EXHIBITION TEXT
This project focuses on creating a self portrait that can connect and reflect upon other artist portaits, with the medium of acrylic on canvas. This piece is inspired by the technical and conceptual applications of Liu Xiadong’s work, more specifically his pieces, “Three Girls Watching TV” and “Xuzi at home”. I focus on the naturalism along with realism I can obtain in my piece through the technical applications of strong brusthrokes and imperfect lines. My concept is focused on creating an image that can reflect upon where and who I am the most comfortable with while being in my most natural state of mind. All material used to produce this work include brushes, 4ft x 3ft canvas, and acrylic paint.
INSPIRATION
The main inspiration for this piece is Liu Xiadong. Liu Xiadong is a contemporary artist whose main theme revolves around the nature of people. To achieve this he applies strong and imperfect brushstrokes throughout his pieces in order to represent a form of “nature” in his pieces. He not only focuses on his individuals but on their surroundings as well, the surrounding/ background of his work provides context to the viewer allowing one to move along the
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piece to find something in each corner of the canvas. In my own piece I apply both of his conceptual and technical applications, in order to achieve this I apply strong brushstrokes resembling his own technique while also focusing on the concept of naturalism. His piece “Xuzi at home” inspired me to create a piece that can illustrate things out of order and a comfortable position I can illustrate myself in. “Three girls watching TV” inspired me to choose the specific environment I am in, as the concept behind this piece is to resemble the life outside of work for these girls, I resemble life outside of everything everyone knows me in as I sit alone with my own mind.
PLANNING
I began by researching some artists who focus on contemporary art and found a couple which I came to be interested in, I then narrowed down the choices into three major artists. After diving deeper into the main 3 artist’s artwork I decided I would focus on Liu XIadong’s artwork since I wanted to portray myself as I am in a “self portrait”. Liu Xiadong focuses on showing the natural state of something or someone in his work, to achieve this I came up with 3 ideas in which I could focus on to represent the same concept.
first idea |
The first idea I came up with was to have myself be in the living room and watching TV while sitting with one leg up and my arm under my shirt to rest on my stomach. The reason I chose this specific pose is because it feels very comfortable to me and I find I tend to rest my arm under my shirt anytime I'm around people I'm comfortable with so I wanted to portray this image of me by doing so. And by having myself be in the living room I thought I could imply where I feel the most comfortable in which is in my home. However I wanted to highlight that it is not only my physical home which I feel the most comfortable in but rather the idea of home. To represent this I thought that I could implement differnetf forms of my closest family to have them be in my portrait without necessarily having THEM. For example, the living room is often filled with toys on the floor because of my little brother, my sister usually leaves her bag on the couch, my dad has socks around the house, and my mom is the one who decorates and fills the house and walls with color and patterns. By implementing metaphorical aspects of my family onto my piece I aim to illustrate part of who I come from and my most natural state. This idea was the one I chose in the end since it just appeared more simple than the rest and I felt like that would be the best for this piece.
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The second idea was to represent my student life. I wanted to create a self portrait where I could demonstrate the stress I feel connected to the computer and schoolwork. I would position myself on a desk and face my computer screen, this would allow light to focus on my face and I could emphasize my expression in the piece. I wanted to look messy and have my desk appear as it often is with snacks and water and paper and wrappers, a little bit of everything to further emphasize the idea of naturalism.
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second idea |
third idea |
The third idea is connected to the first idea in a sense that I would relate it to my life outside of school and focus on my home and family. I would be standing in front of the porch of my house and surrounded by nature to almost welcome and show the viewer to where I was at my “natural” state. I would be on the left side of the canvas with the right side being the biggest window of my house, by doing this I could metaphorically provide a window for the viewer to see inside my home and inside myself. However in the end this appeared to not look as natural as Liu’s work often does or at least the work I was mainly inspired by therefore I dropped this idea.
