This post will contain information and images on the themes ideas for the Project City.
SUPERNATURAL CITY
Transform city found objects, and/or data, into representational or abstract forms, designs, and patterns for a large-scale public art installation.
When I think of cities, I think of man-made and natural aspects. I considered what can be seen in the cities, what can be felt in terms of how you feel etc. I decided to go on the direction of Nature for my City. Recently, I went to Chinese/Japanese Garden to see what I can be inspired from.
The first thing that came to my mind were ripples, how the water flows naturally could be turned or modified into an organic pattern following the movement or direction. After my personal trip, I went on Pinterest to gather inspiration and created my moodboard.
General research on Pattern Design on Pinterest. (Link: https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/inspiration-pattern-design/)
Moodboard on idea #1
The second idea I had in mind was textures. So I looked out for trees, the road and other materials I can find along the park for unique textures. Some trees that had scales growing on the trunk thus it lead me to think of bio-mimicry, and/or microscopic structure.
Moodboard on idea #2 – texturesMoodboard on idea #3
Lastly, I researched on the different techniques to go create patterns. After browsing through Pinterest, I narrowed down to 2 techniques which you can find below:
My compilation of the different ways to create pattern using different tools (Link: https://www.pinterest.com/youmikaltsum/inspiration-pattern-design-techniques/)
Moodboard on techniques
marbling — I thought of using watercolour or milk with food colouring to create the cross section of the pattern
monoprint — I thought of re-using the monoprint from previous semester, and do a few more to get variations so that I could collage them digitally.
In terms of colour, I thought of bright and contrasting colours like the last picture on the right from the techniques moodboard.
Besides Agnes Martin, I actually looked up on Ed Moses and a little bit on Sol LeWitt. So I went to the ADM library and borrowed these books (see below) for further reference.
Although the research of these 2 artists are brief, I managed to get some information about them and their techniques.
First of, we have Sol LeWitt.
Sol LeWitt is a leading figure of Minimalism and pioneer of Conceptual art. LeWitt’s work is characterized by serialization, repetition, and progression, exemplified by his iconic open-grid structures. LeWitt’s wall paintings are just about the same as Agnes Martin, lines are mathematically drawn. In LeWitt’s case, once he does the calculations and planning, he would get his assistants to carry out the work for him with specific instructions.
As you can see here, assistants does the work instructed by LeWitt.Installation of the wall painting. Accurately drawn by hand following specific instructions by LeWitt.
I actually watched a documentary before about LeWitt’s art techniques and how he works in the industry. They actually showed his assistants working on the installation — not 1 or 2, but at least 4 people working on a wide wall.
Next, Ed Moses, the artist.
[CLOSE UP] Monographs of Ed Moses (and the process of his art-making) by Radius Books.
I considered myself lucky to have found the book (see above) in the ADM library. Although the weight was a total burden, I had to do what I had to do for research — BORROW IT!
In the book contained bits and pieces of the artist, his artworks, and FAQs. I admit I was solely interested in his artworks besides anything else. But I picked up a few information from the book as well.
Ed Moses…..
Prefers taking risks, moving beyond what he already knew
Focuses on profound possibilities and challenges of abstract painting
Thinks that painting is an adventure whose ultimate reward is knowledge of self
Techniques
Mainly uses watercolours for his paintings
Multi-coloured to monochrome
Structure of diagonal & parallel lines
Early paintings formed by a grid
Concept of “Playing with Chaos” — painting without rules or preconceived compositional goals
Works on both sides of the canvas, allowing bled through ghosts from one side to prompt composition painted on unusual materials with unusual tools
Interesting information of his techniques are actually the materials he used for his artworks. As stated above, he uses unusual materials like raw mahagony and unstretched canvas; unusual tools like long-handled mops, sponges and squeeges, besides normal rollers and brushes.
Paint with spray gun — using insoluble mixtures of oil paint, acrylic & shellac
Here are some snapshots of his artworks from the book. (I should have done proper citation of the images. My bad!)
LOOK AT THE GRADIENT!
Most of the time when I continued to flip the pages, I was in awe with how contrasting and bold Moses’ artwork are.
In conclusion with these 2 artists, I mainly looked at their artworks for inspiration and motivation to continue coming up with whatever I have at the back of my mind. I didn’t really plan to follow this artist to that type of art piece, I just do without thinking. Then when Prof Ina mentioned mine had some of Agnes Martin’s work in the monoprint etc, I was like…… “really?”
![[CLOSE UP] Monographs of Ed Moses (and the process of his art-making) by Radius Books.](http://oss.adm.ntu.edu.sg/ummi0001/wp-content/uploads/sites/329/2015/09/EDMOSES_1.jpg)
