close up of the hand painted pattern
This is the second part of my acrylic on board series. I intend to do 3 paintings of this type. The idea being to create a hand painted pattern that takes on an organic feel but still repeats and maintains its form.
The Kyoto Art Center is holding an artists exchange exhibition featuring the work of 3 Japanese and 3 Korean artists. Point is only exhibiting until January 24th. A little late on the heads up but perhaps if you have time check it out. The purpose of the exhibition being to improve relations between artists and critics between the two countries. Talks were held on the opening day between, critics, artist and the curators. Pretty informative and a really interesting look at Korean art styles I had not seen before.
The artist mentioned they had intended to do more in the process and creative side of the contemporary artists exchange. The end result seemed like an exhibition of comparison rather than a process of interaction. Though doing things internationally is tough. Funding, transport and communication provide the biggest barriers. I found the process and their explanations really informative. Though I want to ask the question; How does an exhibition of a group of artists working to a theme become an exchange in process rather than an exchange in ideas post creation. Ideas are important but the process of how an artist works and how they concept the work is perhaps more interesting for the artist and result would differ greater. For example providing a workshop and an exchange of techniques, making use of each others creative spaces and learning where inspiration comes from. Artist in residency is an attempt at this, but always seems a little like bringing skills to an environment rather than exchanging skills through mediums. The approach taken here was to allow artists to network with curators extensively beforehand.
I think a unique process was best achieved in a collaboration between classic musicians and artists. Musicians were asked to interpret pieces done by contemporary artists. The performance at the opening was the 88th of such. Though it was hard for me to reference it back to the contemporary art. Partly because of language but also because the artwork was not on display. The artist gave a talk about it though.
Kyoto Art Center is a great contemporary art space and worth checking out. Reformed from an old school, the original timber, fittings and feel still exist.
Cut out leaves and flower with both leaves in the positive and the inverse. Both equally challenging. This is my first try at cut out and I found it a really interesting way to work.
I took this work a little further this time and was free with my initial application of paint. To get this effect I used a paper stencil and replicated the leaf pattern in the background. I then added the more solid overlays of patterns and shapes by painting with thicker paint.
I got down to Elixir cafe for an Osaka design and arts networking event. FLAG Osaka, a free gallery and exhibition listing, had its launch party and there was a nice turnout. The publication features current information about exhibitions around Osaka and some profiles of local artists and events.The good spots are flagged on the map for you to easily find. Pick it up in cafes and galleries around Osaka. I am sure many people interested in Japan design and art will find this useful as it is often hard to find English information about art in Kansai.
A follow up to my article on cut out art where I talked about sharp edges created by cut paper. This was an attempt to emulate the effect with paint. Of course the edge is not as clean but using a vivi color on white makes for a interesting design. After experimenting with this I used some washed colors in the background. Bright red with subtle blue.
close up of a chinese paper cut out
On my recent trip to China I found a lot of paper cut out art. It’s vivid contrasting color against a white background and sharp lines make for a strong image. The technique is really really old and dates back to the origins of paper in the 6th century. Although originating in China, many cultures have a form of their own. The Polish Wycinanki style is particularly interesting. In japan they call it kirie (切り絵細工).
a painting I am working on
I decided to experiment with paint and see if I could replicate the contrast of the paper cutout. The use of a vivid color on white works well but there is no way such a sharp line can be produced as we see in the paper cutouts.
I noticed in kimono design, patterns and most of the design that extends from tradition styles, have similarities. Clean lines and defined shapes used in great contrast. Even some fabric dyeing techniques use paper cut out stencils as the relief. Similarities in style can be seen in this kimono pattern making technique.
hand painted kyo-yuzen steps of fabric dyeing
1. pattern drawing with ink and brush
2. lines are cleaned up using a paste to create a fine line
3. colors are painted in by hand
4. colored areas are masked using a paste
5. the background is dyed leaving the masked areas untouched
6. the fabric is washed and then steam smoothed
The result is a high contrast, very vivid and detailed image. No wonder these are expensive items to buy. It is just my observation, but could it have some influences from the paper cutout? If you are interested in paper cut out and a more modern interpretation check out Bob san’s super paper cutting video on youtube. I was lucky enough to talk to him about his work. He told me he loves the crisp lines you can get with a blade and paper. There is certainly nobody doing anything like this guy with paper. He doesn’t sketch ideas first. Straight from the mind and all done freestyle with the blade.
Kyoto local live paint performers GETT usually paint large scale canvas to live music. I caught a live show “Raw Technicaz” with a difference. No room for a canvas. They usually paint in the background behind the band or DJ. With no space they decided to mix traditional visual effect with their painting madness. A video pointing down from above a small canvas linked to a computer and visual effects rack provided an awesome visual effect for projection onto the stage. Check it out!
They used a variety of methods to get movement into the piece. Having to wipe the canvas clean and do it smoothly to match the effect seemed like a challenge.
Identity for LaLou Designs
Business Cards for LaLou Designs
LaLou Designs needed a new website, identity and business cards. The identity is a little bit different, very free flowing and light. It compliments with the designers Japanese and Australian influences well.
Kyoto live painter Hachio’s work after seven days in action
The artist
A detail of the large piece
7 Days Live Painting. I visited the art space where Hachio was in the midst of creating this insane piece. The Kyoto local performs live painting in Kyoto clubs, galleries and spaces. Usually of a massive scale and created instinctively to music, the works are a stunning mix of influences and talent. I caught him during a break from painting sipping on a lager after a painting session. See the results of all the hard work at the exhibition. 2008.10.5(sun) – 2008.10.19(sun) at Antenna Alternative Art Space
Perhaps my biggest project yet. Friends Aaron, Rene and myself took apon ourselves to create a music and arts related site where artists and musicians have the opportunity to promote themselves for free. Its simple! Features all the best local talent in one place and provides surfer with a great guide for good entertainment and culture.
We had a big launch party to kick it all off. Some great acts turned up to help out and we managed to pay them all. Artists displayed work on the walls and the beer flowed a plenty. A fitting party after a year of hard work.