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PROCESS
images/sketching
In order to begin painting on the canvas I had to take pictures to reference from in order to produce a sketch. To set up the angle of the camera I placed it over the fireplace in the living room and recorder myself in different pisitions in the couch. I screenshotted the video whenever I found a position I liked. I wanted to incoorporate Xiadongs concept so I tried to choose whichever image looked like th emost natural to me. After the process of elimination I chose my final image and then skctched it on paper firts before I sketched it on the canvas.
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painting
Once my image was sketched on the canvas I began to paint. I started to paint the couch where I laid in. There were many details in the painting to be covered so I wasn't sure where to approach at first but i decided I would tackle the focus of the piece first. I applied a base color to the couch and then added different shades with strong brushstrokes to apply some of liu’s technique, apart from his layers of strong brushtrokes I also wanted to inccooporate his imperfcet lines which I tried to do thorughout the piece. I would approach the piece from different parts with no specific order and although this wasn't necessarily intended I thought that it resembled some of the concept behind a “realistic” process with no perfect process like Liu Xiadongs work symbolized. after I was done with the couch I tarted to draw my self and the face was the most difficult part of the process for me because it was so small and it was hard to apply an accurate form to it. I then Buena to paint the walls and some of the details along with it. As I was going through my process I noticed I left a lot of details for the end as I went along for example some fo the pillows and shades that I was not using currently. after I was done with the walls I went along to finish the other couch and so as I kept going I improvised if I dint have a certain color and kind of just jumped from place to place but before I went to color something different I (most of the time) finished what I was currently on. After I had finished most of the painting I just focused on some of the minor details I had left in the end like the shoes in the background, the pillows, and other.
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EXPERIMENTATION
POSITION
While I was figuring out what position I wanted to do for my final work I had to record myself in different positions where I woudl then choose one. While choosing between which one to do I was looking for an image that allpwed me to look natural and unaware of the camera. There were certain positions where I was trying to look comfortable but because i was trying it just didnt look natural, so in order to find a position where I did look natural i just pretended like i was watching TV while I ate a strawberry, which is also where I got my tittle from.
While I was figuring out what position I wanted to do for my final work I had to record myself in different positions where I woudl then choose one. While choosing between which one to do I was looking for an image that allpwed me to look natural and unaware of the camera. There were certain positions where I was trying to look comfortable but because i was trying it just didnt look natural, so in order to find a position where I did look natural i just pretended like i was watching TV while I ate a strawberry, which is also where I got my tittle from.
FACE
working with the face I found was the hardest part because it was so small compared to other details in the piece. Therefore when I tried to add detail to the face it just looked weird, in my reference image the face was also not so visible so I couldn't reference much off the image and had to go off my own instinctive idea of what my face looked like. I had to erase the face many times because i could not find the right way, I ended up making it look almost cartoon-ish because i couldn't figure how to apply realism.
working with the face I found was the hardest part because it was so small compared to other details in the piece. Therefore when I tried to add detail to the face it just looked weird, in my reference image the face was also not so visible so I couldn't reference much off the image and had to go off my own instinctive idea of what my face looked like. I had to erase the face many times because i could not find the right way, I ended up making it look almost cartoon-ish because i couldn't figure how to apply realism.
COLORS
Finding the right colors was also a very hard part of the piece because I did not have enough material to formulate the precise colors I needed. therefore I had to improvise and use colors I knew I had and that would still resemble the original color, I did this throughout the piece because I did not want to keep referencing back to the image I had taken, since I kind of just liked the idea of having to create based off my own interpretation of my space, it was more fun and less time consuming.
Finding the right colors was also a very hard part of the piece because I did not have enough material to formulate the precise colors I needed. therefore I had to improvise and use colors I knew I had and that would still resemble the original color, I did this throughout the piece because I did not want to keep referencing back to the image I had taken, since I kind of just liked the idea of having to create based off my own interpretation of my space, it was more fun and less time consuming.
