Diego

All of my artworks have raised the theme “Mythology” and “Architecture”. By using those two themes, it actually gave me a chance to delve into three things that interest me the most. First is imagination, Mythology uses a lot of imagination to try to explain and make sense of its very diverse stories and characters. Not only that, I also think that imagination is what gave every mythological story its own creatures with their own distinctive features. Second is architecture itself, as it is the major I want to pursue in the future. And lastly juxtaposition, I personally think that mythology and architecture are somewhat the opposite of each other. As said before, imagination is a significant aspect in mythology, while architecture mostly uses something that is proven, scientific, and tested (apart from the design aspect) for it to work. Therefore, I would think that the “origin” of both themes is something that is contrasting, juxtaposition. Another juxtaposition that can be seen between Mythology and Architecture is how people see them now. Currently, Architecture is very often admired by people, always being developed and improved as time progresses. Mythology, however, is something that most people have forgotten about. Artifacts and mementos of Mythology are neglected and collecting dust in sheds. I will show this juxtaposition through the arrangement in my exhibition.

In the theme of mythology, grasping the concept of chosen mythology and reinterpreting it in my own way is the most difficult part. Statements in mythology are usually very specific and yet vague at the same time. For example the myth of the hydra. One explanation specifically says that hydra only has nine heads, another one says that it has many heads where two more heads will grow if one got cut off. Even though I am able to depict the creature however I like, I still feel that it is an obligation to make the creature to be accurate as how the myth describes it. As a result, the mythological artworks I made were intentionally given a sense of mysteriousness where I only show a little part of the myth and let the viewer fill the grey zone with their own imagination. The mysterious aspect can be seen most in the “Heads of The Hydra” where I only show three heads, and “The Kraken” where I only show the tentacles. On the other hand, the theme of architecture acts as a solution to the challenge related to my art style. In order to prevent a monotonous feeling towards the viewer by the artworks, I wanted to use the style of both cartoon and realism in my artworks. However, my art style is very cartoon-like and it is hard for me to draw in realism just from my mind. Real-life architecture reference can be obtained easily, which is another reason why I chose that theme. Various artists from the baroque period such as Diego Velazquez have also inspired and helped me to paint realism with oil paint, which I found out to be a suitable media for realism.

As said previously, the display and placement of my artworks is my way of showing juxtaposition. In order to amplify the feeling of juxtaposition, I put the artworks in a compact way. Really close to one another but not to the point where it is mixed or combined, with the intention of showing the “split” in the two themes. That being said, there will be two sections for my arrangements, the mythology and architecture section. The artworks that are more mythology-heavy will be displayed in some kind of a closed environment, some kind of locker. The purpose of me doing this is also to make the viewer as if they are looking at their shed, and accidentally found something that they once loved. Nostalgia. Unity and balance will be my priority for arranging the mythology artworks. For the Architecture-heavy artworks, the display will be surrounded by technologies, lights, and bright atmosphere. This will support the sense that architecture is something that is always being admired and focused on. Therefore, emphasis will be the priority for the arrangement.

Asura

Mixed Media

Asura, a being that is constantly searching for power and battling with the devas. Here, Asura has acquired the power of its enemies. Symbolized by their iconic weapons that the Asura is holding in its hands, which are the maces and the lotus flower. In its constant search for power, some people consider him as the devil, which is why the background surrounding him is a barren land and a red sky. Drawn from the bottom angle, signifying that this being is always looking down on everyone.

Greek Cabin

Oil on Canvas

The background of an old cabin in the middle of a meadow, makes it more compatible with the theme “mythology”. Seen from the perspective of a person that still holds to their traditional and mythological culture, which is believing in the greek gods and each of their power, otherwise known as Hellenic polytheists. Displaying the symbols of gods to be prayed upon. The rose represents Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, and the hammer represents Hephaestus, the god of fire and smithing.

Perspectives - Insiders

Oil on Canvas

The art is one of a pair of artworks exploring “perspectives”. As the title suggests, the painting shows the view of insiders, referring to one when seeing their own household. Even though random objects are scattered around the room, it still gives a feeling of comfort and familiarity to the viewers. The angle from which the room is taken from also shows almost all parts of the room. Showing that with this perspective, we recognize every shape and form of the room.

Ceramics

Shown are three of the heads of the hydra, a serpentine water monster that originated from Greek Mythology, emerging from the lake where it resides. The different angles and expressions of each head shows a different personality of each head, also signifies that the sculpture is meant to show a living Hydra, not for decoration purposes. The aspect that was meant to give the sculpture life, and the circle formation help to create the sculpture to look intimidating when seen from any direction.

The Kraken

Ceramics

The Kraken is known by the whole world for its feral and aggressive behavior, and the whereabouts of the Kraken is still a mystery. That was the main idea of this sculpture. The tentacles are the only thing that can be seen from the Kraken’s body. The majority of the sculpture is not even the Kraken itself, but can be felt that the artwork is using the creature as its “focal point”. Showing both the mysterious and aggressive aspects of the Kraken, without actually showing the creature itself.