerning misrepresentation; and this begins by accepting stereotypization as a necessary evil or, for a less loaded term, as an inevitability. With this in mind, this study seeks to analyse the directorial filmography of Stephen Chow through the lens of stereotype theory; and both evaluate and argue the means to which the stereotype can be challenged, and/or subverted even in its own inevitability.  

Research Areas

Film Studies

Cultural Studies

Ethnic and Racial Studies

Supervisor:  Assoc Prof Sebastian Grobler

Email: [email protected]

Cheryl Chong 

Brief Introduction

Cheryl Chong is a creative based in Singapore. Her research and creative practice explore the intersection between art and design, with a particular interest in the publications and

multi-disciplinary design that experiments with various mediums and expressions. She believes that design is about framing experiences by engaging users and forming emotional connections with the creation.

Masters Thesis Title: 

’The Poetic’ as Visual Rhetoric in Book Design

Research Areas:

• Poetic Expressions in Book Design

• Visual Rhetoric

• Visual Research

• Visual Communication

• Design Thinking

Supervisor: Cindy Wang I-Hsuan