IN PURSUIT OF TEMPLES IN THE SKY

2021

Using both script and visual treatment through the medium of print, In Pursuit of Temples in the Sky is a visual guide for the merging of excerpts from two poets, Richard Siken and Avtaar Singh Paash. These writings, dismantled and then assembled through the seven sins of memory introduce a fictional setting that challenges the socially constructed beliefs surrounding the acceptance of homosexuality in Sikhism.

This project seekS to examine and merge the themes of Sikhism and Homosexuality. Through a multi-disciplinary approach that uses literature, set design, fashion, art and digital manipulation as a form of storytelling, it seeks to present a fictional world in which these two themes collide. By doing so, it hopes to re-introduce the accurate teachings of Sikhism that have been diluted by its society at large.

To illustrate a focus on the original written teachings of Sikhism and its beliefs, and in response to imagining a reality in which these concepts co-exist, In Pursuit of Temples in the Sky uses the writings of poets as a guide in forming visual narrative(s). Sikh poet Avtaar Singh Paash and American poet, Richard Siken have specifically been chosen for their body of work. The poetry of Paash surrounds themes of struggle, war and loss; ultimately the longing for peace in a broken environment while those of Siken describe first-hand the point-of-view of a man loving and losing another man. The tension within the writings of these two men allow for a deeper exploration in forming a fictional narrative that would allow the distinct themes of Sikhism and homosexuality to co-exist.

PRESS: SHOWSTUDIO

In Pursuit of Temples in the Sky, sectioned into 7 chapters, is presented as a one-off volume of visual print work.

SERIES Credits

Creative and Art Director, Stylist and Layout Design: AKASHDEEP BAL, GAGANDEEP SINGH

Director, Set and Lighting Design, Colouring: ELSA WONG. AKASHDEEP BAL, GAGANDEEP SINGH
Second Cam Op and Lighting Assistants: DIONNE LEOW, AKASHDEEP BAL, JIA HONG, BRYAN QUEK

PHOTOGRAPHER & Videographer: ELSA WONG
Additional Editing and Retouching: AKASHDEEP BAL

VIDEO Editing: AKASHDEEP BAL, GAGANDEEP SINGH
Sound DESIGN: AKASHDEEP BAL

Hair and Make Up Artists: TIRA LEE, SARISHNA NAIR, LUCAS
Set Team: ELSA WONG, AKASHDEEP BAL, NIDHI BALGAR, TIRA LEE, DIONNE LEOW, SABRINA ELMAN, LUCAS, SARISHNA NAIR, GAGANDEEP SINGH
Models featured: ATIN, MENDEL, ADAM, SANNY, LUCAS JONG, LAMEER, ELDEN ZACHERY, ERWINSHAH HASSAN, TRUMAN HITAM, ALIF SIANIPAR, MAZRI, DYLAN CHANG

special thanks to MISC MANAGEMENT, FURQAN SAINI and Moses of STARCH