CURATED BY NICHOLAS XAVIER

It is with great pleasure that I’ve curated this issue of M.O.D.A. magazine. I would like to start off by thanking our team at M.O.D.A. for giving me full autonomy to design and choose the elements to present in the coming pages!

Then there’s you! Yes you! I have crafted this issue especially for you readers! Issue V is divided into two distinct sections, the first takes you on a journey up to Mt. Olympia, through the heavens with a lighthearted approach on the subject of spirit-uality while the second half takes on a much darker twist.

As you find yourself immersed in a different realm, do not miss our interview with two young talented illustrators, Priscilla and Kaitlin and funerary artist, Chiau Ling!

So now it’s time to drop the meat diet, take out your crosses and holy books and put on your battle armor as we get ready to brave through the crossfire between good and evil in this issue!

CURATOR’S

NOTE

N I C HX A V

Let’s go!

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editorialtheogony

editorialthe rule

iNterVieWpriscilla lam

kaitlin tai

iNterVieWwendy tan

iNterVieWchiau ling

- editor-in-Chief -Cornelyus Tan

- editor -Yeo Li Juan

- Curator-Nicholas Xavier

- deputy editor / Fashion Stylist -Gabriel Tan

- Marketing director -Dennison Phua

- Chief Photographer -Leslie Wong

- Contributors -

Kames Narayanan Priscilla Lam Kaitlin TaiLim Hongling Mayela Sepúlveda Leah

Theodore Woon

- Special thanks -

BASIC MODELSwww.basicmodels.com.sg

ISO STUDIOwww.isostudio.com.sg

PhotographyLeslie L Wong

StylingGabby & Kames

ShoesDepression

ofGlory

Edge

Theogonyphotography & art direction /

executive producer /lighting /

stylist /styling assistant /

makeup /hair /

illustratiors /

models /

nicholas x. low cornelyus tanleslie l. wong gabby g kames mayela sepúlveda leah priscilla lam kaitlin kai josie gardin (basic models) alexandro (upfront)

dress by lee ru exi

dress by Cindy Soh Yun Hui

Feather dress by Nithya Nanayakkara andaccessories, stylist’s own

Hand beaded vest byParidhi Jaipuria,

and accessories, stylist’s own

Coat and gloves byHu lin

Jumpsuit byHu lin

dress by Mei Junand braceket, stylist;s own

3d applique shift dress by leong Yao Wen

and Joselle Quek

Full look by Min tzu

Full look by Min tzu

Shirt gown by allegra lee Zhi Yan, ring and earings, stylist’s own

Black feather dress by Shi Wen,velvet wide rim hat by

allegra lee Zhi Yan and necklace, stylist’s own

This issue saw M.O.D.A. team up with budding artists to cu-rate another spectacular read. We introduce Kaitlin Tai & Pris-cilla Lam - two passionate individuals with a calling to the arts. Possessing a ravenous appetite for adventure, these fresh-faced nymphs are recent graduates from NAFA, ready to turn their dreams into reality. In this interview, we delve deeper into their young lives and give you their story. More on these lasses, right now.

FOR STARTERS, LET’S TAKE IT EASY. WHY PURSUE ART?

I have trouble expressing myself properly with words. Art helped me express myself in a way I wouldn’t otherwise be able to. I think I am extremely privileged to be able to pursue something I love and also, make a living out of it. That’s the dream. . . right? It might also have something to do with the fact that I had a major crush on the guy from Art Attack, back in the day.

I LIKE THAT JUICY BIT ABOUT YOUR CRUSH. WHAT SORT OF EMOTIONSDO YOUR WORKS CONVEY? IS THERE A PRE-DOMINANT ‘FEEL’?

Overall, my work is whimsical; they possess a storybook-esque feel.Once in awhile, however, I like crossing over to the dark side. (laughs)

THE DARK SIDE. ARE YOUR WORKS A MIRROR OF THE LANDSCAPE WITHIN?

Not all my works are a reflection of myself. But yes, they certainly reflect how I might have looked at, or interpreted something.

WHERE DO YOU THINK ART WILL TAKE YOU?

