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me trixie and theresa went to an art exhibition called the Beary Ambitious exhibition by Song Wei on the 24th of June. because me and theresa both were researching into oriental stuff for our coursework, so we decided to go together. following are some of his works.

Description

The Beary Ambitious exhibition was put up at the paragon atrium – a series of oil paintings sporting oriental designs on modern icons. The bears are of a monochromatic color scheme of blue and yellow, with occasional inklings of other colors. The bears seem to be made of porcelain and the series of oil paintings depict everyday actions carried out by the bears – such as flying a kite, riding a bike, eating a lollipop, going to the toilet, riding on a toy horse and flying a kite. the only painting with subjects initiating an action out of the ordinary is the last painting i uploaded – bears holding a red kite and gesturing with a forward motion that gives an idication of a uprise.

Coming to the macro view, each bear was painted meticulously with the oriental designs on the bears very carefully rendered. In the midst of peonies and intricate weaving of leaves and brunches, there is an occational “modern” symbol on the bear – for example, a heart symbolising “peace”, or a star. The artist has treated the “eyes” of the bear in a very different way. Instead of painting real eyes, the eyes of the bear are illustrated with crosses, scissors or dots. it effectively shows us the emotions of the bear – whether it’s happy (illustrated by a dot and a scissors – symbolising a wink), or whether it is very concentrated and using a lot of strength (illustrated by 2 crosses)

Analysis

The oil paintings are extremely well rendered. It is impressive the way the artist drew the intricate oriental designs, which requires much skill. Besides, the feeling of pottery was well brought out with the smoothness of the surface of the bears, and the shiny reflections of light on the bear. It donnes the bear with a very solid feel. however, the motions of the bear – such as riding a bicycle was well drawn out. Albeit the obvious stiffness and erectness of pottery, the bears could demonstrate joy, and frustruation (: Lastly, the forms and lines of the bears were very well rendered – the proportions of the bear was just nice – long and sleek enough to give the “porcerlain” feeling, and also not so long for the bear to remain cute and huggable! (:

Interpretation

I feel that his works carry much meaning in them. Most of his works illustrate a longing for childhood – a preservation of childhood times – the bears and the situations that they are in: playing with toys, riding horses, even just standing there, seemingly to pose for a photo gives me an extrememly warm feeling. the simple freedom that they have that we kinda lost

but there is a certain painting that i feels doesnt demonstrate too much the childlike joy.  one of the paintings was a group of bears holding a red flag in a slightly forceful manner which suggests that they are moving forward. this indicates patriotism (: one of the bears is pointing his arm in a suggestive motion.

Question 2(a) Describe the subject matter of these paintings

In “Seated Model”, the subject matter depicts a Balinese women clad in a red color pants which seems to be a traditional Balinese pants. The Balinese woman is the centre of focus as she is at the centre of the painting. She is holding onto a white flower and leaning against a chair with her eyes closed and an expression of calmness on her face. The woman’s hair is well done up with a red colored flower in the centre of her bun. The painting is divided into 3-dimensions with the woman in the foreground, the yard she is situated at and the sky in the background. The leaves of the trees that are in the yard that she is in, coupled with the wild green colors and the tertiary tones used for the wall and the plants exudes a sootihing geel.The architecture beside the woman looks traditional as it has a traditional ledge at the top of the structure. All in all, this depicts a quiet Balinese yard with a traditional Balinese woman. The subject matter is naturalistic and the colors used are naturalistic.

In Bandang as a sea of fire, the subject matter depicts a war scene. In the foreground, there are 2 people dying of the war and on the slope, there are many people running up with bagages and their children on their backs, running for their life. The people are depicted in a highly abstracted manner, showing the artist’s lack of concern for the modelling of forms. The colors used are bold hues of red and orange to depict the ferocity of the war in terms of bloodshed, and the fire, while the dull colors such as brown and black are used to depict the smoke coming from the fire and the hill on which the people are escaping. Black is also used to express perspective as the people in the “background” are colored in black, giving the picture a sense of depth. Overall, the combination of these colors gives the painting an omnious feeling.

