Friday, February 28, 2014

First Full Moon in "Year of Horse"

Being more or less severed from Chinese tradition, I didn't pay much attention to the first full moon in a lunar new year, though its beauty enchanted me.

I did take some snapshots of those lovely full moon and only now managed to share with people.

DSCN7955

DSCN7945

DSCN7944

DSCN7943

DSCN7942

DSCN7950

DSCN7946

DSCN7948

DSCN7941

Related posts on Art · 文化 · Kunst
- New Year's Greetings - Moon Rise and Sunset
- Full Moon in an Early Morning
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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

My Favorite Sculptures at Château de Versailles

Château de Versailles, in the outskirt of Paris, was most renown for its sumptuousness of the palace and the grandeur of its formal garden. It was in the vast expanse of the garden, that I encountered quite a few very striking sculptures and amongst those, I cite two of my favorites.

The first one is the Apollo Fountain, Bassin de Apollo, in the middle of the lower garden, at one end of the Grand Canal de Versailles.  Golden and splendid, Apollo, in his noble horses drawn chariot, emerged from a large glittering pond, energetic, dynamic and utterly godlike. 

IMG_8609 - Apollo Fountain, Bassin de Apollo, Château de Versailles, 2008

When I went down to the same level of the pond and viewed the fountain sculpture from the side, its perfect combination of stunning beauty, elegance and strength, against the backdrop of the rich woods, were simply breathtaking:

IMG_8606 - Apollo Fountain, Bassin de Apollo, Château de Versailles, 2008

IMG_8604 - Apollo Fountain, Bassin de Apollo, Château de Versailles, 2008

My other favorite sculpture was one of the reclining river gods in the Water Parterres. The resting god, in contrast to the joyous white gold of Apollo, was all dark somberness and was the personification of regality and power, yet not without paternal warmth, with his somewhat forbidding image softened by the naughty winged children playing at his feet.

The Apollo was the shining prince and this river god was the mighty sovereign.

IMG_8632, River God, the Water Parterres, Château de Versailles, 2008

IMG_8631, River God, the Water Parterres, Château de Versailles, 2008

It was worthy of the trip just to see the amazing garden and the sculptures in Versaille.


My Favorite Museum Collection Series

>> My Favorite Museum Collection Series 69: My Favorite Sculptures in Cimetière de Montmartre, Paris
<< My Favorite Museum Collection Series 67: My Favorite Sculptures in Basilique Saint-Denis (Paris) 
List of My Favorite Artworks in the Museums I've Visited


Other Related posts on Art · 文化 · Kunst:
- Grand Palais in Paris
- Musée de Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge, Paris
- Paintings from Imperial Palace Museum, Shenyang, China
- My Favorite Works at Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Firenze, Italia 

Friday, February 21, 2014

Several More Gouache Paintings

Continuing my exploration of the versatile media, gouache, I completed these works in last couple weeks:

Blue Bird 1 / 藍鳥 1 / Blaue Vogel 1

Blue Bird 2 / 藍鳥 2 / Blaue Vogel 2

Female Nude Gouache Drawing

Self-Portrait 2014 Boy In Theater


Related posts on Art · 文化 · Kunst:
- Gouache Painting Wildflowers
- Making and Framing Art in Shenyang and US
- My First Two Gouache Drawings
- Dad's Art
- Making Art With Mother in China

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

The Vandal? Maximo Caminero or Ai Weiwei?

BBC reported that "A Florida artist is facing criminal charges after deliberately dropping a vase by dissident Chinese artist Ai Weiwei in an apparent protest.  Maximo Caminero, 51, was charged with criminal mischief after breaking the $1m (£600,000) vase on Sunday in Miami."

 Pérez Art Museum Miami
Ai Weiwei: According to What?
Pérez Art Museum Miami
"The Florida museum [Pérez Art Museum Miami] is holding an exhibition of the work of the Chinese artist until mid-March. It includes an artwork, Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn, depicting Mr Ai smashing an ancient Chinese vase. "

According to the article, Caminero might have done it in protest
The Florida artist said he would hold a news conference on Tuesday to explain the act. He told the Miami New Times that he did indeed destroy the vase in protest. "I did it for all the local artists in Miami that have never been shown in museums here," he told the newspaper. "They have spent so many millions now on international artists."

'Performance protest'

The vase he picked up is one of more than a dozen painted in bright colours. They are described by Ai Weiwei as originally made during China's Han dynasty.
Behind the installation are a series of three black-and-white photos showing Mr Ai holding a vase and then letting it drop to the ground, where it smashes into pieces. "I saw it as a provocation by Weiwei to join him in an act of performance protest," Mr Caminero told the New Times.

