Existential Crisis...
'This cancer of the mind which consists of thinking all too sadly that certain things "are", while others, which well might be, "are not".' ― André Breton, Manifestoes of Surrealism
'Everywhere I look, it's pitch black. I can't see any path, it's so foggy that I can barely see my feet.'
PROCESS & IDEAS
I wanted to create my interpretation of my very own existential crisis. I wanted to portray what I am constantly feeling, something showing simplicity yet complexity, being extremely quiet yet deafening. Surrealism greatly inspired me to go for this colour scheme and art style.
First, I gathered keywords that depict/describe what is going through my head. Next, I branched them out with more words, meanings, and visual ideas associated with the keywords. Once ideas start to flow in I quickly sketched them out, one frame per idea, and tried to piece them together like a jigsaw puzzle.
Once I decided on the frames and the sequence, I sketched out my final storyboard draft with descriptions and arrows to further articulate my ideas on paper. Finally, this is where I begin to start illustrating
and animating.
SCENE BREAKDOWN
01-Wandering Eye
The Wandering Eye depicts being lost and disorientated. The eye constantly looking around for approval, validation, and an aim in life. The random and subtle movements of the black and white squares disorient perspectives in life and the great illusion of the self.
02-Irreversible Clock
The Irreversible Clock illustrates the impending future, with no clue of what is ahead and the inability
to escape from the enslavement of time. Reminiscing the past when the future is bleak, everything used
to be beautiful and peaceful. But one day when I finally woke up, I looked up and I didn't recognise
anyone anymore.
03-Doors Of Opportunity
The Doors Of Opportunity shows multiple doors that seem to be connected to one another and yet they are respectively individual, this represents the three main questions I constantly have. 'Freedom and Responsibility', 'Meaning and Meaninglessness', and 'Isolation and Connectedness'. What is the next 'correct' step to take? Why are some of great importance while others are insignificant? Why are isolation and connectedness seen as complete opposites when they sometimes overlap each other?
04-Room Of Emptiness
The Room of Emptiness demonstrates foundations crumbling and having wandered wearily. A foundation crumbling like it was built in a day. To walk with no purpose, to lose all sense of direction. An empty shell void of all life and emotion.
05-Tower In Space
Lastly...The Tower In Space portrays anxiety. Stress, overthinking, having an empty mind yet overflowing
with emotions. The suspense is so concentrated it's getting fuzzy and hard to breathe. Alone, afraid, and conflicted. Being in the spotlight to be judged and criticised. Ears ringing, eyes blurry, heart pumping, and world collapsing.