I hope it takes me to Dreamworks Studios. I would love to produceconceptual art for say, How to Train Your Dragon 4. Either that, orsomething equally exciting.

VERY NICE. WHAT PRACTICAL STEPS ARE YOU TAKING TO GET YOURSELF THERE?

I will commence classes at the 3Dsense Media School in July, where I’ll be learning from the best in the field. (Eg. Artgerm, Derrick Lim etc.) Although concepts are important, my time will be spent honing the technical skillsrequired, in order to fufil my dreams.

APART FROM ANIMATION, IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE YOU ARE DYING TO CREATE?

I would love to publish a book with my illustrations one day.

Priscilla -Text by: Yeo Lijuan

FOR A YOUNG LASS, YOU SOUND ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT. BRAVO. BUT, YOU KNOW, LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE. HOW OPEN ARE YOU TO CHANGE?

Very open! The only constant in life is change. What I want is simply to be happy with whatever I do. It doesn’t matter what I end up doing, as long as I enjoy doing it.

That is a win, in my opinion.

LIFE ISN’T ALWAYS A BED OF ROSES. NOT ALWAYS. YOU SPEAK OF HAPPINESS. WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOUR PURSUIT OF ART BRINGS YOU SORROW?

It is something to be expected. I have experienced my share of it and have survived. Nothing worth having comes easy.

ONE TOUGH COOKIE. WHAT’S THE SECRET BEHIND THE CERTAINTY AND STRONG WILL?

It’s not really a secret. For me, the most important thing is to have faith in yourself and your abilities. Once you have that, people can see it. When people start believing in you, it too, will serve as a form of motivation. I wouldn’t want to let the people who have placed their hopes on me, down.

WISHES DO COME TRUE AND WE CERTAINLY HOPE YOURS DOES TOO. WE’RE GONNA BE SICK, BUT AS A BOW OUT, HOW ABOUT A GOOD WORD FOR M.O.D.A.?

M.O.D.A is awesome because it gives local, budding designers the opportunity to curate and contribute. We could certainly do with more magazines that allow young artists, talent anddesigners, to be heard in the local scene.

(How’s that for a plug in?)

Kaitlin TaiDESCRIBE YOURSELF IN THREE WORDS.

Adaptable. Stress-free. Easy-going.

STRESS FREE IS NOT A COMMON ADJECTIVE USED TO DESCRIBE ONESELF.TELL US, HOW CHILL ARE YOU?

I am able to work under pressure pretty well. As compared to my classmates,I am, usually, able to remain calm in the face of tight deadlines.

YOUR CLASSMATES MUST BE ENVIOUS.HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR HEAD LEVEL IN PRESSING SITUATIONS?

Well, in order to get things done, I believe one must remain calm to make good decisions. Over the years, I guess I’ve learnt to handle stress better, such that it will not affect my performance when it matters the most.

SO, HOW DID YOUR AFFINITY WITH ART BEGIN?

My mother inspired me when I was a child. She would draw my favorite cartoon characters often, for me. It was these moments that made me want to be like her.

MOMS ARE AWESOME, AREN’T THEY? MY MOM IS AN AVIDARTIST HERSELF. APART FROM MOM, WHERE ELSE DO YOUDRAW INSPIRATION FROM.

Apart from browsing online art sites, I enjoy playing computer games very, very much. Hence, it is inevitable I receive inspiration there too.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ART YOU PRODUCE?

Currently, the art I do are mostly manga drawings and cartoons. However, I feel it is important for an artist to be fluent not just in one, but many styles. (This is a personal opinion.) I do believe as I mature, my inclinations will change in the years to come.

I SEE YOU MUCH PREFER TO BE DIVERSE THAN STICK TO A NICHE.WHY DO YOU THINK IT IS IMPORTANT?

I believe being flexible and diverse is extremely helpful. Whether it be working or gaming; in order to survive, we need to constantly evolve. We need to be flexible. Personally, I love being adaptable. Perhaps, thatexplains my preference for diversity.

COOL BEANS. BEING FLEXIBLE IS CRUCIAL IN OUR INDUSTRY.ANY OTHER PHILOSOPHIES YOU HOLD ONTO WHEN WORKING ON YOUR ART?

