17/2/2020, An Act of Deconstruction Session 7

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Martin, who is highly interested in documentation and is currently working with NLB to give some sneak peeks into the process for each artist. Initially, he sent some questions my way in order to help guide the narrative, but we decided to go in another direction instead. For this particular entry, I thought I would actually answer some of Martin's initial questions as I believe it really does give more insight and additionally, seems more personable and sincere too. Some of them are increasingly personal, but I have no qualms about answering them because these are the experiences that has moulded and led me to where I am today.

1. What interests you about movement? Why do you engage in it and what does it allow you to experience/express?

Movement has the ability to allow people to feel something from within. It is a very primal and necessary element that has weaved into our everyday lives that it allows human beings to express themselves. I engage in it because it allows me to feel something from within, and it is my version of story-telling. Using my own body and experiences as a vehicle to transmit ideas/share is highly nourishing and fulfilling for me. Additionally, it gives me great pleasure to know that I am able to empower and inspire the people around me simply through my movements.

2. How did you get started on this journey? What was your background like as a movement practitioner/dancer?

I like to say that I got into dance by a stroke of luck, as I actually began to pursue dance seriously when I had the opportunity to study abroad in London. In hindsight, I think dance chose me. Till this day, I don't know why it chose me, but it does give me a sense of purpose and drive. I began through the traditional, technical route of Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance. This enabled me to have a strong foundation in any other genres of dance I do. Additionally, having the pleasure to have great teachers around me enabled me to soak up the knowledge and learn from such amazing individuals that still inspires the community today.

3. How would you describe your style? What defines you?

My style is Me. This is the best description that I am able to think of, because I cannot adopt anyone else or be anyone else. The only person I am able to be truly, is myself. I'm still figuring out what defines me, but I guess this sense of curiosity and never-stop-learning attitude defines the core of my being. I enjoy being inspired, and dance inspires me.

4. What is your goal with this project?

Through 'An Act of Deconstruction', my goal is to highlight the complex multitude that comes with the act of translation. Translation, much like dance and movement, is a highly subjective methodology although we have a template on "How to 101'. However, the way each translator/artist approaches their work is individual to their experiences, knowledge and perspectives that even a simple choice of word can reflect a little bit about them. I enjoy uncovering hidden meanings, and body language. I guess if I wasn't a dancer, I would be highly interested in psychology!

5. In what area have you experienced the biggest growth since embarking on Mekar?

I guess the biggest growth I have experienced is allowing myself to have a shift in direction in terms of where I initially wanted to go with this project. From the beginning, I did not want to have an end product as I believe that the process is highly fulfilling and can be better fulfilled if there wasn't a deadline. Additionally, I didn't want the pretense of having an 'end product' to show for, it's meaningless to me. Allowing myself to make mistakes, and have a slight shift of direction along the way has enabled me to pursue this project with a better clarity on where I foresee this project headed towards.

6. What are some hopes you have for yourself? With regards to your art or the project?

My goal, through my artistic practice, is to inspire and empower the 'self'. Self doesn't always mean my-self, but self as in an individual within a community. Like your-self, for instance. Additionally, I want to be able to showcase how movement can be interwaved into various disciplines and spaces, such as a library where there is a vast space of information that is right at our fingertips. To put the phone down, be present with your mind, body and heart.

7. Outside of the arts, who are you? What is something people would never expect about you?

Outside of the arts, I guess I would like to say that I am a foodie that needs her coffee. I can be easily excited and become a nerd. I dabble in photography, music, teaching and more importantly, I am always looking to constantly grow and improve myself.

8. What would you say to your 10 year old self?

Don't be afraid to make mistakes. That is how you will grow and learn, and you will thank yourself for it.