Lateral Thinking:

In Week 7, we were thought the skills of using Lateral Thinking. It is a method whereby we look at the problem in different directions as compared to the boring "straight" way that we usually do. In a way, we think out of the box to get to a solution. 

We were given different questions in class and were expected to solve them as quickly as possible with the use of Lateral Thinking. 

This was one of the problems given that we were expected to solve. Given 10 dots, with 3 moves, you have to turn the entire diagram downwards. I wrecked my brains but wasn't able to come up with the solution. It made me really frustrated, and when my friend showed me how, it was so simple I felt embarrassed I couldn't solve it.

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We were given other problems to solve as well, such as the one shown below. To complete the drawing within a definite number of steps. It took me many tries for this as well just to get the answer.

   
Photos by Author

Some questions circling Lateral Thinking: 

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ustk2s4Y5No/maxresdefault.jpg

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/e2Uc8JjMYRk/maxresdefault.jpg

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n7-3aD728og/hqdefault.jpg

http://image.slidesharecdn.com/lateralthinkingpuzzles-120924080245-phpapp01/95/lateral-thinking-puzzles-45-728.jpg?cb=1348474027

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Another question given was that, there is a painting of a rose, a window and a vase containing a fresh rose. A bee flew in, but went straight for the painting of the flower instead of the fresh flower. We were tasked to come up with 10 logical and 10 illogical possibilities as to why this has happened. 


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It took me quite a while before I started writing down possible reasons to this particular question. As everybody was, I was stunned when I read the slide, why would the been fly towards the painting instead of the fresh flower? Below are the reasons I came up with, logical and illogical. 

 
                Photos by Author 

At the end of the day, I feel that Lateral Thinking pushes us to think out of the common areas and of our comfort zones. Our brain is pushed to the limit to come up with the most creative of ways to solve the problem. Although it may be tough, it is fun in a way to see what kind of solutions our minds are capable of producing. 

Mindmapping:

In Week 6, our class focused around the concept of the creation of a mind map. Working as a Group we were to come up with a mind map together that revolves around the topic given. 

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A mindmap is a technique that has been around for centuries. It is used by anyone and everyone. Different people take different approaches towards the term “mind map”. Some choose a more random way and start throwing in ideas the moment they pop up in their heads while others like to pen down ideas in a more systematic format. 

But no matter what approach you take, there is no right or wrong way to use a mindmap. The purpose is to help you come up with a list of ideas and to further branch out to many others

      

                                                                       Photos by Author

During Class, we were tasked to come up with a mind map circulating around the topic of “Happy Life/ Education”. Together as a group we started writing down anything and everything we thought that meant “Education” and “Happy Life” to each one of us.

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As each of us were an individual on our own, we came up with many different points. A “Happy Life” and “ Education” comprises of different things to each one of us. We started out by writing out what the main points were to us, things like social, family, mindset, etc. From those headers we started to reach into the many different areas of each aspect. 

For example, under mindset in my opinion. It is very important to keep a positive mind in this fast paced society and to learn acceptance not only for others but for yourself, if you can’t accept and learn to love your imperfections, who will?

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We also added a small portion for Education, as we felt that it was a cycle. Without Education, you wouldn’t have a stable income afterwards and that would mean that you don’t have a stable life. It is a cycle so to speak.

The following are some good examples of mind maps:

https://mamatucci.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/mind_map_-_art_design.jpg

http://upic.me/i/jj/mindmap.jpg

http://digitalmofo.com/wp-content/plugins/rss-poster/cache/2e8f2_Who-Moved-My-Cheese.jpg

http://www.promotingtips.com/MattsMindMap.jpg

http://digitalmofo.com/wp-content/plugins/rss-poster/cache/1dd97_Seven-Da-Vincian-Principles.jpg

Finally I just want to add that a happy life isn’t only about yourself and what you want. I feel that it is more than just that, your family and friends are one of the most important components that makes a happy life providing you with emotional support etc. Their happiness matters too , to me seeing my family members and friends happy I get a feeling of joy and bliss as well. The time spent with them is priceless.

Trip to SAM:

In Week 5, we had a class visit to the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). It was a real eye opener for me as the previous time I was there was over 5 Years ago. There was an array of exhibits put up, some I found really interesting while others seemed a little peculiar to me. Either way I feel that the trip was a very fruitful one as it really allowed me to understand the many "different" forms of Art existing in our present society. 

There was more than just one exhibit put up, one of which is called "After Utopia: Revisiting the Ideal, in contemporary Asian Art". I found it really astounding walking through the different parts of the exhibits, each Art piece was very individual and captivating in it's own way. 

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There were many different pieces in each exhibit, I have taken some of the most interesting ones to me to be posted here. Along with each Art Piece comes a description that explains what the Art Pieces are portraying and the messages the Artists are trying to pass on through their work.

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This exhibition shows the attempts of the Artist trying to show people the Great Leaders of China at the summit yielding power. But there is a great amount of irony present, as every model of the Leaders are in a resting position, laid down as if sleeping. From what I see, it was as if the Artist was "against" these Leaders and portrayed them to be dead. 

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This Artwork depicts a wedding altar of Hindu culture, it shows the many characteristics of their diverse culture. All the designs and colours used for the altar are really captivating, it truly shows you what is present and used for in their Wedding Ceremonies. It also shows the many social requirements, customs and religious practices. 

I found this exhibit really amazing in terms of how the Artwork was presented and how many miniatures there were to make up one complete piece. It's the installation of 366 carved, wooden sculptures. I feel that this portrayed the definition of patience, motivation and strength to pursue the competition of something.  

 One must be really focused to one able to apprehend the competition of an Art Piece as large as this one. I really respect the Artist's patience and perseverance.  

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I felt the presence of irony and sarcasm in this Piece. When I walked into the room, I was in awe as I saw these large displays of reflective pieces of artworks hung from the ceiling.

Little did I know that they were actually the representation of missiles/bombs in the war. One thought just came into my mind, how could something so beautiful be something so harmful? What was the message and idea of this Artist? 



Photo by Author                                                                                                       
     



Some other pieces throughout the whole exhibition: 

Photo by Author 

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* All credits of Artworks to their respective Artists 

I've learnt much from the visit, I used to think that Art was just about what you put on paper. I never gave much thought to how diverse the three letter word "Art" can be until this visit.