For me, art is about who you are. It a medium to express what is upon our hearts. A piece of work speaks a lot about the artist behind.

Text by: Yeo Lijuan

I CERTAINLY AGREE. ART IS A POWERFUL TOOL FOR SELF-EXPRESSION. WHAT IDEAS DO YOU HOPE TO COMMUNICATE THROUGH YOUR WORK? (LOVE, HATE, ANGER ETC.)

Everything positive, I guess. Love. Humor. Encouragement.I’m a rather happy person. (laughs)

STAY THAT WAY. HAPPY GIRLS ARE PRETTY GIRLS. HOW ABOUT A (PRETTY) WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR EVERY EMERGINGCREATIVE ON THIS PAGE?

Everything starts with a dream!Don’t be afraid to dream big and work hard!

7 6

THE RULE

PhotographyCornelyus Tan

art directionAashna Gilder & Gabby G

designsAashna Gilder

StylingGabby G

Makeup/HairLim Hongling

assistantNicholas Low

ModelTina (Upfront)

HUEMANITY

r

M.O.D.A. is scouring for creative individuals with a story to share.

Professional or pupil, if you are burning with passion, dripping with talent, we want to hear what you have to say.

It could be about a latest muse, a leaf from your artistic pursuits, a cantakerous client, a dream pro-ject. Anything. Get us excited.

Send a 100 word write-up about yourself, accompanied with a high resolution black and white photo, your name, your work bio to contribute@modamagsg.comby 31st July 2014 , and get yourself featured.

#ProjectHuemanity

chiau ling’s interview

The

GWhispererhost

eo Chiau Lingeo Chiau Ling

Photo creditstext

Seo Chiau LingKames Narayanan

Imagine a scene from the hit television series Ghost Whisperer - tormented spirits wan-dering around the Earth, walking the same land as us, humans. This is what ChineseTaoists believe to be reality on the 7th Lunar month of every year.

On this particular month, Chinese Taoists celebrate the Hungry Ghost Festival. The “Gates of Hell” are said to open, granting tortured spirits from Hell the freedom to roam the earth. In the heartlands, worshippers will gather for outdoor concerts and fanfare, believing the festivities will appease our spirit friends. All over Singapore, it is not uncom-mon to witness the performance of traditional rites. Families burn stacks of hell notes - currency of the underworld - as offerings to the deceased; their loved ones.

Many believe that the burning of paper replicas simulating the world of the living, will in turn, give the deceased a comfortable life in the underworld. Elaborate paper offerings are also burnt at funerals to “help” them get by. Despite the lack of evidence to prove that these religious rituals benefit the dead, the tradition continues fastidiously, year after year.

Beyond FUNeral

Beyond Hell MailWhile skeptics and non-believers may question the reality of an afterlife, much less the rituals themselves, few have expressed their doubts openly. Artist Seo Chiau Ling is one of the those who does not shy away from the hard questions concerning life and death. With a Diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, Seo, is an artiste on a mission to get people thinking about thevalidity of these rituals, passed from onegeneration to another.

The idea of exploring the touchy realm of reli-gion- Taoism in particular – stems from her per-sonal run ins with the religion. Born into a family of Taoists, Seo grew up participating in the very rituals she has come to question later in life. “The more you understand, the more you question,” said Seo. Now a free thinker, she questions the reality of an afterlife, and would continue to do so until she experiences a phenomenon that proves otherwise.

rites of Passage-Hearse

Cross-country travel agency

Beyond FUNeral

As Seo studied the uncanny similarities about the common folk’s perception of after life and reality, she concludes that the idea of an afterlife is fashioned after the now. Believers burn paper replicas of material possessions they have on earth - cars, mobile phones, houses - under the assumption that the afterlife is but a duplicate of life on earth.

