Block Test 2 SOVA

haha…i finally decided to type it out. 

Block Test 2 AEP SOVA

Qn 1. Montien Boonma, Two Buffaloes (Figure 1)

figure 1

 

(a)    Explain in your own words, the meaning of “Installation Art”.

In my opinion, “Installation Art” means something that is created from an assemblage of different items. However different they things may originally be at first, upon unison, they come together to form something totally different, thereby preventing the viewer from concentrating on one individual object, but instead interpretate it as one. Every item is placed in for a particular reason, and the meaning conveyed will not be the same if something is missing. Also, in “Installation Art”, the position and placement of the different items together play an important role in the intended message by the artist. The angle in which the art piece is placed such that viewers see it through certain perspectives is also crucial in the message conveyed. Furthermore, as opposed to paintings and drawings, “Installation Art” is an art piece made of tangible items that allows viewers a total experience of all 5 senses – sight, smell, hear, touch and taste.

 

(b)  Describe the subject matter by Montien Boonma, highlighting the significance of the materials used.

The subject matter is portrayed by two sacks of rice on two stools that stand on four legs. Each bag of rice and stool represent one buffalo, therefore in Montien Boonma’s “Two Buffaloes”, two buffaloes are portrayed as suggested by the title also. One buffalo is represented as the head, with a horn protruding out of the top right corner of the sack of rice, while the other shows the back of a buffalo, with a tail sticking out. The tail is made of straw, and is bundles together such that it forms a circular shape that ends off as a twirl at the top of the rice sack. Buffaloes are a common sight in rural Thailand and represents Thailand’s agricultural history and commerce of Thailand over the centuries.

The hay, sacks of rice, horn, and wooden stools all give a sense of roughness, something unrefined, but simple and naturalistic. The texture of the straws bundled together seems to signify the jobs of the farmers – tough, intense and never smooth-sailing. On the other hand, the strong horn implies the strength and perseverance of the poor farmers that is needed for them to endure through hard times. However, the sacks of rice symbolize the fruits of their labour, and their rewards for everything they have gone through. Therefore, though entirely different, these items cam portray an important and common message when assembled together. This installation shows the job process of a farmer and the story would not have been complete in the absence of any item. The natural materials used also give a sense of sincerity and empathy, not just something untrue and synthetic.

 

(c)  With reference to another art work by the artist, explain why the subject matter appeals to you as an installation, as oppose to a painting.

In installation art, the texture can be felt, and it allows  the involvement of other senses other than sight only. Even though the sense of touch can be portrayed through the use of thick paint, and choppy brushstrokes, the end results are limited, and can only be illustrated though the items themselves. The grainy and splintered texture of the hay can never be illustrated through painting. Therefore even though some effects can be illustrated through painting techniques, the final effect will not be as effective. 

Montien Boonma’s other works include ‘Lotus sound’, which is an installation art done in 1992. It is made up of many terracotta vessels shaped like bells and stacked together to form a circular wall with holes in it. Behind the wall of ceramic vessels, gilded terracotta leaves are attached to the walls, suggesting the falling leaves of a lotus flower.  The subject matter, which is the wall of bell-like structures, appeals more to me as an installation, rather than a painting as it involves more than 1 of our senses.