2b)Analyse and interpret the artists’ intentions

In “Seated Model” by Liu Kang, the colors used are naturalistic and expresses a calming effect. Furthermore, the colors are applied in flat areas which shows the artist’s lack of concern for the modelling of the colors. The brushworks are of a painterly fashion. The removal of excessive details in the painting and the techniques used by LiuKang indicates his intention of portraying a natural, simple Balinese scene in everyday life. The simple calmness exuded through the painting is in direct contrast to the hasty and busy metropolitian lifestyle.

The lines used in the painting are mainly sinuous, giving a flowing feel, allowing the viewer to have a soothing feeling upon looking at it. The artist too intended to bring out the rich culture of Balinese traditions through the dressing of the Balinese woman with her hairstyle and her traditional pants. The artist too wished to express how close to nature the Balinese were by the portrayal of many plants, and and also the lack of man-made pollution with the clear blue sky and unaffected nature.

On the other hand, Bandung as a sea of Fire by Hendra Gunawan wishes to bring across the destitution and the state of life that war has created. The colors as discussed in the previous answer depicts the ferocity and mercilessness of war, and the complete lack of naturalistic colors and the highly exaggerated forms brings across the artist’s intention of the destruction of war on Indonesian culture.

2(c) Discuss the impact the two paintings have you.

I like both paintings very much as they both are expressionistic in nature and can express the emotions of the artist through it.

Looking at the first painting, I feel very much plesantly surprised at the richness of cultural details of the Baliness that we have unfortunately forgotten in the rush of the day and age. The semi-nudity of the woman furthre expresses a proximity to nature that is much yearned for but hard to attain nowadays. Having a calm restful expression on her face, Iam again caught by the peaceful and unguarded feeling that exudes through the painting that Liu Kang has painted. The quietness and the solitude of a little village is so hard to come by nowadays.

Thesecond painting by Hendra Gunawan shocks me as it depicts the cruelty of battle field. The dehumanization done by painterly brushstrokes and figurative forms leaves a huge impact on me as it gives me the feeling that the people involved in the battle are all inhuman and that battle is ruthless. According to historical context, the military power in that place, coupled with the colonization of the Dutch resulted in many wars between people. Representing a genre scene in that unstable period, i am hit by the magnitude of the lives lost and the unwonted legacies of war.

Placed side by side, these two paintings are a direct opposite and contrast. Peacefulness as represented by Seated Model in a simplistic, laid back Balinese life is much more yearned for than the industrialization and colonization (a pursuit for advancement) which yields bloodshed as represented by the dashing colors of dark and bright.

1(a) Explain in your own words, the meaning of “Installation Art”

1(a) Installation Art refers to the combination of elements found in real life to form an artwork which is 3D in nature. For example, in this installation, the artist made use of elements such as the rice sacksand stools to form an artwork.

Installation Art also refers to the context in which the elements used in the artwork are placed, can indicate different moods and emotions that the artists which to express through the artwork.

Furthermore, through installation art, the combination of various different element can form new express the hidden meaning. Installation Art is without the use of paint to portray its subject matter. In most cases, it is the objects’ placing and arrangement and the area wherein they are placed that is of importance and value to the artist.

Next, installation art makes a statement, by merely being in its position and setting. Hence we can say that installation art is done in relation to the ground and the earth.

1(b) Describe the subject matter by Montien Boonma, highlighting the significance of the materials used.

The subject matter by Montien Boonma is that of Two Buffaloes. Montien Boonma is an artist from Bangkok, Thailand, and many of his works, as in this work is done by using common elements found in his surroundings such as in this case, rice bags, stools, and hay. This installation is constructed with the ordinary elements found in the daily experiences of the agricultural workers of Thailand.

Thus we can say that the significance of these materials is that they represent the hardships of the farmers of Thailand whom we many have neglected in our pursuit of industrialisation. The down to earth tools for agricultural as a primary industry, placed besides the selling of rice in sacks as a secondary industry clearly shows us this point.