But Mr Ai told the BBC from Beijing that his own destruction of vases was "a little different".

"The work I work on [does] not belong to a museum or other people's property. I never tried to destroy a museum piece - those vases belong to me. He can drop whatever he likes to drop, but not other people's property."

This whole episode is very upsetting to many naturally.  Though I understand and share Maximo Caminero's frustration that local artists didn't get much exposure, I also understand the importance for museums to showcase influential artists from far and beyond, to broaden the knowledge and exposure of the local audience.

I also don't condole the destruction of an artwork by an audience, no matter how grave an "offense" was to him or her.

That said, I am also upset with the price tag pinned to the smashed vase. $1 million?

For me, Ai Weiwei is more an important thinker, a great provocateur, than an fine artist.  I enjoyed his antics against Chinese government mightily, and I have contributed my feeble effort to pressure to have him released when he was detailed by Chinese authority. 

To me, the value of his works, lie in the ideas of his, instead of materials he used and the industrial-style execution efforts he put in.

To me, the vases in display could be any generic vases of the desired shape.  They might worth something, but far below $1 million mark!  By destroying one of those vases, Caminero didn't destroy his concept and Ai could have easily replace with another, seemingly easily painted vase.

As for the claim that the vase was from Han Dynasty  (206 BC–220 AD) and very valuable, then the very act of Ai's spraying it with bright paints must have diminished its value greatly, if not decimated it altogether.  For comparison, Roman Empire existed during these periods: 27 BC–476 AD (West) and 330–1453 (East).

If the vases were indeed from Han Dynasty, Ai had no right to damage them from the start, even if he can exert property ownership over them.  They belong to human kind.  To say that he could destroy an ancient artifact because he owns it is very arrogant, and very Red Guard like, as seen in the photo - perhaps it was the message he wanted to send but it was a costly one and a distasteful one.  Ai's arrogance is quite alarming and he is in danger of becoming a self-parodist.

By using pre-existing materials to create something new works, an artist can bring extra layer of meaning associated to those pre-existing materials, such as Anselm Kiefer's creating some poignant works by using war-time damaged lead roof of the Cologne Cathedral.

Another good example was Anti-Mass, in San Francisco's De Young Museum, by Cornelia Parker:

Anti-Mass by Cornelia Parker - De Young Museum, San Francisco _ 9357

This installation, at first glance, was an intriguing but rather pleasant looking mass, which seemed playful and fun.  Once a viewer understands what the fragments are, however, the perspective changes instantaneously and the work took on a weight far larger than the collective physical weight of these fragments - this sculpture was constructed from the charred remains of a Southern Baptist church with a predominantly African American congregation, which was destroyed by arsonists.

Ai's using "Han Dynasty vases"did not add any such new layer to the colorful creation on display in Miami, thus, I sincerely hope that the authorities would take into account that the "Han Dynasty vase" had been much vandalized already during Ai Weiwei's effort, and would not worth the $1 million price tag.

To me, the $1 million monetary value of his vases lie in his concept and his execution, not in his materials.
Again, Caminero did not destroy Ai's concept, nor prevented him from re-creating his painted vase effect, an effort would not be too strenuous or costly, at least way below $1 million.

Therefore, I hope the authority would be lenient on Maximo Caminero.  After all, who is the real vandal here?


Other Related posts on Art · 文化 · Kunst:
- Ideas Alone Make Great Art?
- Where Is Ai Weiwei
- Ai Weiwei, Ai Qing and Liu Xiaoqing
- Sunflower Seeds by Ai Weiwei at Tate Modern, London
- Alleged Han Han's Article: "Goodbye! Ai Weiwei" Goes Viral - 网传韩寒被和谐的文章:再见!艾未未
- The Ghost of Mao Zedong
- My Favorite De Young Museum Collections


Monday, February 17, 2014

My Favorite Sculptures in Basilique Saint-Denis (Paris)


Cathédrale royale de Saint-Denis, or simply Basilique Saint-Denis, is a very old and important cathedral in the outskirt of Paris, with its choir completed in 1144, considered to be the first medieval Gothic architecture ever built. Its rose window at the west portal was probably the first example of a rose window within a square frame, which was to become a dominant feature of the Gothic facades of northern France. Historically, the church was the burial place of the French Kings, with nearly every king from the 10th to the 18th centuries being buried there, plus many from previous centuries, including the beheaded Louis XVI and his queen, and the crystal urn containing their son, the young Dauphin's mummified heart. In addition, this abbey served as the locale for the coronation of many French queens.

