Fused - Archive

The first issue of MONO, published by Rebel One, features renowned design collective :phunk Studio, and is presented as a retrospective book entitled 'A Decade of Decadence' - celebrating a decades worth of creative collaboration and experimentation.

The book charts :phunk's ascent from the fresh-graduate guerrilla designers they were back in 1994 to one of the most sought-after creative outlets in the international design arena. Projects include special commissions done for a clientele as diverse as Diesel, MTV Asia Networks, Daimler Chrysler and Nike. Reputed as Singapore's ambassadors to design, :phunk Studio's forte lies in their continual effort to push the boundaries of their own creative processes and output, denouncing limitations set by their direct environment.

Alvin Tan, Jackson Tan, Melvin Chee and William Chan established :phunk Studio in Singapore. For the past ten years they have propagated a visual signature that seamlessly blends their diverse influences into a singular creative thought, which continually revives itself in the ever-fleeting world of design. Their cross-disciplinary approach is best described as "an aesthetic collective consciousness" focused on experimenting with new approaches to visual communication and content development. Editorial contributions include IdN (Hong Kong), Mass Appeal (Tokyo), REFILL (Sydney), Tokion Magazine (NYC), WERK (Singapore) and XLR8R (San Francisco). Past exhibitions include 'WE LOVE UTOPIA' at Magma Books, London, 2002, MADE IN SINGAPORE at Art Seasons, Singapore, 2002 and 'CONTROL CHAOS' at The Reed Space, NYC, 2003.

The book features many collaborative projects done with both local and international creators, spanning lingerie to fine art. Their current position as established designers is reflected by a collective vision that never takes itself too seriously, and is visible across expansive projects such as published projects, an online magazine, art exhibitions and T-shirt design. It tells the story of four friends who pretty much do everything together, from the early bubble-wrapped experimental 'zine Transmission01 (1995) and Trigger (1998) to the more recent Transmission02: Utopia book (2002) and exhibitions held in London, New York and Singapore. Most importantly, A Decade of Decadence encapsulates the group's unique and undying creative spirit, as inspired by everything they encounter, from contemporary culture to Chinese mythology and cult Kung Fu films.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JACKSON TAN:

How did Phunk Studio come about?
It started 10 years ago, we all met in art college, spent most of our time together hanging out, playing and talking about subjects of our collectively common interests; Hong Kong Kung Fu TV serials, Japanese Manga, Chinese Mythology, Music, Star Wars, Street Culture, Girls, typography and design.
We started 'jamming' visuals at each other's house very much like a garage band but working with visuals instead of music. Like a band, it took us a long while before we started creating works that were uniquely the collective voice of the four of us.

What does each member contribute to Phunk Studio?
Their youth.

How would you describe your work?
Controlled Chaos.

Would you consider trying to create another magazine in the future?
Maybe if the time is right and if there's a need.

The Made In Singapore exhibition was your first on home turf AD do you think of it as any more significant than the rest of your work?
Not really but it was great to be the only Graphic designers selected for the show.

How big a part would you say the growth of the Internet has played in your work, aside from the obvious distribution of Guerrilla fonts?
A big part. It made the world a smaller place for a small group of people on a small island enabling us to work with like-minded creative individuals from around the world and helped us to share our works with a large appreciative audience.

What would be your dream project?
Getting paid a lot of money for dreaming.

Which of your projects stand out as personal favourites?
Stealing from Thieves - no money involved but many thieves.

You've said that Phunk Studio was never about not selling out so is it possible to sell out and still be cool? Do you think you've achieved it?
Yes. We are still trying to achieve it.

Where do you think Singapore design is heading? Why and how do you think it has got progressively more creative?
There's a new generation of creative individuals shaping Singapore's new creative landscape, they are young, independent, media savvy, well educated and well travelled. They are hungry for success and willing to take chances.

MONO is a series of books published twice a year and sold at select bookstores and boutique speciality stores worldwide.