Inner Something

by Viktorija Chatkeviciute

[innersomething]

Hippy aesthetics always seemed to me extraordinary and full of life. I came across this interesting video to understand the roots of this movement and its style. I found out that basically, it is Art Nouveau on acid. Both styles were born out of conflict. Art Nouveau attempted to make the Industrial revolution look better - reflect the true vibrancy of city life, cover the ugly side of it - smoke and waste. Hippy culture turned to this style as for inspiration, in my understanding, it is a peaceful protest to the words issues (Vietnam war, etc). I wanted to try to make a piece similar to colourful, psychedelic posters of these times. However, it looks like the outcome also merging with graffiti style.

Continuing thinking about posters, I remembered a quite popular one with the ufo - 'I want to believe' and created my own one. 

I can`t say that I like any of them, but it is a good start for carrying on and improving my knowledge of history and image manipulation.

Where the 1960s "psychedelic" look came from:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vuqI2v2IRs&list=LL&index=26

[innersomething]

Capturing a spring mood

Here I decided to experiment with the piece of text, applying different features with the help of the tutorials on YouTube.  

[innersomething]

When the world is burning, is art a waste of time?

The idea of art as a tool for achieving social justice is getting more and more beckoning. I mentioned the artist Eric Ravelo and his project The Untouchables that became my starting point in exploring the possibility of activist art. Later, I came across this photo while I was reading about the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. 

A strong sense of solidarity has an awakening effect - a quarter-million people gathered for the sake of supporting civil rights. For me, the powerful message determines a great art, the one that has the potential of reviving open-mindedness. Constant information circulation comes with a price of propaganda. It tends to blur our comprehension of good or wrong, making us forget that primarily we are all people and every single life is valuable.

When the world is burning, is art a waste of time? - this is the title of the speech by graphic novelist  R. Alan Brooks for TED Talks. Like me, he is observing the art as a forceful instrument in terms of social aspects. From time to time, I am noticing the ongoing conflict in taking art seriously by some people. I've been told that it is not a profession and there is nothing serious about it. Listening to this talk, I completely realized how wrong they are.

This small extract especially captured my attention: 'And I thought about revolution, how whenever society needs to change, that change is inspired at least in part by the artist. I thought about how dictators and despots regularly murder and discredit artists. Hitler's people came up with a term specifically to discredit artists: degenerate art. They were burning books and paintings. But why, why were the leaders of the Nazi party dedicating their attention to destroying art? If art really has no power, if it's really a silly waste of time, then why are dictators afraid of it? Why were Nazis burning books and paintings? Why was McCarthy so dedicated to blacklisting artists in the 1950s? Why was Stalin's government so focused on censoring artists in Russia? Because art scares dictators. Because they understood something that I've been struggling to understand my entire life. Art is powerful. Art is important. Art can change hearts and minds all the way across the world.'

Considering some recent events of how brutally and violently some countries handled peaceful protests, I decided to create my small feedback. Speaking about the implementation, I continued to learn how to use Illustrator. This is my first fully drawn picture using the aforementioned software. I`m not completely satisfied with the outcome. It is more like a sketch, but the whole depicted idea is worth developing.

‘When the world is burning, is art a waste of time?’  by R. Alan Brooks:

https://www.ted.com/talks/r_alan_brooks_when_the_world_is_burning_is_art_a_waste_of_time_feb_2021/transcript#t-752494 

[innersomething]

The Obliteration Room

Music was always my 'fuel' for creativity however, now I am starting to obtain inspiration from artists and their practices that I find extraordinary and motivating. They help me to understand and set goals for my own practice.

  Yayoi Kusama fascinates me because she managed to transform her inner disturbance into the base for her artistic activity. As she describes it, her vision of the landscapes and people from time to time has been clouded with spots. This hallucinogenic experience became the reason for her obsession with polka dots and appeared as a regular motif of her works. Her readiness and courage to spread openness about herself lead her to the Obliteration Room project.

It is the room with the full interior from ceiling to furniture painted in white where the audience was invited to colour it with provided round stickers. This interactive installation allowed people to take a look at the world through her eyes.

  I want to try to chase this idea of being honest and brave to open myself to the public - connecting the dots that represent my feelings and my practice.

About the Obliteration Room:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xNzr-fJHQw&list=LL&index=106 

TateShots with Yayoi Kusama:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRZR3nsiIeA&list=LL&index=107 

[innersomething]

Developing performative responses

Looking back at my developed responses, I realized that I am going to continue to push my skills and perception of my artwork further out of my comfort zone. To achieve this, I want to try as many new ways of creating as possible. For instance, looking at previous ideas, one of the most enjoyable tools for working is the Adobe programs. Recently, I familiarized myself with Illustrator and discovered completely new features and opportunities for creating in a new direction. At the moment, I am planning to focus on particularly this option.

As I am only at the stage of getting used to this platform , I applied the tracing technique to create this picture (I need to figure out the dimensions for better picture`s quality as well). Also, I used the combination with a text as an attempt of filling the space so it could be a pattern and a certain message at the same time. It says 'It is possible to believe in the absence of belief'.

