Kyle's ADAD1002 Blog

Semester 2 2018

[emilyadad1002-blog]

Planning and Progress

Most of our planning and progress was done in the following google doc. There is a lot to transfer to tumblr so it is simpler to just leave the document link here.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EWk-z1IIea69i69Wo4eFbzx5rG5TDLj_EWqC6sBNHYk/edit

[kyl-zhg2]

Assessment 2: Final Work

My artwork depicts the relationship between humans and the natural environment as a ritualistic passage for self-discovery and enlightenment. Drawn on paper with felt tip pens and pencils, it is heavily inspired by the Australian forests, an environment where I spent my childhood and often envision in my dreams. I wanted to create a work that illustrated nature’s beauty as a way of reminding people about the importance of preserving the natural environment, a notion that is increasingly challenged by technology.

More specifically, my concept draws upon how the adaptation of modern lifestyles have degraded a collective understanding and appreciation for nature. The obsession with technology and consumerism has led to humanity’s continual destruction of the natural environment as it has become a separate entity that we were no longer apart of or entirely subject to. Digital technology has forced people to spend most of their time in doors and detaching themselves from nature. Ultimately, the artwork attempts to ignite a newfound interest in appreciating the environment. 

The artwork is an extension of my previous assessment concept. Instead of depicting the natural environment as an innate internal fragment of the human identity, I attempted to characterize it as an immersive dreamlike reality, highlighting how it can be a source for spiritual and emotional fulfillment. The individual's fixated gaze into an infinite stretch of doorways represents the path to enlightenment, whereby a deep understanding of the natural environment catalyses an enriched understanding of one's self. Moreover, some of the visual elements within the scene such as the infinite doors and foliage was inspired by my dreams. I felt like they represent a nostalgic mark that surfaced in my subconscious as I have since relocated from this kind of forested environment. 

Stylistically, I was inspired by the Japanese painter Takato Yamamoto. He often explores the metaphysical synergy between nature and humans in a surreal Gothic style. His scenes appear macabre yet convey an ethereal atmosphere, often depicting human figures entwined in strange constructions of plant matter and mangled flesh. I attempted to emulate the sibylline aura in his works by developing both intricate foliage details and using a range of graphite tones to create the illusion of depth. The result is an enigmatic scene with visually complex details, portraying the human connection to the natural environment as a psychedelic awakening. 

In retrospect, I believe the development process for my artwork could have improved. Additional contextual research could have been made to gain a more in-depth insight into the synergy between humans and natural environment. This would ensure that the connection to my previous concept is clearer and more refined.

[kyl-zhg2]

Experiment 1: Felt Tip Pen

I used a felt tip pen and drew flower patterns for my first experiment. I experimented with a range of line weights to highlight various tones. 

[kyl-zhg2]

Research 1: Takato Yamamoto

Takato Yamamoto is a Japanese artist, known for his unique style that fuses traditional ukiyo-e painting with Western Gothic art. He often explores the theme decay, depicting human figures in a strange amalgamation of foliage and mutilated flesh.

I was fascinated by the highly complex natural imagery within his paintings. He portrays the connection between humans and the natural environment as a serene symbiosis, a notion that I have attempted to explore and reproduce in my artwork.

References

Yamamoto, T, https://i.pinimg.com/564x/42/84/30/428430395e35801f87cea0ac687cc6e7.jpg. in , , 2018.

Yamamoto, T, https://i.pinimg.com/564x/55/dd/e1/55dde15863a1a85054e87a1b97d767ea.jpg. in , , 2018

[kyl-zhg2]

Final Poster: Process

Initially, I thought about the different possibilities of how I could conceptually and visually approach this assessment. I wrote some general notes but I eventually picked question one and developed it further with research.

Early notes. Brainstorm of various ideas for the questions. 

Sketches and some annotation for early concepts in response to question two. I thought about highlighting the archaic nature of the education system while drawing visual influences from propaganda posters.