CRITIQUE
The main similarities between both pieces is the concept and technique. Obviously because it is inspire by Liu Xiadong's concept and technique I would hope it is similar in that aspect. Both my piece and his piece focus on the naturalism of a being along with its surroundings. We both apply strong brushstrokes to create imperfect lines that form an object meaning that there is very minimal shading and most form created is done so by the application of layering multiple shades to create an object which appears to be three dimensional. More specifically though with his piece "Xuzi at home" Liu portrays the image of a man who is comfortably at home which is almost the exact same thing that I do. Both of our pieces catch the individual looking off instead of straight at the viewer which most portraits tend to apply.
One of the biggest differences between my piece and Liu Xiadong's work is that I purposely placed certain material within my frame in order to represent something where as Liu Xiaodong just does things as they are. However by doing this I am able to create my own work through my own applications. And besides that Liu Xiadong is also focused on a more smaller area where the individual is able to be seen in a bigger picture . And even though the brushwork is similar and I did try to imitate the overall feel of Liu Xiadong's technique I was still not able to give the best value to all of my objects for example when looking at the right bottom corner where all the object lie the chair, the purse, and the sock all lack more form. Also aside from the colors that I used are almost completely different from the ones in real life, this is because I could not get to create the most accurate shades of the color with my material therefore I just improvised and throughout the piece barely referenced the image and used the own knowledge I held of my space. And although not intentional despite this not going along Liu Xiadongs technique I was able to metaphorically create my own interpretation of the space I am in further symbolizing what that space represented for me.
One of the biggest differences between my piece and Liu Xiadong's work is that I purposely placed certain material within my frame in order to represent something where as Liu Xiaodong just does things as they are. However by doing this I am able to create my own work through my own applications. And besides that Liu Xiadong is also focused on a more smaller area where the individual is able to be seen in a bigger picture . And even though the brushwork is similar and I did try to imitate the overall feel of Liu Xiadong's technique I was still not able to give the best value to all of my objects for example when looking at the right bottom corner where all the object lie the chair, the purse, and the sock all lack more form. Also aside from the colors that I used are almost completely different from the ones in real life, this is because I could not get to create the most accurate shades of the color with my material therefore I just improvised and throughout the piece barely referenced the image and used the own knowledge I held of my space. And although not intentional despite this not going along Liu Xiadongs technique I was able to metaphorically create my own interpretation of the space I am in further symbolizing what that space represented for me.
REFLECTION
Overall I would say I am satisfied with the general piece however there ares poem aspects I believe I could have done better in. For example there were certain parts of my piece which I felt lacked more detail and this could be related to the form or the actual detail. The shoes in the background look a little bit too sloppy because although it was intended to create sloppy lines its kind of off setting to me I personally feel like I could have done better in that aspect. Another thing is when looking at the purse, chair, and glove in the bottom right corner I could have given them more value and done a different color to differentiate them from the ouch so it wouldn't blend in so much and stood out more. Asides from that the curtain of the far left side of my piece lacked a lot of detail, they seem kinda rushed and I just wasn't able to apply the right form to them making them look just like a blob of paint. Throughout the piece I also noticed how some white and empty parts fo the canvas were sticking out and this I because I did not apply the right amount of paint throughout the piece making it look tacky and bland.
In general, I enjoyed the process of working with such large painting and being able to formulate and create ideas that related to those of Liu Xiadong. If I were to do this again I would take more time in completing it and really focus on those small details that make the painting stand out. I would work with this medium again and I would work with this size again as well. I was able to find that I can complete product of this scale with the right focus and decision, I also found that while working with this medium I can apply form and value through ways other than blending, I was able to connect with Liu Xiadongs concept and technique which I will continue to be inspired by.
