THE EFFICIENCY OF USING THE ELEMENTS O F SYMMETRY TO PRESENT THE CONCEPT OF EQUALITY IN KJ NET IC ART
Chen Vui Shian
Ijazah Sarjana Muda Seni Gunaan dengan Kepujian (Seni Halus)
2017
THE EFFICIENCY OF USING THE ELEMENTS OF SYMMETRY TO PRESENT THE CONCEPT OF EQUALITY IN KINETIC ART
CHEN VUI SH IAN
Projek ini merupakan salah satu keperluan untuk Ijazah Sarjana Muda Seni Gunaan dan Kepujian
(Seni Halus)
Fakulti Seni Gunaa dan KJ-catif UNIVERSlTl MA LAYS IA SARA W AK
2017
UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAI{
Grade:
Ple .... e tick (-')
Final Year Projeer: Report
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~!a"ers
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PhD
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DECLARATION OF ORIGINAL WORK
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I, Chen Vui Shian (46482) from FACULTY OF APPLIED AND CREATIVE ARTS he1'eby declare that the work enLtLIed The Efficiency Of Usi,ng The Element.s Of Symmetry To Present The Concept Of Equolity In Ki.netic Art is my on gmal work. r
have not copied from any other st.udents· work or from any other sourCes except where due
n~ference or acknowledgement is made explICitly in the text, nor h::ls any part been written for me by another person.
~]
,
Chen Vui Shian (46482) Date Submitted
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I, MR HAKIMI BIN HALIM hereby certifies that the work entitled The Effiei,ency Of Using The Elements Of Symmetry To Present The Coneepl Of Equality In Kineti,e Art prepared by the above named student. and was submitted to the "FACULTY' as a * partiaVfull fulfrllment for the conferment of BACHELOR OF APPLIED ARTS WTTH HONOURS (FINE ARTS), and the aJorementioned work, to the be"t of my knowledge, is the said student's work.
ReC~lved for examination bY:(MR _~~::::=_-,LJI-o='==-- Qate:
d'in-
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PENGAKUAN
Projck bertajuk The Efficiency Of Using The Elements Of Symmetry To Pl'esent The Concept Of Equality In Kinetic Al't teJah disediakan oJeh CHEN VlJl SHIAN dan lelah diserahkan kepada Fakulti Seni Gunaan dan Kreatif sebagai memenuh ;syarat untuk Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sen; Gunaan dengan Kepujian (Seni Hains).
(MR HAKIMl BrN HALIM)
TarikJl
rn-/ v(~+
Hakimi bin Hohm
ll!'C1u
IUC\lIt¥ ,,' "IIU.d I.... 'Y. Art
rJNIV{lltll MA.lAn A. ~,II,U·,,·IAt, III
PE GESAHAN
Adalah ini diakui bahawa saya, CHEN
vur
SJHAN disertai penulisan yang bertajuk The Efficiency Of Using The Elements Or Symmetry To Present Th e Concept OfEquality In Kinetic Art sebagai sebahagian daripada keperiuan untuk Ijazah Sarjana Muda Seni Gun aan dan Ksea tif dalam Program Seni Halus di terima.Di sa hkan oleh:
(MR HAKIMI BfN HALlM) Penyelia Hakiml bin Hallm
lee. Ivr
Joe Ir~ , ,j and C'.II "~IVI IJtflV~RSlrll.1AlA'f'SI; :iAHWAK
IV
ACKNOWLEGEIVlENT
This report was written by one man in order to fulfilled the requirement for the qualification of Bachelor of Applied Arts with Honours (Fine Arts) in the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts in University Malaysia Sarawak. In this column, I would like to acknowledge for those who had given their hanel and ad vices to me throughout the research that had been conducted which helped me a lots in completing !tus project.
