Visual Analysis

 

Natasha Geraldine Kusmanto (0350112) 

Bachelor of Computer Science

Instruction

1 Recap

For the final project, we are told to choose one goal from the UNSDG (United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals). After choosing the goal, we need to find an art piece that represents it. The art piece is then analyzed through three steps which are through observation, analysis, and interpretation. After analyzing the art piece, we have to create a design of our own that represents the goal. In order to make the design, we can find references on the internet or other sources to help us and also use the principles of design as a guide.

I decided to explore goal number 14 which is "Life Below Water". I have always been intrigued by the vast deep sea ever since I was young and even dreamed to become a marine biologist. I think that life at sea is fascinating and beautiful. A way for future generations to enjoy the beauty of the sea is by sustaining it. I have chosen the piece below because it shows what the future might become if we keep being ignorant and do not care for sea life. 

2 Visual Analysis

Figure 2: "Vida Toxica" by Alvaro Soler Arpa in 2016

Phase 1: Observation

In this piece, a whale-like creature's skeleton is shown to be mixed with plastic waste. The overall body and head skeleton of the creature can be seen clearly along with the variety of plastic waste on its body. The art piece is photographed in a landscape format with the lights focusing on it. 

Phase 2: Analysis

This piece shows the contrast and emphasis between the background and the piece, by having the background pitch black and lighting directly on the piece to show attention to the piece. Not only that, it also shows contrast between the creature and the trash by having the creature’s skeletons colors be only white and the trash having strong contrasting colors. It also implies movement since the position of the whale seems to be swimming and alive. There is also a repetition of lines created by the plastic which starts from the body of the whale and trails off at the tail.

Phase 3: Interpretation

Catalan artist, Alvaro Soler Arpa's installation Vida Toxica (Toxic Life) shows a variety of "contemporary dinosaurs" which focuses on the issue of plastic pollution that might arise in the near future. This piece specifically shows a prehistoric whale's skeleton with a body made of plastic waste. The artist would like to show evolution in a way that animals or living beings on Earth would somehow evolve to be able to blend in with the mass number of trash that is accumulating. Especially for sea creatures which are very exposed to trash since human keeps throwing trash to the ocean and often sea creatures would get confused of them with food. It shows that the animal skeleton was found after years in a dystopian future and in the body, plastic waste can also be found since plastic is known to take a long time to decompose. (https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2016/1/31/toxic-life-imagines-plastics-impact-on-evolution)

    2.1 Visual References

Figure 2.1.1: https://pin.it/mBzyXvp

Figure 2.1.2: https://pin.it/20TyUGM

Figure 2.1.3: https://pin.it/7zLl3RV

    2.2 Idea Exploration

Figure 2.2.1: Design #1

The first design shows a person standing over a tsunami or a huge wave and inside the tsunami shows a whale wrapped in the trash.

Figure 2.2.2: Design #2

The second design shows a more simple approach where there is a jellyfish among plastic bags where they look very similar.

Figure 2.2.3: Design #3

The third design is similar to the first one but here shows a fish that has just been caught and the fish is wrapped in a bunch of waste.

Figure 2.2.4: Design #4

This design focuses more on the harmony of human and sea life. Showing the human and the group of fish in a yin-yang manner.

    2.3 Final

For the final design, I have decided to explore design #4 which focuses on the harmony of human and sea life. Instead of having it in a portrait like the sketch, I decided on making a landscape drawing since I wanted to focus on the movement of the characters in the illustration and I felt that having it in portrait would allow more space and focus on the characters rather than the background. 

I made the two characters which are the turtle and the girl to be swimming side-by-side and interacting with each other. The story behind this illustration is that the girl is helping clean up the sea, which can be seen by the plastic she is holding, containing several variety of trash. While doing it, a turtle passed by and swam alongside her, showing that the turtle means no harm to the girl and even seems thankful and enjoying its swim next to the girl.

From what I learned in class, I have tried to include the principles of designs. One of which is movement, which I try to show on the girl’s hair which is flowing in the current as she is swimming. There is also repetition on the fish around the background, the ray of light coming from the surface, as well as the bubbles that are formed. There is also harmony and unity which can be seen by the two characters interacting with each other, both from different world but showing a similar expression; swimming happily.

Figure 2.3.1: Final sketch

Figure 2.3.2: Final lineart

Figure 2.3.3: Final time-lapse

Figure 2.3.4: Final Pre-feedback

Figure 2.3.5: Final “Harmonious Together”

    2.4 Feedback

During week 5, I showed Dr Jinchi my idea sketches and she really liked the idea in design #4 which focuses on the harmony of human and sea life. From that, I came up with the final sketch and showed my progress until Figure 2.3.4 in week 6. Dr Jinchi seemed to really like the design but would like some minor improvement, such as adding more details to the background like fishes and coral reef or seaweeds.

    2.5 Reflection

I learned a lot from this project especially exploring more design ideas rather than going with the first thing I come up with. This made me able to come up with more ideas from the idea description rather than just from the visual ideas itself. 

I really enjoyed working on this piece, I tried to go out of my comfort zone and drew a full-body drawing with a pose that I am not used to, and I even drew a turtle which I don’t think I have before, or at least done so with proper references.

I feel that I could have done better but I was busy with Capstone project as well as being sick while working on this project. Nevertheless, I am still very proud of myself to have produced such a work with those conditions. I hope to take the things I have learned while doing this project and apply it in the future.