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Joan Cornella: How Dickheads Really Look Like

  • Neon Drew
  • Jul 20, 2016
  • 2 min read

In the most social media generation way possible, I came across Joan Cornella's dark humoured collection of work on Twitter. Ever since, I was intrigued by the creativity this man has - fusing mundane first world problems and modern buzzwords with his touch of dark humour and cynicism. And in case you thought I made a typo, Joan's a he.

And in the most social media generation way possible, I got note that he was having an exhibition right here in our sunny shores. That Sunday I was still on the fence if I could actually go, having just recovered from a five-day near-death sore throat fever. But let's be real, missing it in the name of sickness was not my business. But of course, when you have a sick card to play, why slog through public transport when you could get mum and dad to drive you.

Somewhere in the stretch of shophouse-y area along Tanjong Katong was Art Out, the selected gallery for the exhibition. From the outset you'll get a taster of the contemporary vibes, with a pay-as-you-wish system before you move on into the gallery space. But in Singaporean terms, that basically meant free. #ChillThrillsftw[?]

By artistic means, the gallery was contemporary, citing a minimalistic style with the heart of it Cornella's works in motion graphics on a secondary-school-styled projector and screen. In layman terms, the space was rather small and the four walls you see, are the four walls you get.

Maybe it was the lack of publicity, or those genuinely interested came and went, but I particularly enjoyed how little people there were, and the laidback back the energy was in totality.

Or maybe, just simply, there weren't that much to see to stick around.

I always have and will continue laughing at the ironies and dark humour Cornella pushes, and liberating an experience it was to see a concentration of some of his best all at one place. Sure, Cornella or whoever was managing the exhibition could've displayed more of his works out, but being able to see digital graphics in real life is always something stimulating. What's more, I never thought I would see the graphics in motion.

The bus ride to dinner at Craftsmen Speciality was eye opening - I never knew the bucolic charm the East had - shophouses with cafes sandwiched in between old pastry shops or scissors cut something something.

The randomness of the cafe added to its quaint vibes and the casual wear many of the patrons donned gave me a feeling it's truly a neighbourhood's cafe - for some reason I found incredibly comforting. The food was ok.

That Sunday evening was ok.

 
 
 

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