INTRODUCTION & THE ISSUE
In a world where the focus is about doing more, achieving more, and getting more, the pressure brought about by these factors lead me to enter a turbulent stage dubbed 'quarter-life crisis' and sparked off my quest to find a fix for it. I figured that the answer must be 'harmony' — a concept that was emphasised by many ancient philosophies, but has since lost its significance in the modern age.
Inspired by Carl Gustav Jung’s Individuation theory as well as ancient esoteric knowledge coupled with the aesthetics of chakra and alchemy, The Academy of Alchemy: School of Chakranian Harmony is a school that aims to reintroduce inner harmony to people through approaches reminiscent of fantasy and mysticism.
RESEARCH
1. Chakra System
Chakras are archetypal components of consciousness, which are linked inextricably to the science and practice of yoga, which in turn is a system of philosophy designed for humans to achieve enlightenment. To transform the external world, one must start inward; therefore the chakras help us envision the connection these two worlds, such that we become aligned spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
2. Alchemy
In the practice of alchemy, the ultimate goal was the transformation of the alchemist’s psyche, which is actually the main factor for the changing of the base metals into gold. Alchemy’s objective is to bring perfection to both the soul and matter, and that practising it transforms the spirit and mind of the alchemist.
3. Carl Jung's Theory of Individuation
Psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung’s theory of individuation depicts the psychological development by which a person becomes a whole or integrated, as well as unique, personality.
CONCEPT
Attaining harmony is akin to realising different elements about oneself, merging them together in a process of transformation and elevation. I decided on creating an academy where people can learn how to do so; a satirical take on my own experience being a 'first world problem' and the various institutions set up to deal with these issues.
The curriculum is divided into 3 stages and 7 chapters, guiding in a step-by-step process to achieve harmony.
INSTALLATION
7 multipled by 7 equals 49, and these 49 positive characteristics are depicted into a periodic table of elements. The installation is essentially an alchemical apothecary and three-dimensional information graphic, where I collect experiences of when I needed harmony and then ‘mix’ a solution accordingly.
PACKAGING
ILLUSTRATIONS
The texts of alchemy are loaded with symbolism and metaphors, with their content told in the form of allegories; hence it is only natural that illustrations are incorporated. Fusing fact and fantasy together, these illustrations from my own imagination and interpretation were produced.
OFFICIAL TEXTBOOK
Chakra and alchemy are esoteric knowledge that needs to be formally studied, or mentored by a superior. To complement the idea of an esoteric school, a 96-page textbook covering the 7 steps to achieving harmony was produced.
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182mm x 245mm (WxH). Thread-sewn hardcover. Digital gold foil.
Printed by KHL Printing Pte Ltd.
Fonts used: Adobe Jenson Pro & Frontage.
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Final Year Project 2015
Under the guidance of Prof Astrid Kensinger, and additional guidance from Prof Nanci Takeyama & Prof Jesvin Yeo
With support from Tanjong Katong Secondary School, Class of 2015 & FYP groupmates: Alice Ng, Celeste Tan, Enze Foo, Hong Yu Ran, Jedidah Tan, Nicole Tan & Vannya Anjani
Promo-header copywriting aided by Hong Yu Ran