It is satisfying that the outcome reminds me of a poster. I am enjoying imagining it somewhere on the streets.

[innersomething]

After making the video with candles, I decided to push further the idea of looking at light as at the sense of presence. Keeping this thought in mind, I also was considering the crucial aspects that define my practice. The heaviest burden of it is an addiction to aesthetics. Throughout all my creative process, I`m trying to 'decipher' what I need to do to make my artwork attractive for me. Because only on rare occasions I find my work fairly decent. 

At this point, I began to redirect that comparison and build my response upon actual deciphering. I used the Morse code to embed my message. The signals mean 'hi am I here'. I familiarized myself with the basics of this way of communication. I feel extremely satisfied when the creative process is merging the learning process.

This idea has a good potential for further development. One of the first ideas that came to mind is making the whole high-rise building 'speak' (not only my room). Every window would represent the part of a message. Unfortunately, it would be nearly impossible to implement.

[innersomething]

Another way of letting people know you are here with a different source of light - candles. I was playing with material and its meaning and decided to juxtapose 'signifier' with 'signified'.

[innersomething]

Lights

What is the first thing you are doing coming home after a long day? Switching the light on. One of the ways to signal your presence.

I was looking at my fairy lights, and the idea was born. With masking tape, I tried to form the outline of a face. The face features looked blurred because of the lack of length. Then I thought about some additional lights with photoshop to make the shape recognizable.

[innersomething]

Silly heart, don't beat!

I made a decision to apply photoshop software in creating my self-portrait by making a gif in particular. This is my second attempt at working with gif. The process of dealing with frames is scrupulous, however rewarding - it breathes life into the image. I am enjoying working with digital art and developing my skills further. 

I wanted my portrait to move for the sake of depicting the live and changing existence. This was my first thought. After I considered which gif to choose it dawned on me that it truly reminds me of a heartbeat. I felt that I am on track. What can spread more life energy than the rhythm of a heartbeat? From this question came another idea - to write something that would reflect this motive of the heart. As it is my self-portrait, I felt the need to write in my mother tongue. 'Глупое сердце, не бейся' - from Russian it means 'Silly heart, don't beat!'. This is the quote from a poem by Sergey Esenin. For me, it means constantly taking everything to heart. A try to silent inner disturbance that is accompanying by the accelerated heart rate.

I was aimed to show my highly sensitive nature through the transparency of my body and the absence of a face so the storm could be visible. Overall, I find this image quite mesmerizing and even feeling that the rhythm of the storm synchronizing with my actual heartbeat. And the use of my native language complements that intimacy motive of a self-portrait which for me became slight self-investigation commonly inherent to confession.    

[innersomething]

The Untouchables

I have previously investigated the Cuban artist Erik Ravelo while writing an essay for the History&Theory module. However, I am convinced that it is necessary to mention him here as well.

His art project 'Los Intocables' (The Untouchables) had a significant impact on me. My biggest admiration was caused by the artist`s courage to shed light on the world's appalling injustices.  “The Untouchables”  represents 7 photographs with adults and children. Each of them is forming a crucifixion as a powerful metaphor of how children around the globe are suffering from adults' sins.  

Ravelo`s activist art embodies his intention to make a difference. I would even call it a cure from ignorance, at least in my case. While I was exploring the sources regarding each of the depicted global issues, I went deeper into the examination and found out the facts I haven`t been aware of. This artwork literally opened my eyes and mind. I found it exceptional when the artwork`s purpose is raising awareness. That is why 'The Untouchables' cause very strong emotions that almost make my blood boil. In the future I will be trying to develop the way to draw attention to the important social aspects in the same way. I feel that this project in particular will be my guiding light.

Erik Ravelo - OpenART 2015: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sjdBQ7Qnjg&list=LL&index=71

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X76fWcEizrQ&list=LL&index=73

[innersomething]

Possessions as a self-portrait

I believe that possessions can say a lot about their owner. It is an interesting experiment to try to represent your personality through your belongings. I`m so curious what potentially people could say about me observing my things. So, I decided to pack in this backpack the items that surround me every single day. In a way, they have become a part of me already, no matter how cliche it sounds. 

I thought that this backpack is also a peculiar time capsule for me. It will be amazing to look at it in five years or so and recall my beloved room during the studying years, for example.

[innersomething]

Birds link the heavens to the earth...

Almost all my ideas I am considering good come from misunderstanding. For instance, something that I saw with the corner of my eye seemed to be not exactly what it is. Recently I found the interview on TateShots with Roger Ballen. After watching it a couple of times already, I was so impressed. The video itself was really atmospheric, and I would even say mysterious. However, the thing that has drawn my attention is his vision and style. I could describe his works as a beautiful mixture of grotesque, surrealism, and unspeakable life energy. 

Most importantly, I have discovered a little particle of myself in Ballen`s perception of his practice. He says: 'A good picture comes from nowhere, a place in the mind that the mind isn`t prepared for and that`s when pictures stay with you.' I suppose this constant playing with concepts, which I am referring to be the foundation of my traction towards art -  is the attempts of subconscious to reveal itself.

