Stone, steel, silks, stains, syllables.
If asked, most of us would classify these are non-living. Yet, the artists in us are able to create movement, bring to life creations with these and other media.
I run/walk past this work almost daily: Chang Kuda (“carry horse” in Malay) by Chong Fah Cheong, It never fails to make me smile: brimming with play, laughter, wild exuberance!
Last week I visited Unhomed Belongings, an affecting & stimulating collection of artworks by Lucy Liu (United States) and Shubigi Rao (Singapore). These artists work in various media and creat works which moved me deeply. It is taking many many days to unpack my reactions & feelings. I am currently working on a poem which I hope will give voice to my still processing responses.
Does it take you a while to think/feel/respond to art (painting, sculpture, poetry, photography, etc)? What tools do you use to help you process?
This post is a contribution to:
- Debbie’s One-Word Sunday: Movement
- Delsey Jane’s RegularRandom
All things bright and beautiful 
I can see why you like these art pieces – they are playful and realistic and nice take for movement –
😉
And to sort of answer your question – the impact of art? it depends on the art (of course) but if I see too much in one night I shut down a bit – can only take so much in
Anyhow – hope your poem comes out as you want it to ;$
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Thanks for responding Yvette!
I can’t take too much either – satiation happens much quicker these days and I require repeated visits to really absorb and enjoy exhibitions (although this is not always possible).
The first/second draft of the poem has happened. Am working on editing & growing it more!
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Oh good for you and hope the editing goes great
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Amazing!
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Thanks Betsy!
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Chang Kuda is wonderful; a perfect illustration of your point.
I can only process so much art at a time – and it’s getting less either as I age, or perhaps become more thoughtful. I need words to think about stuff. My preference is to speak my thoughts (either to another person or to myself). Writing is always a second choice.
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Thank you for sharing how you process, Su.
I hear you, though. I find I can only do a little at a time these days – gone is the ability to cover the Louvre in 2 days! (that was seriously stretching it even 30 years ago)
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That was about how long ago the Big T and I did much the same thing. On our last trip to Paris, it was the boy-child’s enthusiasm that kept me going.
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A fun sculpture – and great for memvement
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movement!
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That’s such a beautiful and playful sculpture to see everyday, Ju-Lyn, I can understand why it makes you smile. 😊 I didn’t know that Lucy Liu was an artist as well as an actrice – just looked at her work on her website and think it’s amazing! 😄
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When I first heard about Lucy Liu, I had to confirm several times that it was the same person as I’d thought. I think her work is amazing as well!
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I like the sculptures and most art forms, but I don’t always understand abstract art. I try always to see the statement the artist is trying to make within the artwork and look at the details first. The colour he or she uses – expressions on faces, elements used, and then stand back and view the composition as a whole.
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I often struggle with modern and/or abstract art – my first reaction is typically quick and emotive, and unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) determines whether I stop for a closer look.
I am getting better at unpacking the reactions and then to respond in a more considered manner – lots of pre-reading and prep helps.
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Pre- reading is a great idea when it comes to abstract art exhibitions, Ju-Lyn. My daughter really likes that style of art for its aesthetics.
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Sometimes I never truly process a work of art, which is frustrating but I’m learning to be okay with it. I had never thought of unpacking visual art with the help of words, so it’s something I’d like to try in the future. Looking forward to what your poem reveals about “Unhomed Belongings.”
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I used to get very discouraged when I just didn’t get it … but I have learned to relax and just respond to art, regardless of the type of art. Sometimes, I just walk by (and I am fine doing this now), and other times, I spend a great deal of time just standing there breathing in a work.
The poem has been drafted. I am allowing it to grow now!
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