In 2008, I visited this ancient place and was deeply impressed by the stern-looking cathedral and the historical and cultural sediments accumulated there.  The medieval building itself was the most impressive sight and particularly those relief adorned many portals.  One of the my favorites was the relief above the right portal, depicting Christ administers the Eucharist to Saint Denis and his companions on the eve of the Martyrdom, in the middle of the tympanum while the executioners closing in from both sides.

The line drawings like clean contours of the mythical figures, archaic looking, ancient, emaciated and strange, formed a scene of acceptance and dignity, rather than terrifying or terrified.  The martyrdom was never more serene and becalming. 

IMG_8405 _ Christ administers the Eucharist to Saint Denis and his companions on the eve of the Martyrdom, Basilique de Saint-Denis (Portail droit), Paris, France, 2008
Christ administers the Eucharist to Saint Denis and his companions on the eve of the Martyrdom, Basilique de Saint-Denis (Portail droit)

There were many sculptures, mostly burial monuments, inside the vast basilica, from humble to massive.  I found the effigies of Henry II of France (31 March 1519 – 10 July 1559) and his queen Catherine de' Medici (13 April 1519 – 5 January 1589) the most memorable - they were lying in full regalia, self-important and forbidding, yet held their hands in devote supplication, at once vulnerable and noble.  Such dichotomy always made the work much more interesting and even these two somewhat off putting nobles appealing.

IMG_8430 _ Tombs of Henry II of France and his wife Catherine de' Medici, Basilique de Saint-Denis, Paris, France, 2008
Tombs of Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici


My Favorite Museum Collection Series

>> My Favorite Museum Collection Series 68: My Favorite Sculptures at Château de Versailles
<< My Favorite Museum Collection Series 66: My Favorite Paintings at Église Saint-Sulpice, Paris

List of My Favorite Artworks in the Museums I've Visited


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- Grand Palais in Paris
- Musée de Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge, Paris
- Travel Inspired Paintings
- Get Ready for the Treasures from Musée d’Orsay
- Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris - De Young Museum, San Francisco
- Birth of Impressionism at De Young Museum, San Francisco

Thursday, February 13, 2014

San Francisco City Hall Celebrating 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage

Yesterday, 12 February 2014, I went to San Francisco War Memorial Opera House to attend a performance of a ballet - Ein Sommernachtstraum (Midsummer Night's Dream), performed by the visiting Hamburg Ballet (Hamburg Ballett), a ballet choreographed by the renown dance maker John Neumeier, the director of Hamburg Ballet since 1973.  The ballet was premiered in 1977, set to wonderful music by Felix Mendelssohn and Gyorgy Ligeti, with additional traditional music for mechanical street organ.

DSCN7878 _ 12 February 2014, San Francisco War Memorial Opera House

DSCN7897 _ 12 February 2014, San Francisco War Memorial Opera House

DSCN7916 _ 12 February 2014, San Francisco War Memorial Opera House

Needless to say, the evening in the opera house was a glorious one. Below is the video trailer of the ballet, curtsey of San Francisco Ballet, who presented this production last night and tonight:




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Outside the opera house, there was another amazing sight, centering on the massive neoclassical structure - San Francisco City Hall, lit brilliantly with rainbow colors, a color scheme closely associated with gay rights.

While admiring the beautiful sight, I tried but failed to think of the direct reason for the coloration, till someone mentioned to his companion, on the balcony of the opera house, where people had great vantage point to see the City Hall, that yesterday was the anniversary of same-sex marriage in San Francisco.

In 2004, then San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom directed the San Francisco city-county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, in violation of the current state law but his defiant act helped to usher in the legalization of same-sex marriage in many stage and Washington D.C. in the U.S..  The first same-sex marriages took place in San Francisco City Hall, 10 years ago.  10 years later, over 33% of population lives in a state and district where same-sex marriage is legal.


What a wonderful celebration for the basic human rights of the minority people!

DSCN7867 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7924 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall DSCN7917 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7914 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7892 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7886 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall DSCN7920 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7909 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall DSCN7907 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7895 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7889 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall

DSCN7906 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, San Francisco City Hall



Not only the City Hall, just across the Civic Plaza, the front windows of the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium was lit prettily as well. 

DSCN7876 _ 10th Anniversary of Same-Sex Marriage, 12 February 2014, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Near San Francisco City Hall

All in all, a beautiful night.