The color of the installation is mainly a monochromatic brown, with strips of green on the rice sacks, indicating the proximity of these workders to the earth, as the monochromatic brown is a very earthly color scheme. The combination of the elements to form 2 buffaloes too symbolises the toil and hardwork required in the primary industry. The lines are organic and the forms are naturalistic, however combined together, the subject matter is abstracted.

Next, the texture of the installation is mainly of a grainy feeling with the chairs as an exception as they seem to be reflective of the light and hence smooth in nature. Lastly, the composition of the installation isvery balanced as the subject matter is mainly symmetrical with the exception of the “horm” of the buffalo and the “tail” of the buffalo, represented by agricultural tools in opposite directions, giving it an even more balanced feel. In this artwork there is also the use of ready-mades. An artwork that is comparable to this artwork is that of Marcel Duchamp’s – La Fountaine La Fountaine, Marcel Duchampe

1(c) With Reference to another work by the artist, explain why the subject matter appeals to you as an installation, as opposed to a painting

Lotus Sound, Montien Boonma

Lotus Sound is one that is made up of terracotta bells installed in a curved wall-like formation. There are gilded petals of lotus flowers hang above this structure. The installation reminds me of a pyramid with the most amount of terracotta bells in the bottom most row and least amount of terracotta bells in the highest level.

According to research, Montien Boonma was very concerned with the receding importance of the Buddhist practices in daily Thai life, hence he sought to re-create the sounds of bells in temples. 

In comparison to a painting, an installation such as Lotus Sound is more appealing as the artist made use of the shiny exterior of these black tiles to create an impact. Furthermore, the tiling of the tiles to create a sense of height. Although this can be captured by a painting too, the sense of balance can only be constructed through installation art.

As an installation, it engulfs the viewer, as it is 3 dimensional and hence has a imposing feeling. whereas a painting does not have such as imposing presence.

Moreover, installation art can be looked at from all angles, and different viewpoints as compared to that of a painting. In reference to the work mentioned above, viewing the installation from the top, the sides and at a diagonal angle may yield different feelings, whreas a 2-dimensional painting can only provide us with one viewpoint of the subject matter.

Montien Boonma often plays with the sensory qualities of natural materials and sound, evoking an inner peace for the viewer. Hence the installation involves other sense such as touch, sense and sound, such as in this work – the texture of the vessels and strong aroma of spices. He made use of the lotus as it is a symbolic flower in Buddhism and is associated with the birthplace of Buddha and enlightenment.

Next, an installation is more appealing as it gives the viewer a chance to interact with the subject matter invovled. The texture, the dimensions and the color of the painting is important in this aspect as it allows the viewer to place himself in the context of the installation. And by having as added dimension of depth, which adds to the mass of the subject matter, as indicated in the work mentioned above. The sense of the shape slowly forming into a triangle donnes one with the feeling that the subject matter is reaching towards the sky and growing upwards as compared to a painting which cannot capture this denseness and depth of material as well, however realistic the painting is executed.

Lastly, the materials chosen in installation art can by itself give the installation an added dimension. The use of materials such as tiles with marble like surface as in the work mentioned gives the installation a speciality, as ofthen the texture and the usage of certain materials is in itself a meaning. For example, a polished surface as compared to a grainy surface may reflect different working classes altogether. In a painting, it is the rendering of brushstrokes that is more important. Hence the appeal of installation.

1. Describe one of Han Sai Por’s Sculptures

Chose: Shimmering Pearls

Shimmering Pearls

 Shimmering Pearls is an artwork done by Han Sai Por in 2001 and it is currently situated at Capital Land tower. It is made up of glass and it makes use of the fountain to create a slightly shimmering effecti reflecting the light.

The colors somewhat reminds me of a marble as there is a myriad of concentrated bold colors along the glass balls, in smooth curved lines. This gives a sense of flow which is interlinked to the effect of water in the waterfall. Furthermore, the glass balls are made of a variety of different colors, all striking in nature, and situated at varying heights within the fountain, creating apleasant vibrant effect for the viewer. The individual balls are constructed on metal poles of varying height which has a curved line, adding again, to the overall effect of a smooth flowing form. However, in relation to the fast flowing fountain, the glass balls constructed on metal poles is stationary and solid. Hence giving a strong solid foreground contrasted with a soft fluidity.