I decided to develop my second sketch which showed the innate relationship between humans and the natural environment.

[kyl-zhg2]

Poster Research 2: Marijke Koger

I was fascinated by Koger’s use of intricate patterns, bright colours and harmonious compositioning.

References:

Koger, M, Love Life. in , , 1966, <http://www.johncoulthart.com/feuilleton/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/koger1.jpg> [accessed 15 August 2018]. 

[kyl-zhg2]

Poster Research 1: James Jean

James Jean often explores phantasmagorical themes in his posters through the exquisite use of bold colours, detailed illustrations and sublime subject matters. 

References: 

Jean, J. in , , 2018, <https://www.booooooom.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/james-jean-film-posters-1-1400x733.jpg> [accessed 15 August 2018].

[kyl-zhg2]

Experiment: Felt Tip Pen

Drawn with a felt tip pen. I explored the sporadic nature of flowers to stylistically inform my final poster.

[kyl-zhg2]

Final Poster and Concept Statement

My poster is in response to question one. It depicts a phantasmagorical relationship between humans and the natural environment. More specifically, it explores an inherent metaphysical connection between the human identity and nature, a notion that is progressively challenged by the development of contemporary technology. 

Modern lifestyles have created a dissociation from nature as we mostly spend our time in doors engaged with digital technology, ultimately leading to a lower appreciation and understanding of the natural surroundings we live in. I reconceptualised this relationship as an enlightening experience to accentuate the enriching spiritual and emotional benefits humans can attain from a renewed interest in the natural landscape. 

The poster was drawn using Procreate on the iPad. Aesthetically, I drew influences from James Jean and Marijke Koger for their detailed psychedelic illustrations. I attempted to imitate their styles to emphasise the overwhelming sublimity of nature as a mode to attain spiritual enlightenment.

In retrospect, I could have significantly improved my poster by spending more time developing the concept and learning how to efficiently use the drawing software. I struggled with procrastination despite starting the assessment early due to a lack of a clear direction. I have noted that I should immediately pick topics that I am most confident and comfortable in finishing for my next assessments. Ultimately, I have realised that getting feedback from the tutor and other students early on is critical to gauge my progress.

References:

Schmuck, P, Psychology of Sustainable Development. in , Boston, MA, Springer US, 2002.

[justotherpham]

Ecologies Poster

For the Ecologies Poster, we intercepted ecologies as the relationship and interaction between more than one living being in an environment.

We explore around campus to see what kind of ecologies we can find and represent/incorporate in our poster design. We all soon release the most obvious and relatable ecologies was staring at us right in the face, literally. University is an environment where 100s and 1000s of individual go to and interact with each other almost every day.

We wanted to explore the ecologies of University and how every single student has a relationship with each other one way or another, either by knowing a mutual friend, doing the same degree or going to the same campus etc.

Hence, we created a Venn diagram design where individuals can draw a circle to who they are connected to, showing the ecologies of University and the relationship and interaction between the student.

#adad1002 #adad2018

[kyl-zhg2]

Week 2 - Artspace Excursion

The class went on an excursion to Artspace. We were tasked in small groups to choose a question from the gallery walls and answer it through a mind map. My group chose “How does space transform the way we teach and learn?” and explored how the multifaceted nature of space can influence the effectiveness of learning (including the physical, mental and cyber space etc)

We also created a digital image of our ideal study space by compiling various images in photoshop. Overall, the excursion was an interesting experience. The exhibition and activities revealed to me how the learning process was much more complex than I had previously thought.

[kyl-zhg2]

Week 1

We briefly went over some course concepts and assignment information. As an introductory exercise, table groups were tasked to create a A3 poster that encouraged interaction from the audience. My group created a poster that engaged with both visual and olfactory senses.

The black watercolour mass that's drawn across the paper represents a psychological association with something evil or ugly. When audiences analyse it closer, they are met with the sweet smell of a mandarin. The juice of the fruit had been splattered across the poster.

Overall, the poster reveals the unreliability of our expectations.