Headless by Roger Ballen

‘Birds link the heavens to the earth' mentions Roger Ballen later in the video. My bird is the possibility to create I thought. 

TateShots with Roger Ballen: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAAs-tom5BM&list=LL&index=8&t=3s

About Roger Ballen: 

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/apr/05/roger-ballen-outland-interview

[innersomething]

Touchstones

I remember this childish 'cosiness' of feelings when you are looking at the world through the prism of sincere admiration of everything that surrounds you. I am trying hard to preserve this sense deep inside, however, with years passing by, it is becoming more and more difficult. I comprehend it as a core of me, anything else is layers of experience and gained knowledge. That is why it is getting problematic to refresh and uncover this sensation. Expressing myself is a particular way of renewing this state of mind and heart.

The first attempt of using charcoal.

[innersomething]

The High Five

The High Five is my final piece regarding the research of body potential. It is the product of inspiration by Sylvia Palacios Whitman`s Green Hands, my unicorn gift package for a friend, and, of course, Rob Woodcox. 

That unexpected combination of sources led to a pretty fascinating artwork. First of all, I thought it would be a curious experiment to merge body extension with an illusion of replacement. I chose an arm to replace the head as a small hint of how our actions are going ahead of us. I used the same technique I utilized with my unicorn. I am feeling confident with the paper-mache technique because it requires simple materials and gives the possibility to recycle. I needed my arm to be hollow inside as my unicorn so I can wear it on my head. My try with the unicorn was the beneficial first step before making this arm because it is a slightly different kind of paper mache. I can compare it with sculpting using glue and paper - you need to stay vigilant, keep the form and not allow the paper to get very wrinkled.

As my arm was ready, I faced some difficulties. I became extremely disappointed because for finishing touches I bought the paint of very poor quality. It looks unevenly dyed, the colour doesn`t fully cover the arm. It was already too late to redo it. I realized my mistake, and next time my choice will be spray paint.

Despite the paint issue, the photographs are a pleasant surprise for me. I didn`t expect them to be so decent as they are. They have a huge potential to be improved, particularly with redyeing arm with spray paint. For now, the black and white filter helps to mask the flaws.

This work helped me to understand how much it is enjoyable for me to create some 'props' for photography that alter reality. The object itself is not as important as its combination with real-life surroundings. My starting point was Rob Woodcox. Now I can see the similarities in our approaches. He uses photoshop for his human installations in order to fuse reality and his imagination. He is doing it so successfully that the spectator struggles to distinguish where ends image manipulation and begins photography.

High Five is an attempt to 'dilute' the ordinary vision of body comprehension with the poetry that I see in arms.    

About Sylvia Palacios Whitman:

https://www.pw-magazine.com/2019/sylvia-palacios-whitman-the-artwork-speaks-by-itself/

[innersomething]

Visual Poetry

Ketty La Rocca is an Italian artist known for her abstract conceptual practice, focusing on bodily expression through gesture and language.

 I came across a couple of her works, which represent particular body parts I have paid so much attention to. Like me, she sees the poetry in the arms. For her, they are not only tools for self-expression, but an open canvas. La Rocca juxtaposes writing and photographs by layering. They spread the aura of sensitivity. By how arms are placed, we able to imply the emotions person is experiencing.

Poetry is in the air and arms help to spread it.

About Ketty La Rocca: 

https://www.frieze.com/article/body-language-visual-poetry-ketty-la-rocca

[innersomething]

The Three Graces

Thinking about the ways of body portrayal, I remembered the statue, which, for some reason, always caused attraction. It is The Three Graces. There is something in their posture and missing parts of their body. Who, if not the sculptors able through the heavy rough material to depict the lightness and sensitivity. That is where the hidden contrast is embodied. Stone can imply strength, inner or outer.

This picture is my attempt to capture forms with hatching. Shading and lines require to be improved (there is a huge lack of volume, gradient issues), however, I only got acquainted with this technique.  I found line layering pretty relaxing and going to develop this skill further.

I left unsatisfied with the hatching sketch. There was a strong desire to portray The Three Graces properly. I decided to transfer the idea on canvas and pick acrylic paints. Although there is an improvement comparing with the first sketch, I need to work on proportions and the painting itself. Then I thought about filling the empty space between statues. Staying loyal to choosing arm forms, I have painted them grabbing bodies from the void. I suppose the meaning of these arms, their interpretation can be flexible. For me, they are intrusive thoughts trying to find their way to freedom from subconscious. The absence of heads is to the point, these thought are endeavoring to take control over the body. 

It is fascinating how unpredictable the artwork outcome can be and is. I didn`t plan to embody this possible thought in the idea, I just kept creating. When my work is finished, I am amazed by it all the time.

[innersomething]

reaching

This rough sketch of a collage represents my further investigation in relation to the body and experimentation with media. Leafing through a magazine and looking for material, I chose pieces of sky, mountains, and parts of the body. Initially, I was going to match small clippings and arrange the composition. I have changed my mind because I felt it could be interesting to add some texture with an unpredictable line pattern. Now it looks like these broken lines trying to imitate the mountain range. 

I think the result turned out into an arbitrary allusion to how people perhaps not always knowing how but trying to reach the top - become better.