2. Describe one of Anthony Gormley’s work

Chosen: Angel of the North

A modern sculpture by Antony Gormley,located in Gateshead, UK. The scupture is constructed of steel, standing 20 metres tall, with wings measuring 54metres across and the wings of the statue of liberty’s height. The wings are inclined forward 3.5 degrees, creating a sense of embrace. The scupture is of very big scale, overlooking the town of Gateshead, labelled as the “guardian angel of town.” The sculpture is the color of rusting steel and the sun sets from one side of the wing to the other. THe sculture is rusty, hence representing gateshead as the steel producing town. Furthermore the texture of the steet (rusty) ages with the landscape, portraying its age. The sculpture has smooth lines. The wings of the sculpture gives it a sense of balance, hence enhancing the “guardian angel” symbols.

3. From what i’vce observed, Han Sai Por’s art work is more concerned with details as compared to that of Antony Gormley’s installation which is comparatively more emcompassing and it seems to be more concered with the overall structure of the sculpture. Han Sai Por’s “Glimmering Peals” concerned with the quied and peace of rural lifestyle. This can be seen from the situation of the objects and also structure of the object. In another point of view, we can actually say that Shimmering Pearls is more concerned with the superficiality of life as it is quite carefully cast in glass with its wide myriad ofcolors and expensive symbolism of pearls, it is quite materialistic in some sense. Wheras for the Angel of the North,Antony Gormley is definitely not materialistic and it is more representing the guardian of people. It is actually considered quite “ugly” by som of the people in Great Britain as it is affecting their vision in the otherwise unblemished plot of land.

we watched pleasantville today during aep as a break from coursework but we still had to do this review D:
so anw, here is the discussion question that i’m addressing…

Discuss the symbolic use of colors in the movie Pleasantville that address specifically the themes of race, sexuality and personal freedom.

So a short synopsis first

Pleasantville is a movie that portrays two teenagers living in the 90th century, ”magically  sucked” into a idyllic, black-and-white 1950s television sit-com called “Pleasantville”. As these two teenagers influences a change of mindset of the people in Pleasantville, the colors slowly transforms from black and white to a variety of colors. I find the use of colors in the symbolism addressing the themes (specifically, the themes of race, sexuality, and personal freedom) involved quite interesting. (:

Race.

Firstly, lets look at the symbolism of colors in the theme of RACE (: In Pleasantville, the people who have experienced epiphanies transforms from being in black and white to being represented in color and referred to as “coloreds”, while the people who are still in black and white try to segregate and oppress them. We can see this most clearly in a scene of a shop with a sign reading “NO COLOREDS” after the mayor of the town started oppressing the “colored people” by structuring a new set of laws for the town. Also, people who are remaining in black and white are harrassing the colored ones. This is clearly seen in one seen where a group of black and white teenage boys where cornering Betty who had already gained colored by that time. In this scene, Bud punched one of the teenage boys trying to harrass his mother. And the color of the blood, which the boxed boy bleeds, is shown to be bright red. This symbolised that the color of blood in both types of people is the same, and that everyone should be treated equally and it is just that the citizens of Pleasantville, have yet to realize that change is inevitable and hence are rejecting the change that they are facing.

Another scene where Gary Ross was commetating on the theme of race in the movie is clearly adapted from “To kill a Mockingbird.” “To kill a Mockingbird” was our sec 2 literary text, so everyone is quite familiar with it loh (: Anyway, in the courtroom scene where Tom Robinson’s case was discussed in TKAM, the African Americans were sitting together on the balcony, whereas the whites together sat on the ground floor; and in Pleasantville, those who gained color sat on the balcony, whereas those who remain black and white sat on the ground floor. Hence we can see that Pleasantville is a commentary of the racism in mainstream Anglo-Saxon America in the 1950s, where there is discrimination against the African Americans.

Sexuality.

