Collaborative

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global society, and Malaysia was no exception to this deadly outbreak. The pandemic affected individuals in different ways, shaping unique perspectives and experiences. In response, the Malaysian authorities implemented a series of Movement Control Orders (MCOs) beginning on:

• MCO – 18/3/2020 to 3/5/2020 (47 days)
  
  

• CMCO – 4/5/2020 to 9/6/2020 (37 days)
  
  

• RMCO – 10/6/2020 to 13/10/2020 (126 days)
  
  

• CMCO – 14/10/2020 to 12/1/2021 (91 days)
  
  

• MCO 2.0 – 13/1/2021 to 4/3/2021 (51 days)
  
  

• CMCO 2.0 – 5/3/2021 to 6/5/2021 (63 days)
  
  

• MCO 3.0 – 7/5/2021 to 31/5/2021 (25 days)
  
  

• FMCO – 1/6/2021 to 28/6/2021 (28 days)
  
  

The enforcement of these MCO phases greatly impacted all sectors. The arts industry — encompassing performance, visual, and literary arts — was among the hardest-hit sectors. Visual artists, in particular, suffered significant losses as physical exhibitions were unable to be held. Many national and international art exhibitions and expos were cancelled, deeply affecting visual practitioners.

The purpose of this study is to produce a collaborative artwork involving multiple artists. The creation of this work is based on differing interpretations, which are then unified into a single artwork through the Exquisite Corpse approach. Additionally, the project aims to create a distinctive visual composition synthesized into a cohesive visual art piece. 

1. Each participant/artist/informant will take part in a collaborative artwork involving three (3) individuals working on one (1) piece, guided by specific issues, subjects, and framework provided. 

2. Each informant is asked to draw based on their own interpretation of the situation at that time, within the space assigned to them. 

3. Each informant will receive a different section of the composition. They may use:

• digital methods (Photoshop, Illustrator) saved in JPEG or PDF format, or

• manual methods (drawing on paper, mixed media) documented via photo or scan.

Based on the given framework:
 

Using a ‘head’ visual divided into three segments:

1. Eye section (sight)

2. Nose section (smell)

3. Mouth section (taste)

The Exquisite Corpse framework employs the basic image of a human head divided into three main sections: eyes (sight), nose (smell), and mouth (taste). Each section is assigned to a different participant, who freely interprets it based on their own experiences and perspectives on current issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This method enables participants to express individual emotions and creative perspectives. When combined, the three sections form a new visual identity that represents the collective emotion and social response of the community in facing the transformations brought by the pandemic.

This approach not only emphasises collaboration in art-making but also highlights the value of cumulative interpretation, where each participant’s layer of understanding contributes to the overall narrative of the artwork

Figure 1

Instructions and Situation

Based on Figure 1, participants/informants are required to create a visual artwork through their own interpretation of the given situation. The drawing must be made within the thick-bordered space provided. Each informant/participant will receive a different section to complete.

Situation:
The world is facing the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had a profound impact globally and personally. What visual image can you interpret or represent based on your own experience during the period of the Movement Control Order (MCO)?
Please draw within the space provided according to your interpretation.

Additional instructions:

• You are required to include a brief written description of your artwork.

• Completed artworks may be submitted via email to: aizat.amirr@gmail.com