First of all, [ would to give my sincerest thanks to Mr. Hakim; bin Halim for his supervised on me that had gave a lots of help in tenns of his knowledge sharing and rectification throughout the research and writing. Also, [ would like to say thank you to those scholars who had shared and recorded knowledge whether in the intemet or books that had given me the chance to explore a tip of the iceberg in the world which allowed me to quotes in order to complete this academic thesis. Other than that, ) would like to give my greatest gratitude to my family, my parents for their sacrifice to accept the responsibility of giving me the economical supports throughout the project conducted. ) am also thankful to all my friend who had gave me a lots of help in tem1S of moral support and opinions given from them which were very helpful for me to complete the project.
Last but not least, thanks to the Urliversity Malaysia Sarawak that provide the program of Fine Arts in Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts which allowed me to earned the understanding of arts that not just to beautified the world but also allowed the arts student to learned the way of critical thinking through arts making especially through deeper exploration of arts by doing the Final Year Project. Thank you.
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CO TE TS
Contents
Borang Pengesa/wl/ Status Tesis ! Lapora"
Pengakual1 Pel1gesahan
Acknowledgement Contents
Abstract I. Introduction
1.0 Introduclion
1.1 Research Background 1.2 Concept
1.3 Research Objeclives 14 Research Questions 2. Literature Review
2.0 Kinetic Art 2. 1 Visual Analysis 2.2 Concept of Equality 2.3 Referencing Artworks 24 Conclusion
3. Methodology 3.0 Introduction 3. 1 Primary Resource 3.2 Secondary Resources 3.3 Conclusion
Pages
I - 11
111
IV
V
VI-V1 U LX - x
J -3
2 2 -3
3 3 4 - 14 4 -5 5 -6 6-8
9 - 14 14 15 - 17 15 15 - 16 16 - 17 17
VI
4. Data Analysis 18 -26
4.0 Introduction 18
4.1 Yin Yang 18
4.2 Form of Artwork 18
4.3 Kinetic Art 19
4.4 Proses of Final Artwork 19 -25
4.5 Conclusion 26
5. Conclusion 27 -29
5.0 Introduction 27
5.1 Research Conclusion 27 -28
5.2 Recommendation & Opinion 28 -29
Bibliography 30 - 32
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List of Figu res
No. Title Pages
Figure 2.3. 1. "Chalice", "Orpheus" and "Medusa" (2015) 9
2 Figure 2.3.2 Ying Yang (2016) 10
3 Figure 2.3.3 Kinetic Sculptures Flow Organically with the Wind (2013) II 4 Figure 2.3.4. Two Trapezoids Eccentric, One Up, One Down (1978) 12
5 Figure 2.3.5. The Dinner Party, 1974-79 13
6 Figure 4.4.1. Print out the figure of gear 19
7 Figure 4.4.2: Marking the size on the plywood 19
8 Figure 4.4.3: Cut the plywood 20
9 Figure 4.4.4: Cut out the shape of gear 20
10 Figure 4.45. Using the machine to do the finishing 21
II Figure 4.4.6 Finishing with sander 21
12 Figure 4.4.7 Making an experiment 22
13 Figure 4.4.8. Combined the components of each pa11 22 14 Figure 4.4.9. Appl y first layer with shellac on the surface of gear 23 15 Figure 4.4.10. Apply first layer paint on the plywood 23 16 Figure 4.4. II . Ailer apply tirst layer, polish aga in with the sander 24 17 Figure 4.4.12 Using a clearly cloth to clear the surface 24 18 Figure 4.4.13. Find an availdble location to install the artwork 25 19 Figure 4.4. 14 Install artwork at the location had been chosen 25
Yilt
ABSTRACT
This study is about the elements of symmetry and kinetic art in the context of contemporary al1s. The research will study about the application of both concepts and subject matter respectively from different art movements in order to convey the concept of equality. By utilize this approach that had been identified and analyzed, a personal al1work has been created.
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ABSTRAK
Kojion ini odo/ah menge/wi w/sur simelri dan seni kinetik da/am konleks seni konlemporari. Kajian ini akan mengkaji menge/wi aplikasi kedua-dua konsep dan subjek kajian tersebuL lerulama dari pandangon seni yang berbeza da/am mellvampaikan konsep kesaksamaan. Me/a/ui hasi/ dapa/an yang lelah. dikena/ pasli dan dianalisis, sebuah kmya seni peribadi Ielah dihasi/kan.