Related posts on Art · 文化 · Kunst:
- Civil Union, Marriage and Holy Matrimony
- Festive San Francisco Civic Center
- Festive San Francisco City Hall and Opera House
- Rainbow Colored San Francisco War Memorial Opera House- San Francisco Ballet Banners
- Christopher Wheeldon's Brilliant Cinderella at San Francisco Ballet

Sunday, February 9, 2014

My Featured Work - Portrait Painting "Grandma"

If I have to summarize my career as an artist, I would say that the biggest achievement I’ve attained was the creation of my portrait painting “Grandma”.

Grandma / 祖母 / Oma
Grandma
Oil on Canvas
40″ x 30″
Completed in 2003

This painting, created during the time when George W. Bush was drumming up to invade Iraq, despite the series opposition from the people within and without the US.

At the time, I was reading Günter Grass’s fantastic novel The Tin Drum (Die Blechtrommel), and was struck by a passage depicting the a protagonist’s old peasant grandma, whose presence in the novel, though not frequent, but impressive, due to the wonderful depiction of the author of her at various phases of her long life – many layers of her skirts, her peeling potatoes, the heated bricks she used to stay warm, again, underneath her layers of skirts.

I have painted several portraits of old women.  To me, they often can be categorized as sibyl, a word comes (via Latin) from the Greek word σίβυλλα sibylla, meaning prophetess. Old women are the personifications of mysterious wisdom and deep compassion, and the grandma in The Tin Drum was the personification of just that.

To generate a working-class and wise woman, I gave her a pair of large knotting hands and wrinkled face, and emphasized her stiff posture, against the equally thinly painted menacing sky, and somewhat comforting trees, whose monumentality again gave the grandma an air of a Greek goddess, all seeing, compassionate, and formidable.

This painting is part of my ongoing Apocalypse Series and can be purchased via a trusted third party vendor, ArtSlant, which also chose it as a Showcase Winner.

Originally posted on my website: Featured Works.

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- "Arabesque" and Other Paintings Inspired by Literature
- A Portrait - First Painting Completed in 2012 - Matthew Felix Sun
- "Sibyls" - Portraits of Old Women
- "Diptych - Dawn" Won Another Award - Matthew Felix Sun


Saturday, February 8, 2014

Gouache Painting Wildflowers

After having created two well-received gouache paintings, Yellow Rose and Sunflower, I continued my exploration with this versatile media.

It seemed natural that I would want to try out as many hues as possible as a beginner, and below one can see a newly finished gouache painting, Wildflowers, based on a colorful photo, taken in my home city, :

Wildflowers / 野花 / Wildblumen
Gauche on Paper
7" x 10.25"
Completed in 2014

DSCN9997 _ Inside the River Bank Park


Related posts on Art · 文化 · Kunst:
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- My First Two Gouache Drawings
- Dad's Art
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- City Library Plaza and Urban Planning Museum in Shenyang
- Industrial Museum of China in Manchurian Shenyang

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Making and Framing Art in Shenyang and US

This is my last post reporting my trip to Shenyang, China, in September 2013.

Whenever I visited home, I would raid some art supply stores near the renown Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts,  and carry some loots home.  Last year, I purchased some lovely colored graphite and charcoal sticks and I tried out with some still life and portrait drawings when I was still in China:

DSCN5704 - 500

DSCN5209 - 500

DSCN5707 - 500

As usual, I also brought some of my completed works home as gifts, if they are small enough to fit into my luggage.  Last year, I brought two colored ink drawings home and my family immediately had them framed.

Apropos framing, I believe that appropriate frames should accent, decorate and complement, instead of stealing attentions from the works and had the potential to enhance the appeals of artworks tremendously. I would say that the framing shop in Shenyang did excellent jobs with these drawings:

Ink and Watercolor Lilies Watercolor Storm 2

DSCN6327 _ Ink and Watercolor Lilies - 500

DSCN6326 _ Watercolor Storm 2 - 500


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I have been exploring several media suitable for drawings and paintings on paper and my latest territory is gouache, a kind of opaque water color and if not diluted much, could have results like oil painting; with enough water, can imitate water color.  Below are very first two gouache paintings I made, Yellow Rose and Sunflower.

Yellow Rose Sunflower

And here are those gouache paintings in the frames I chose for their presentations:

DSCN7822 - Yellow Rose, framed - 500

DSCN7823 _ Sunflowers, framed - 500



Related posts on Art · 文化 · Kunst:
- Dad's Art
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- Red Reeds (Suaeda) Beach in Panjin, China
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