Comprising of 3-Dimensional models that were constructed with a variety of materials, her art installations play on people’s perceptions of the underworld. Models of banks, casinos, hospitals and even a travel agency - all with a “hellish” twist grab your attention. Seo is careful to tread lightly, understanding that her musings on religion could be offensive. She injects a sense of humor into her work by adopting word play – “Fun-Fair” to “FUNeral”, “Healthcare” to “Hell care”. By doing so, she lends a

touch of playfuness to a potentially con-troversial piece. Taking it a step further, she includes herself in her work. How, you ask. As with Taoist rituals, it is tradi-tion for a picture of the deceased to be placed at the front of the hearse, during a funeral. For laughs, Seo dismantled a remote control car to create a hearse for herself, and her photo sits at the front of it. While this is considered a no-no by the superstitious, Seo insists that her piece is to be taken with a good spirit, and it didn’t matter.

Seo is lucky. Her work has garnered little, or no criticism, because her witty potrayal of the afterlife was, more or less, well received by the public. Her toughest critiques, she says, have been her Taoist parents.

Seo recounted her mother’s initial refusal to store the mobile hearse at their residence, when she brought it home. For protection, her parents went so far as to give her a red packet to ward away the bad luck, that could come as a result of her project. Though her parents may not be avid fans of her work, over time, they have become more accepting of her creative expression.

The artist is excited to create another similar series – an exploration of ideas and beliefs and values. In the future, she hopes to move out from her roots in Taoism and embrace other religions. Having dabbled in Christian-ity for a short period of time, Seo hopes it is a religion she can adopt as inspiration for future works.

Currently, Seo is in the process of creat-ing 2-Dimensional mixed medium pieces. Receive the latest news about her at the following address : http://seochiauling.wix.com Be intrigued by the journey she takes in art and life, as she continues to create pieces for thought.

Hell Care Centre

v a n i t y

v a n i t i e s

photography / nicholas x. low lighting assistant / ng shimin

logistic assistants / jo c., sam l., ng shimintext / theodore woon

Special thanks to The Heritage Shop

of

In Retrospect

This one’s for the sentimental.

The Heritage Shop is a small, nondescript shop that sits along Jalan Sultan, but has of-ferings are far from trifling. Armed with a collection of various trinkets and antiques that speak volumes of their own, the shop is arranged in organized clutter, withholding memories of a time long gone. To the trained eye, this shop is a treasure trove, stocked with pots and pans, key chains and coasters and a variety of knick knacks lying around. Pick one up and allow the memorabilia to unload its’ story.

Open daily from 1.30 p.m. to 8 p.m., this hid-den gem is a stand out in an age of fast-mov-ing and uniformed wares, making it a definite stop for anyone looking to take a glimpse into Singapore’s rich history.

THE HERITAGE SHOP93 Jalan Sultan #01-01Singapore1989976223 7982

t

Tattoo - A word laced with negative under-tones; a word synonymous with the dark, the mysterious. Yet, it is the very obsession with the unknown that makes the subculture more intriguing, charming.

In Asia, perhaps, the stigma lingers. A tattoo, still, reprises itself, in the eyes of many, as a symbol of rebellion and fear. “Don’t stare”, some mothers would say, yanking a suppos-edly endangered child, away from an inked uncle, to safety. How petty. Not every tattooed individual is a crook. That school of thought, in my opinion, is dated and unappreciated.

In recent years, the pre-eminence of street culture in urban jungles, fuels a steady growth of devotees, in pursuit of the monomania. There are, of course, folks who made the call motivated by love; a cause. No matter, ram-pant sightings of these markings are undenia-ble.

From top act Rihanna to the unassuming passerby on the street, the lure of ink art is evident. Conservatives keep them hidden from the prying eye. The flamboyant, howev-er, display them in full array. Nothing proves more satisfying, I reckon – than to receive a stare of incredulity or hear a gasp of astonish-ment from a complete stranger. Oh, the thrill that comes with living life on the edge.

endy TanWText : Yeo Lijuan

I speak to Wendy Tan, a professional tattoo artist - about her life, art and inspiration. The loud, bubbly lass count good books and good coffee a comfort. She enjoys swimming and lately, brisk walking. An art student in secondary school, she claims art gave her “a sense of peace and quiet.”

This issue, M.O.D.A. takes you into the world of a subculture proprietor; an intimate peek that will leave you wondering, if tattoo enthusiasts are any different from you and I.

I’LL CUT TO THE CHASE. WHEN DID YOUDECIDE ON TATTOO AS A CAREER?

