Recently I visited the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, Australia to see the Triennial Asia Pacific Art Exhibition. I usually find something that fascinates me and this time I was not disappointed! I walked into a room dominated by a large, intricately detailed and sparkling mural. I stood at gaze for a long time! It was very beautiful and at first I didn't even notice that it illustrated hunting scenes.
Everyone who knows me knows that I love shiny, sparkly things and years ago I thought I was so innovative by including beads and crystals into my paintings! Well, there is nothing new under the sun! Raqib Shaw, the artist of the mural, had encrusted his work in coloured crystals! I loved it! He also seems to use 'gutta' to outline every detail. The effect is enthralling...
Here are some quotes about Raqib's work:
"Raqib Shaw’'s gloriously opulent paintings suggest a fantastical world full of intricate detail, rich colour, and jewel-like surfaces, all masking the intense violent and sexual nature of its imagery....Shaw's unique technique, where pools of enamel and metallic industrial paints are manipulated to the desired effect with a porcupine quill, meticulously enhances numerous details within the paintings, such as coral, feathers or flowers. Every motif is outlined in embossed gold, a technique to similar to ‘cloisonné’ found in early Asian pottery..."
(published by http://whitecube.com/artists/raqib_shaw/)
I feel deeply inspired by this artist and I think I would like to use more crystals in my own work in patterns and perhaps fairytales. Imagine Cinderella's coach in jewels!!
No comments:
Post a Comment