Actually i have not much to say about sexuality but here goes

We can see the first symbolism of sexuality using color in the scene when Skip makes out with Mary Sue. A blackand white rose turns red in color. Other coupleswho engaged in behaviour like engaging in casual sex in cars and public changes color too. Although this isnt encouraged in our society, i feel that the message is clear. The director simply wants to use symbolism in color to portray the freedom in sexuality and the change of mindset from a conservation town to a more vibrant society.

Another issue that is related to the theme of sexuality is the issue of male domination. Mrs. Parker, being Mary Sue’s mother, instead of imparting information to Mary Sue about sex, asks her daugher about the happenings in Lover’s Lane and what sex is all about. When Mrs. Parker tries to relax in her bathtub, a tree outside her house bursts into flames, and she gains color. Being more liberated and trying new things, she gained color. Furthermore, fire, which was never seen in Pleasantville was seen and that symbolizes the tree of knowledge.

Personal freedom. 

Lastly – colors in the symbolism of personal freedom (: I feel that the central idea that Gary Ross is trying to present to us is that it is not possible for one to go back to the 1950s again. The moral values and attitude of people and the whole society are changing and will continue to change. I think the way the director made it so that people of Pleasantville can only begin to see colors when they try and break their social formalities and monotonous style of life is damn smart! And this is very subtly portrayed through the colors appearing in the surroundings. Like above mentioned about the red rose appearing in the section of Sexuality.

Now let us look at the individual insights of personal freedom of Mary Sue, Bud, and Betty.

I personally feel that the change in Mary Sue is the most special one. As Jennifer, she was a modern, fun loving teenager. Althought she “had 10 times more sex than the other girls” in Pleasantville, she still did not turn colored and remained in black and white. It was only when she realized the missing part of her character and life. When she finishes reading and sincerly appreciates D.H. Lawrence’s book, she turns into color and her bedroom gains color too. This is because that in Pleasantville, Mary Sue realizes that she shouldn’t always be trying to conform and trying to portray an image of being a cool and sexy woman teen. When she starts reading books, it widens her mindset and changes her view of life. Being liberated in a sense that she is now defined by her intellect instead of by her sexuality and popularity is really a huge transformation in her and hence the color change.

As for Bud, he gains color even later than Mary Sue; and it was only in the scene where Bud defends his mother that he transforms color. At the beginning of the film, David was in some ways cynical to the actions of his divorced mother; and being “present day teens”, they can be assumed to be cultureless and without respect for elders. Hence when Betty was cornered by a group of teen boys who are still in black and white, Bud started being conscious of the missing bond between his mother and him. When he returns to the present world, David is shown to affectionately wipe his mothers tears.  

Betty, or Mrs. Parker – Bud’s mother was depicted as the perfect 1950’s wife, who has the house cleaned, dinner set and always there to answer Mr. Parker’s “Honey, I’m home.” Later, when Betty turns into color because she discovers the missing element in her life, and she questions her own freedom and male dominance in the 1950s and walks out on her husband to stay with Mr. Johnson, in whom he sees the love for color.

Also, we can see an obvious restrain on personal freedom in one scene in the film where Bud applies grey foundation and lipstick for Betty to cover up her “color”. Although Betty experienced a sense of liberity but she did not dare to show it to the whole town. Hence there is a covering up of the beautiful colors of her face. This scene can be linked to another scene where Mr. Johnson helps Betty to remove her make up to show her true self. Hence it is clear the Gary Ross wants us to see that the meeting of the expectations of society by the citizens of Pleasantville is merely like a layer of makeup, false and waiting to be removed to reveal their true self within.

Besides this three main characters, I particularly like the scene where Bud transformed the whole of the uncolored people in the courtroom scene. The way that Mr. Parker gained color was particularly touching as he gained color with acknowledgement of his wife’s alleviated beauty in her new color. I believe that the director was trying to show that Mr. Parker had accepted the liberties of his wife and that instead of repressing it, he learnt to appreciate it as change brings about a fresh new side of her, instead of the never changing conforming wife.

that’s all my thoughts (: all in all i thought the film was great and it was quite fun watching the black and white surroundings and people gain dimension and color (: