COURSEWORK PREP I.

This is for Mrs Tan.

3) Artists have a social responsibility to uphold.

Ok, so let me get this straight. There are two types of art, public art and there’s the kind of art that is merely created to express one self’s inner emotions.

Public art, there is definitely social responsibility to uphold. From its name, its obvious to us that this piece of art will be viewed by the general public including the conservative elderly and naïve children as well as people of different races and so on. Thus, sensitive issues that involve any sort discrimination, be it religion or gender, should be avoided for the greater good of the public. Those involved in public art must also avoid controversial political issues or explicit content to not cause ‘public disturbances’.

Public art is interpreted by the people. Because apparently it is meant for THEM to view. Thus, not to create any sort of public outrage, artists have to uphold such social responsibilities

Public art is usually commissioned by a certain organization which gives the artist either a theme or limitations about the content. So the artwork chosen is probably selected according to stringent criteria by whatever organization that is putting it up for display and is deemed safe for public view. NO PROB.

On the other hand, personal art, or artworks created not for any commissionaires but a reflection or distillation of the artist’s personal life, does not have to uphold social responsibility. Art, from the Middle Ages was merely a tool for factual depiction of history. But it has evolved throughout the years, and it is now something where people can freely express their deepest thoughts and emotions. Art is personal, free, something where you have no restriction about what you want to do.

I mean like, if every piece of art has to uphold the social responsibility and has to be politically correct, each piece of work will basically be the same, and art will not progress. At all. WE CAN’T BE TOO CONSERVATIVE OR ELSE ART WILL BE BORING.

If artists have to abide strictly by what apparently is the “right” values and morals, we are basically limiting the artist’s freedom of expression, and we go backwards to when art had not emotional bondages.

Art has matured, evolved over the years to become a platform for artists to express their discontent towards whatever in their surrounding and serves to challenge social norms. Controversial topics has been really popular in the art scenes nowadays, and they seem to attract a lot of attention. Since its such an efficient medium, why not use it?

Artist are trying to convey their personal thoughts/intentions and its up to the viewers to decide if they approve of it or not, and not the artist’s job to make everything pleasant to the viewers.

If a certain museum curator can appreciate the controversial work of a certain artist, the works might be on display. But there definitely be information about such an exhibition and if anyone disapproves of whatever content, they can just shrug it off and not enter the gallery. It’s just a matter of choice, you don’t want to get offended, avoid. I don’t think there is one piece of art that everyone in the whole world accepts wholeheartedly. There’s definitely going to be dissatisfied people…

You can see everything within one artist. Ng Eng Teng (using him ‘cause we just learnt about him)

In conclusion, artists involve in public art, yes, they need to uphold whatever social responsibilities society bears upon them. But plain ol’artists? I believe not. I strongly believe that art is free. As long as the work does not go to the extend of insulting or slandering (no physical or mental pain inflicted), its acceptable to me. It’s the same as writing and talking. Write what you want to write, do what you want to do, paint what you want to paint.

Uncle Sam (and superman?)

Not sure why but i stumbled upon these two political illustrations, but i really like them quite a lot. Especially the first three, theres just so much 'interaction' with the audience. HAHAH.

"Lord Kitchener Wants You" 1941

Alfred Leet

"Who's Absent?" 1915

John Bull

"Uncle Sam Wants You" James Montgomery Flagg

1916

I like how this quite serious issue is depicted by this quite humorous (and retarded) old man staring straight at the viewers, probably to exert 'pressure' on them.

But it's just so funny.

And its a good way to get its message across.

"Hope" Shepard Fairey

2008

This, I guess its just iconic, but its really good too. No eye contact, but representational stance and expression.

This isn't as humorouus as the previous ones but I guess having a close up portrait of one's face is quite a good idea to sway hearts.

This is what i tried to do. Significance of the balloons and Superman shall not be discussed yet.

Superman with "comparably" tiny balloons. Cute and gay eh?

So I was debating whether I should add words to this sketch, like will it spoil its comedic effect or add understanding for viewers?

I AM SAD I CANT DECIDE.

BULLETIN BOARD AND OTHERS

So, i actually bought a bulletin board early this year to put up any sort of inspiration this year. BUT, it seems that random things are starting to pile up on it. So, i decided to take pictures of them and then (probably) remove them. And refill it with other (random) stuff.

some 'inspirational' post-its.

guess who?

my sister is so smart to drop her pendant into my speaker bass.

then its a day with a really nice sunset.

and then it's chiawei's screwed up birthday cake:D

LOVE PINK AND YELLOW.

Hi, this is a really random decision to pay a 'tribute' to the colours that significantly made my life 'brighter' :D

Well, its mainly pink and yellow. Not sure why they attract me so much, but they somehow do. Pink is gonna be like the main colour in my coursework. YESHH.

And yellow? It's just so so so HAPPY. and somehow retarded cos they remind me of clowns and circuses.

On the side-note: Another reason that sparked my interest in yellow:) HAH.

Converse.

Hi-tops are AWESOME. Especially those done by ME:)

SO, I just decided one Sunday, that I should paint my own converse. In weird but awesome colours. So, I bought them, and on Friday, yes this Friday, the Friday before BTs, I painted them:) I took it as a pre-exam relaxing activity...

And today, I was taking random photos and editing them. All these time when I should've been writing my AEP essay D: Alors, I guess it's worth all these fuss, cos' it's looking FINE now.

Anyway, I painted the with acrylic paint, added some black lace and sewed a polka-dotted ribbon on their tongues,(which was a really abrupt decision)


Ah. I should seriously start doing some academic stuff. Just spent my whole day on tennis, French and shoes. But, THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END SOO RIGHT?!?!! IM SO GONNA SPEND TIME DOING THING I ACTUALLY ENJOY.

THANK YOU AND GOODNIGHT EVERY-BODAY!

SHIYUN'S PRESENT!

HMM. MAKING RETARDED BIRTHDAY PRESENTS ARE ADDICTING;)

So, I decided to stick with acrylic transfer again, but this time, with real (non-edited) photos and just using pen and markers to write random stuff on the canvas, mainly things pertaining to Shiyun's deep affection for Jaejoong.

I'll have to admit that my acrylic transfer is probably not up to standard. Yet. But it does give quite a nice vintage effect. (not an excuse)

Oh, and I wrote really funny (i think) things on it and so... IT JUST LOOKS SO PRETTY!!

And I added such a cute pink bow on it :Dn (scroll down)

P.S. Shiyun may just kill me if finds out I posted this on my (public) blog! HAH.