Light can’t be physically touched. We can see light through objects in between. Light comes from the sources like the sun. It takes around 8.3 minutes to shine on the earth. Light is the origin of lives. It makes things subsist.
When it shines on an object, a shadow thus follows inevitably, as white exists, so does black, as bad exists, so does good. Light can be a metaphor for hope. When it is dark, merely a little bit of light can create hope and make lives go on.
In the prehistorical time, humans relied on the sun, up until they can create fire. When time went on, the evolution went ahead. Science has been playing a big role, giving humans various inventions, including the invention of light without relying on the sun.
Speaking of the history of art which has been around for a long time, 'light' has always been within. Light is one of the main factors that has been staying with the changes of expressions in art in all ages.
Initially it might just be a tool to help us see objects, up until it has become the main aspect in every age of international art. The expression of light in works of art might be the original factor of going across ages, whether it shines from the sky to express the status of God upon the darkness or focuses on the symbolical brightness of humanity.
Up until these days, light is not only in one colour anymore.
The modern world has lead us to see light in various colours and dimensions.
Some of the artworks in Silpakorn University Art Collections use 'light' to as the center of narratives. Several other works create atmospheres through various types of light.
Light and Shadow No.4 (1979) by Preecha ThaothongArt Centre Silpakorn University
Light illustrates calmness and conviction as shown in Preecha Thaothong’s works since 1967. He used light as the central element to create painting and emphasizes the sharp angles of architectural design.
The light hit these angles, exhibiting stillness and peace. In addition, the artist specifically chose the corners of the churches and temples to set up the atmosphere of respective faiths.
The light appearing in his work created depths and shadows—the elements which form a realistic condition and partially deform it at the same time.
To audiences, however, even though the light across each object affects their moods and thoughts, the work itself was not aimed at storytelling at all. In fact, the light was interestingly used to create the state of intuition through inspection.
Life in a Boat No.7 (1977) by Phong SengkingArt Centre Silpakorn University
Light enables a simple, peaceful way of life to be seen, as in 'Life on a Boat No. 7', tempera on canvas by Pong Sengking. The technique showcases cool-toned colors and gloomy light while nothing is specially excluded with artistic emphasis.
Although a black cat is mainly composed in the picture as if it is the only thing starring back at audiences, the key feature of this artwork is the existence of things that may not be present. It clearly signifies that there are many other lives on the same boat.
With the use of simple and dimmed light, the work shows how time passes along with the lives of those who are simply trying to make a living. In other words, living a conscious life in is the truest way to live.
Still Life No.1 (1980) by Asanee ChooarunArt Centre Silpakorn University
Light also captures our attention and draws us to the beauty of an object. Undeniably, light is not merely featured to allow things to be visible. However, a clear visibility through targeted lighting enables us to see beyond what the eyes perceive.
In Asanee Chooarun’s work titled 'Still Life No.1', the mezzotint—the technique which sheds visible light by replacing shadows to create a clear image—portrays the object in a simple way yet uniquely distinguishes the work from others.
Therefore, such physical connection between the model and the artwork directly and naturally lights the object, channeling stillness necessary to see the uniqueness of simple things surrounding it.
Seated Man (1974) by Chakrabhand PosayakritArt Centre Silpakorn University
Light leads to a land of wonder and mystery as Chakrabhand Posayakrit has portrayed in the work title 'Seated Man'.
It is centered around a topless man who is sitting on a field alone where light only hits his face and the background, creating an atmosphere of an imaginary world in which the man wonders where he is and who is there with him.
Posayakit used light to form the mysterious and surreal air as if in a dream. At the same time, the light brings that world in to the real world as it is in between realism and surrealism. It interestingly leads to the condition of ambiguity.
Light used in these works shows the effort into understanding nature which inspired multiple imitations as well as expression of feelings, stillness, peace, and a pathway to the artists’ imagination.
Luminous : an Art Exhibition
Curated by Kritsada Duchsadeevanich
Organized by the Art Centre Silpakorn University On view from 4 to 27 June 2018 at the Art Centre Silpakorn University.
The exhibition is curated from Silpakorn Art Collections that belongs to Silpakorn University. They are award-winning works from the National Exhibition of Art and Exhibition of Contemporary Art by Young Artists that are under the care and management of the Art Centre Silpakorn University. The curated exhibition of these art collections are held under specific thematic concepts of art, which focuses on educational purpose and aim to motivate the learning and understanding of art development in Thailand.
ART CENTRE SILPAKORN UNIVERSITY
31 Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borommaharatchawang, Phra Nakorn, BKK 10200
http://www.art-centre.su.ac.th