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
This proposal will focus on a research to produce an artwork that contains the element of symmetry to represent the equality in kinetic art. To achieve this goal, the content are imp0l1ant, which are concept, research question, objectives, literature review and methodology.
Definition of equality is means "the state of being equal". It 's one of the ideals a democratic society, and so the fight to obtain different kinds of equality, like racial equality, gender equality or equality of 0PPOl1unity between rich and poor, is often associated with progress towards that ideal of everyone being tru y equal. Equality doesn' t have to be used only for social ideals, though. There also can be equality in weight between two banels of apples, or between two molecules.
Visual analysis is the backbone of the art history. In the process to perfonn a visual analysis, some basic visual elements needed to know, which are lir..;, colour, shape, fonn and naturalism. In addition, when these elements are put together in compositi ons wi ll produce the visual analyses, which are symmetry, balance, proport;on and scale, rhythm and composition.
Kinetic known as relate to the motion. Since the early twentieth century artists have been incorporating movement into art. This has been partly to explore the possibilities of movement, partly to introduce the element of time, palt ly to reflect the importance of
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the machlne and technology in the modem world and partly to explore the nature of vISion.
1.1 Research Background a. Kinetic Art
According to the The AI1 StOlY Foundation (n.d.), the first experiments with motion begin in year 1913 to 1920, by the constructive traditions and dadaist al1ist. Early kinetic art was created by Marcel Duchamp, Bicycle Wheel in 1913, was installed by wheel that inverted on a stool. Constructive artists like Naum Gabo and Antoine Pevsner had use the word of kinetic art in their Realistic Manifesto in 1920. in 1930, artist Laszlo Moholy-Nagy used "kinetic" to depicted the machine movement in his artwork, which was Light Space Mod ulator.
Kinetic art can be divided into two types. First, which is refer toward to the shape of the actual movemen t. The other is the fOlmation is static, but will be in the retina of the motion perception in the formation of illusion. Prior to the 20,h cenlUlY, the main pUl1lose of kinetic art is to create most convenient and efficient way of life. In 20,h century. the development of production technology was ongoing and increasing, which are tools, materials and new mach inery (Guang, 2015).
1.2 Concept
The statement by TWP Writing Studio was the goal of visual analys is is to identify and realize the visual chosen by the artist made in creating the artwork (n.d.). Other than that, although visual analysis is important to depict some aspects of a work of a11, but the pUl1lose of a visual analysis naturally is found in the analytics (Gemma, 2014)
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(p. 15). Thus, the elements in visual analysis are important in process to produce an artwork and the selection of elements in visual analysis must discretion.
As a result, the concept of the proposal is to produce an artwork that contains the element of symmetry to present the equality in kinetic art.
1.3 Research Objectives
I. To identify the elements of symmetry in kinetic art.
2. To apply the suitable methods for the elements of symmetry in kinetic art.
3. To do an experiment on the findings in order to produce an artwork of kinetic art that represent the equality
1.4 Research Questions
I. How to create the element of symmetry in kinetic ali?
2. What are the suitable methods to apply the element of symmetry in kinetic ali?
3. How to apply the findings into the kinetic art so it will represent the equality?
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CHAPTER 2
LfTERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Kinetic Art
Kinetic ali is an art fonn in the contemporary art that relating to the motion or movement. According to Moholy- agy (1947) (p. 57), technology is the reality of century nowadays such as creation, construction and retention of machines. As we can see, 21 51 century fult of high technology such as machines, inventi on and etc, these already become one part of life for the people nowadays. Moholy-Nagy (1969) (p. 60) also claims that the transcendental spiritualism of foretime was exchange by machine.
Artwork nowadays almost produced by the machine or assist of high technology such as kinetic art, electronic art, video art and etc.
Duchall1p (1999) (p. 98) says that the electricity ca nnot be defined by anyone. Art can also be said that, it is an intrinsic current in humans, or something tilat does not need to be c1elined. Certain of the artworks is not more focus on th.: meaning or message that want to convey to the auc1iences. but I'ocused on the ~<:!:;thetie and the form of artwork such as kinetic art that relating to the movement of the motioll.
