Category: Methods of Investigating

Week 1, 26 Sep – 3 Oct

Week 2, 4 Oct – 10 Oct

Week 2, 5 Oct – 17 Oct

From the moment I first laid eyes on this large traffic island, to the point where I began observing it in detail, and eventually, as I deeply investigated its entire surroundings and the composition of its elements, I realized that it’s all a process of deconstruction and reorganization of this space. Through this method of cutting and rearranging images, I aim to introduce a fresh perspective on perceiving the world.

In fact, people’s perception of the world is continually shaped by the process of constant deconstruction and reorganization.

The traffic island beneath my apartment is a fascinating subject for investigation. It feels like an isolated world with its own inhabitants—pigeons.

Reading 1: ‘Species of Spaces and Other Places‘ by Georges Perec

Inspired by Georges Perec (1974, p. 50) I chose this physical site. According to the part of Street, he mentions that when you observe the street, you must set about it more slowly, almost stupidly. Force yourself to record even the uninteresting, the most obvious, the most common, and the most mundane details. I started to observe and identify the street with which I am familiar, noting down various details such as the location, time, date, and weather conditions.

In addition to taking photographs at different times and from various positions to conduct the investigation, I also considered exploring this site from different identity perspectives. For example, when I look down at the island from my apartment or observe it from across the road, I take on the role of an ordinary observer or pedestrian. In this identity, I seek to discover what can be observed. However, when I enter the island, I temporarily become a part of its local community. This shift in identity led to different discoveries.

I realized that there was a narrative thread running through the filming process, moving from observing the island to approaching it, and eventually becoming a part of its local life. All of these insights were made possible by slowing down the pace of life and emptying one’s mind.

Reading 2: ‘The Gleaners and I‘ by Angès Varda

According to Gleaner and I (Varda, 2000), I found a truly enlightening idea: “Pick things up so there’s no waste.” It’s not just rubbish or scrap; it’s people’s meals, a source of livelihood, fun, a work of art, even a masterpiece.

Initially, my goal was to find something new for myself. The traffic island is a commonplace in society that I often ignored. Following her advice to find something seemingly ‘useless’ and become a gleaner, I viewed the traffic island under my apartment as a seemingly independent country. This experience made me realize the importance of observing ordinary things in everyday life. There is always an aspect of the ordinary that is worth discovering.

Reference list

Perec, G. (1974) Species of Spaces and Other Places. London: Penguin.

Varada, A (2020) The Gleaners and I. Available at: https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1Qr4y1M7iT/?spm_id_from=333.337.search-card.all.click&vd_source=d3403bd0cb5133726f4942c0f87eb348 (Accessed: 29 September 2023).