In general, I enjoyed the process of working with such large painting and being able to formulate and create ideas that related to those of Liu Xiadong. If I were to do this again I would take more time in completing it and really focus on those small details that make the painting stand out. I would work with this medium again and I would work with this size again as well. I was able to find that I can complete product of this scale with the right focus and decision, I also found that while working with this medium I can apply form and value through ways other than blending, I was able to connect with Liu Xiadongs concept and technique which I will continue to be inspired by.
ACT QUESTIONS
1)Clearly explain and describe how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork.
the cause effect relationship between my inspiration and its effect upon my own artwork is reflective upon its aesthetic and conceptuality. Liu Xiadong reflects his subjects in their natural environment with comfortable positions and a natural background that is reflective of their current life. In a sense my work does the same as I convey my own self in a natural and comfortable position/ environment while I allow the viewer to understand the context of my state. Through the similar brushwork I am able to reflect Liu's style on my own piece as well.
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2)what is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration
Generally my piece reflects Liu Xiadongs topic of naturalism and a comfortable state. More specifically however I explore the connections I hold with my family and how they are able to make me feel safe in my own space, Xiaodong has worked on portraits with multiple people in it and has also specifically worked on family portraits because of this I believe Liu Xiadong's approach to my topic is a topic he is very familiar and fond of.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration.
some generalizations and conclusions I have discovered about people ideas and culture through the research of my inspiration is how an artist is able to convey a persons/ cultures/ community's beliefs and history through the symbolic applications throughout their work.
4)What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central idea through my inspirational research was to find an artist that inspired me to create a piece in which I could formulate an accurate representation of who I am and what I liked through the aesthetic of the piece and through the concept of it as well.
5)What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
After my research I came to conclude that there is a lot to relate upon a work and analyze through the context given. Liu Xiadong along with other artist led me to discover that a peace can reflect upon multiple ideas behind the different applications of it .
the cause effect relationship between my inspiration and its effect upon my own artwork is reflective upon its aesthetic and conceptuality. Liu Xiadong reflects his subjects in their natural environment with comfortable positions and a natural background that is reflective of their current life. In a sense my work does the same as I convey my own self in a natural and comfortable position/ environment while I allow the viewer to understand the context of my state. Through the similar brushwork I am able to reflect Liu's style on my own piece as well.
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2)what is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration
Generally my piece reflects Liu Xiadongs topic of naturalism and a comfortable state. More specifically however I explore the connections I hold with my family and how they are able to make me feel safe in my own space, Xiaodong has worked on portraits with multiple people in it and has also specifically worked on family portraits because of this I believe Liu Xiadong's approach to my topic is a topic he is very familiar and fond of.
3) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration.
some generalizations and conclusions I have discovered about people ideas and culture through the research of my inspiration is how an artist is able to convey a persons/ cultures/ community's beliefs and history through the symbolic applications throughout their work.
4)What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
The central idea through my inspirational research was to find an artist that inspired me to create a piece in which I could formulate an accurate representation of who I am and what I liked through the aesthetic of the piece and through the concept of it as well.
5)What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
After my research I came to conclude that there is a lot to relate upon a work and analyze through the context given. Liu Xiadong along with other artist led me to discover that a peace can reflect upon multiple ideas behind the different applications of it .
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- “Three Girls Watching TV - Liu Xiaodong - Google Arts & Culture.” Google, Google, https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/three-girls-watching-tv-liu-xiaodong/9AEixZ_gSYx_cA?hl=en.
- “Liu Xiaodong.” Lisson Gallery, https://www.lissongallery.com/artists/liu-xiaodong.
- Wang, Eugene. “Aftershock: The Recent Work of Liu Xiaodong.” The Online Edition of Artforum International Magazine, 1 Feb. 2012, https://www.artforum.com/print/201202/aftershock-the-recent-work-of-liu-xiaodong-30078.
- “Liu Xiaodong: Xuzi at Home (2010).” Artsy, https://www.artsy.net/artwork/liu-xiaodong-xuzi-at-home.