Besides tbat, artist Calder (19-11) claims the movement i the next stage or ,culpture.
The earlier sculpture wa, more focus on the technique and the I'orl11 of the artwork.
but
today's sculpture comb ine with the kinetic ali become kinetic sculpture that rdat ing to the movement. This kind of art form was included in the contemporary art dnd more interesting according to the traditional sculptures.4
In conclusion, researcher collects the information about the features of the kinetic art. Consequently, researcher will apply these data and information in order to produce the artwork.
2.1 Visual Analysis
Visual analysis is the basic unit of the art history. To identify and realize the visual choices the artist made in creating the artwork is the goal of a visual analysis (TWP Wnting Studio Duke University, n.d.) (p. 4). By observing and writing about separate parts of the art object, audience will come out a better understanding to the whole art object. In addition, Smardon (1986) (p. 28) says that although visual analysis is impoliant to depict some aspects of a work of art, but the purpose of a visual analysis naturally is found in the analytics. Audience may told what did them saw but difficult for them to realized it from technical and artistic perspective. Hence, visual analysis is important for realize a work in art.
i. Symmetry
Element symmetry implies a reflection of a picture - one side is the retlect picture of the other. Symmetry is ab le to happen when the picture is si milar on both sides from the balancing point. The example of fonnal balance is symmetrical balance. According to lirousek (1995), symmetrical balance may be defined as had the similar "weight" at the similar sides of the balancing point.
ii. Types of Symmetry
There had some types of symmetry, which are near symmetry, invelied symmetry and biaxial symmetry.
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a. Nea r Symmetry
Near symmetry depends on the symmetry that by two parts are not the same. Saw (2002) claims that the balance may not be affected by minor changes, there had more diversity, potential and therefore more interest. Symmetry will disappear as long as the edges become too difference, the balance had to base on othcr different ideas.
b. Inverted Symmetry
According to Saw (2002), invel1ed symmetry create the symmetry by one half that invel1ed, such as the image on the playing card. Although this kind of symmetry had an interesting changes, but it may causes a clumsy balance.
c. Biaxial Sym metry
A composition of symmetry that may contains a lot of balancing point. Biaxial symmetry utilizes two symmetry axes, which are horizontal and vel1ical. These will ensure the balance, such as right and left as well as top and boltom. They may be the same between the right and left as well as top and bottom, or elsc may be di ITerent.
When the right and left as well as top and bottom are the same, it may create the most repetitive and regular image (Saw, 2002).
2.2 Concept of Equa lity
The simple definition of equality is the quality or state of having the same rights, social, status, etc. In addition, equality may refer to social equality (economic equality, egalitarianism, equal opponunity, equality before the law, equality of outcome, Gender equality, LGBT equality, Racial equality), consociationalism, equality Party (disambiguation), equality Act (disambiguation).
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The principle of the equality means that the same incident should be dealt with in the same way, while different events should be treated differently, Otherwise, people may not be treated as discriminatory unless there are reasonable and justifiable reasons.
This is a legal principle of the whole world. Besides that, nations and areas are regards this rule as a basic legal principle, this is because the law must pay attention to everyone, since everyone is the same (Le Grand, 1989) (p. 47),
Equality between men and women gradually improved in society nowadays, According to 'Abdu'l Baha (1982),
"There must be an equality of rights between men and women, Women shall receive an equal privilege of education. This will enable them to qualify and progress in all degrees of occupation and accomplishment. For the world of humanity possesses two wings: man and woman. If one wing remains incapable and defective, it will restrict the power of the other, and fu ll flight will be impossible Therefore, the completeness and perfection of the human world is dependent upon the equal development of these two wings." (p. 318)
Gender equality or sex equality advocated that men and women in the political, economic, social and family should be treated equally, and should not discriminate against a party based on gender (lnglehart, 2003). Besides that, Esslcmont (1980) d aims that "humanity is like a bird with its two wings - the one is male, the other female.
