Night WindowsJan 2023 to May 2023 Night Windows is the Capstone Project for my Graduate Diploma program in 2023. It is a self-initiated project, inspired by the spirit of the “flaneur”, a solitary urban wanderer observing the rhythms of city life, I delve into the essence of human existence as illuminated by the nocturnal glow of windows. Drawing from Franz Kafka's writings, I explore themes of isolation, alienation, and the quest for belonging. Through the imagery of dimly lit windows, I invite viewers to peer into the souls of solitary figures, each encapsulated within their own private realms yet yearning for connection. The play of light and shadow evokes a sense of mystery and reflection. Night Windows serves as a reminder of the universal longing for a place to call home—a shelter amidst the chaos of urban existence. It is a meditation on the fragility of human connection, the transient nature of time, and the enduring search for solace in the darkness.
In this project, I made a series of drawings and a special concertina book as a collection. I also keep on making soft ground etching prints based on the images. The Window on the Street
"Whoever leads a solitary life and yet now and then feels the
need for some kind of contact, whoever wishes, in view of the
never-ending changes in the hour of day, in the weather, in
business affairs and so forth, just to have some arm or other
that he might cling to within sight, such a man will not get by for long without a window on the street. And even if his
state is such that he is not seeking anything at all and merely
steps to the window-ledge as a weary man, letting his eyes
wander up and down between the public and the sky, and he
is reluctant to look and has his head tilted back a little, yet for
all that the horses down below will drag him into the train of
their waggons and their tumult and so in the end towards the
harmony of man."
from The Transformation and Other Stories
Franz Kafka
Night Window Charcoal, compressed charcoal, conte crayon on newsprint paper, 2023
Pony Charcoal, compressed charcoal, conte crayon on newsprint paper, 2023