Lesson 2: Self Portrait Based On An Art Movement.

For our second assignment, we were told to create a self portrait based on any art movement that we like, and write a short essay about it (to help with the presentation.)

This time, I used coffee and tea to paint my self portrait.

Here is the short essay/artist statement I wrote about it:

As soon as the assignment was given out, I had one art movement in mind—Art Nouveau. Few people came to mind as well, Gustav Klimt, Edward Burne-Jones, Aubrey Beardsley, but of course, I had my idea set based on the father of the Art Nouveau movement, Alfons Mucha. Even before I knew what Art Nouveau was, I was already in love with everything about it, and as I matured and researched, I appreciated it even more, not just visually, but psychologically and technically. 

Art Nouveau means New Art, or under some contexts, Youth Art. The birth of Art Nouveau in the late 19th century was quite accidental—and was founded by Alfons Mucha, a poster artist who rose to fame because of his posters he made for Sarah Bernhart, one of the most famous stage performers and actresses during the time. When he was first commissioned, it was actually a last minute request, and who knew that hiring him to design the poster changed the art world forever? Art Nouveau was particularly prominent in the Anglo-Saxon regions, with several other local terms for it, like Jugendstil in Germany, and Secession in Austria. 

Works from the Art Nouveau movement are known for mostly a sepiaesque palette, strong lines, drapery and long flowing fabric and hair, and the beautiful curves of women with a lot of meticulous components relevant to graphic design put into detail. I love how timeless the paintings from that era are, and how women were portrayed in a sense that they were beautiful, regardless of body size, whether they were clothed or not (usually not in a sexual sense, but there was a subdued amount of eroticism, usually subliminally, in some artworks) and the graphic elements such as elegant drapery, flowing hair, flowers and other aspects of nature complimented the women in the photos and it was very empowering. I was also drawn to the fact that despite being heavy in detail, a lot of Art Nouveau paintings were well balanced geometrically and how much thought was put into composition. 

Despite not being fond of drawing self portraits, I drew myself in the style of Art Nouveau artists, because I feel that the message portrayed by many of these paintings is to celebrate and embrace the beauty of every woman. I also integrated elements of what inspires me into my piece so people will grasp an idea of who I am as an artist.

The critique went quite well, and I felt relieved. I learnt that it is important to listen to the lecturer's instruction so as to produce an artwork relevant to the assignment, and to always conduct thorough research when the old masters are involved. However, I was told to step out of the comfort zone and draw something more complex as my drawing was considered 'safe'. I will definitely try harder for the next drawing assignment!

Below are some inspirations from my two favourite Art Nouveau masters of all time.

Slavia 1896 by Alfons Mucha

Lady With Fan by Gustav Klimt

— Hidayah