Unless both w ings are strong and impelled by some common force, the bird cannot fly heavenwards" (p, 147). Consequently, the equality plays an imp0l1ant role in society nowadays,
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I. Symbol that can represent Equality
a. Chinese Yin Yang
According to Venefica (2007), the symbol of the Chinese Yin Yang is represents the perfect balance. It seems that the concept of Yin Yang create the overall Chinese philosophy stems, such as the interaction of opposites and the seed of everything. For example, wicked originates from the disorders of Yin Yang, and great originates from the two being in consonant adjust.
In addition, Hurley (n.d.) mentioned that the symbol of the Chinese Yin Yang defined as include concordance and balance among the universe. They are the foundation of life and exist in sUlTounding us. For example, light and dark, day and night, male and female, right and wrong and etc.
b. Libra
The symbol of Libra is refers to the sign of the balance, justice and hannony. Apart from this, the symbol or glyph of Libra represent sunsets It may also be thought as be like an "equal" symbol, or more precisely, a "roughly equal to" symbol. Once more, the glyph of Libra represents comparison and balance (Kalyani, 2009).
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2.3 Referencing Artworks
The artists that researcher chose was Jeffrey Laudenslager, John King and Anthony Howe, George Rickey and Judy Chicago.
i. "Chalice", "Orpheus" and "Medusa"
Figure 2.3.1. "Chalice", "Orpheus" and "Medusa" (2015)
Researcher chose one of the a11work that had contains the element of the symbol Yin Yang and symmetrical balance by the artist Jeffrey Laudenslager. Rudi (2015) had stated Jeffrey Laudenslager with the at1work that consists of symmetrical balance. In
"Chalice", "Orpheus" and "Medusa" (see Figure I), artist ,Ieffrey Laudenslager used the stainless steel and titanium, then create a hooks balance on a thin rafter, it is 22 - foot.
The artwork involved the geometric shapes, joined and balanced, it activate with the flow of wind. He often lIsed the Yin Yang type symbol, circle, squares, bulks-eye and
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etc, the time when each of them move; there convey the different characteristic and form He describes his artwork as "benign movers" which prefer the slow-wielding with his larger element, different to other kinetic art that usually used rapidly spinning section with smaller part. In addition, Laudenslager wanted to view object move and float, his kinetic art currently move like Yin Yang.
ii. "Ying Yang"
Figure 2.3.2: "Ying Yang" (2016)
Seltzer (2016) reported a kinetic artwork that contains the symbol of eastelll Yin Yang. In "Yin Yang" (see Figure 2), artist .lohn King used the symbol of Yin Yang as the subject matter in his kinetic sculpture artwork. Tlle kinetic sculpture is 14 feet high and its activated with the wind power, display the ancient eastem Yin and Yang symbols. The movement of the sculpture showcase a symmetry situation that was had the value aesthetic. This artwork was located at the Intemational Kinetic Art Exhibition in Boynton Beach FL at 2016.
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iii. Kinetic Sculptures Flow Organically with the Wind
Figure 2.3.3: Kinetic Sculptures Flow Organically with the Wind (2013)
Hosmer (2013) repot1ed that certain kinetic artwork that produced by artist Anthony Howe. Artist Anthony Howe produces kinetic sculptures by using the outdoor setting, which are stand glistening or suspended (see Figure 3). Howe creates the variety of symmetrical balance like shape and fOtm, by using stainless steel and fiberglass. The movement of the sculpture activated by the natural environment that reflected by the
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sunlight and wind.
The sculpture is 17 feet high, it using the power of wind to rotate in an organic circular, to create the harmony motion. The complex balance of the three-dimensional sculpture produces a fascinating pattern in which audiences can watch for hours. Howe stated that he expect to accomplish a racket scene when the wind pick up against the aesthetic value when the condition is still.
iv. Two Rectangles Eccentric
Figure 2.3.4: Two Trapezoids Eccentric, One Up, One Down (1978)
YFA (n.d.) stated a kinetic sculpture by artist George Rickey that contains the element symmetrical balance. In Two Trapezoids Eccentric, One Up, One Down (see
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