I always say stepping into the tattoo in-dustry was the best thing that has ever happened to me, even if it happened by chance. I’ve worked in the F&B indus-try, did sales, fronted customer service, landed myself clerical jobs, but nothing stuck. Somehow, I felt there was some-thing more (to life) than that. I was always job-hopping and that wasn’t very impressive. I’ve thought about being a zoo-keeper to get away from all the ‘noise’ in this world. The world that wants you, the way it wants you. Then, a friend of a friend, who had a tattoo parlour in Johor Bahru, offered me an apprenticeship. I took it. That was 7 years ago. And I’ve never looked back since.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I take reference from Facebook, Insta-gram, magazines, books. Basically, what-ever I can get my hands on. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ART YOU PRODUCE?

I would say contemporary, individualis-tic. More feminine. Colorful. 

WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO WORK?

I hold fast to the fact, that, whatever I tat-too will tell the story of an individual for the rest of his, or her, life. I am honored that I am able to be a part of the journey. Also, trust is very important. I am fortu-nate that my clients allow me to ink them, as their tattoos will remain for the rest of their lives.

WHAT TATTOOS DO YOU INK?IS THERE A DOMINANT TYPE?

All sorts, actually. I have tattooed the names of newborns, firstborns and par-ents who have passed on. I have tattooed religious symbols as a reflection of faith and love. I have helped to cover up old tattoos, because it reminded some of the hurt and despair they experienced. Symbols, logos, phrases, you name it – I tattoo a variety of designs, for a variety of reasons. Some clients want a tattoo to remember the fight against cancer they won. Some want a tattoo for the pain, just to feel alive.

HOW DO YOU VIEW YOUR ROLE AS A TAT-TOO ARTIST? I would say my works are a mirror of my clients’ inner world. It translates what is within to the outside, for others to see. I am simply a messenger.

IF YOU HAD A CHOICE, WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE TO CONVEY THROUGH THE TAT-TOOS YOU CREATE?

I want to convey love and harmony, peace and understanding. Tattoos are expres-sive and permanent. Understand, not judge. Live in harmony, not ostracize. Love, as we are the same. And there will be peace. 

IT IS A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY. NOT TO MEN-TION, A VERY NICHE MARKET. WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER TATTOO ARTISTS?

I do not know how other artists engage their clients, but for me, I ask many ques-tions in order to know what they want and how they want it done. Also, it is impor-tant that I make my clients feel comforta-ble, not intimidated.

FEMALE TATTOO ARTISTS ARE A RARE BREED IN A MALE DOMINANT INDUSTRY. DO YOU HAVE A MENTOR(S) YOU ADMIRE?

A person I have worked closely with and hold dearly, is Su. She began her foray when she was a student, and worked hard to be where she is today. Tattooing is a never-ending learning journey for me. She gave me valuable pointers and did not withhold information, that will help me excel and be better at my craft. That is one thing I respect the most about her.

SEVEN YEARS. I AM SURE YOU HAVE STO-RIES IN YOUR BAG. WHAT WAS THE MOST INTERESTING REqUEST FOR A TATTOO, YOU’VE RECEIVED TO DATE?

I’ve quite a few. There was a client who wanted a red line tattooed across his palm and another, a small Chinese tea-pot on the hand, both at the bidding of a Feng Shui master.

There was a client who requested that I tattoo milk over an existing tattoo be-cause he had heard, that doing so would remove the tattoo.

Recently, I had a female client who wanted a tattoo on her privates.

HOW ABOUT THE MOST MEMORABLE TATTOO YOU’VE WORKED ON?

Most tattoos are memorable. Not long ago, I worked on a goldfish and an anchor tat-too, giving them a “watercolor effect”. I’ve done a few of such tattoos and I enjoy do-ing that. I believe this industry has evolved into something less rigid and more fun.

WAY COOL. LET’S PLAY PRETEND. IF YOU ARE NOT A TATTOO ARTIST, WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING?

I will love to be a zoo keeper. :D 

LAST qUESTION. ANY HOPES AS YOU REMAIN IN THIS INDUSTRY?

I hope my love for tattoos will take me around the world, to different cultures and people, that I may know their stories.

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CURATED BY NICHOLAS XAVIER