Grids & Intarsia, solo exhibition.Introducing a brand new series of oil works together with some of unseen earlier paintings, the artist continues to examine the influence of subjective perception and its communicative function in modern abstract painting.
Grids & Intarsia is painter Om Mee Ai’s first solo exhibition.
Introducing a brand new series of oil works together with some of unseen earlier paintings – Mee Ai continues to examine the influence of subjective perception and its communicative function in modern abstract painting.
In these works, she recalls a technique called intarsia for creating a complex tri-dimensionality in the paintings. Intarsia (or inlaid) refers to a form of woodworking, where cutting and fitting together numerous pieces of wood to create pictures. This traditional technique has been applied to both decorative crafts and fine arts since early human history, reaching the peak of its splendor during the Renaissance period in Italy.
Her laborious process shares similarity of the ancient technique. As special emphasis is paid on the strength of transparencies and colour hues, a careful and patient execution of the work is crucial both technically and conceptually.
She believes that the way we perceive the artwork depending on the interaction between our inner experiences and external physical factors like light, reflection, and time etc. “Painting is painting, but when you decide to hang it on your wall it becomes an object of happiness.â€
Grids & Intarsia launches her career as a
Venue : SG Private Banking Gallery,
Alliance Francaise de Singapour, 4th Floor
1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130
(Newton MRT, parking facilities)professional artist.
______
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
My artistic interests lie in the fundamental issues of painting, more specifically; colors, texture and perception. The painting envelopes an interesting mixed of tradition and the modernity within. I employed oil paint using a technique that produces a lacquered effect. The gloss finishing is the result of the numerous layers of glazing and the use of a quick-drying oil medium; a technique I call “oil-lacqueringâ€. By investigating the infinite possibilities of oil colour tones, my aim is to stimulate a multiplicity of perceptions and feelings, even whilst working in a monochromatic dimension. The painting draws the viewer's attention back and forth between its surface and colours. I see this process as a visual representation of the traditional Asian concept of relativity and deception of our existence.
The Taoist philosopher Chuang-Tzu once dreamed to be a butterfly, and when he woke, he no longer knew if he was a butterfly dreaming he was a man, or a man who had dreamt he was a butterfly.
The search of modernity in my work, instead, is pursued by the use of grids that give a rigorous, geometrical, and neat overall effect. This is further emphasized by the square dimension of the frame. The grids are obtained with the help of paper tape strips. I want to reflect minimalist concerns in composition that conveys to the viewer a soothing, meditative experience that is persistent in Asian philosophy and spirituality.
______
BIOGRAPHY
OM MEE AI
Born in Korea (1959).
Lives and works in Singapore.
EDUCATION
2003Bachelor of Fine Art (Painting) with High Distinction. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Australia
2002Diploma in Fine Art (Painting) with Distinction. LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, Singapore
_______
Reception : 10 December 2004, Friday at 7pm
Public Viewing : Monday to Saturday, 11am – 7pm; Closed on Sunday.
Admission : Free
For more images and further enquiries, please contact:
Serene Yap (Ms.)
Gallery Manager,
Alliance Francaise de Singapour
Tel : 6833 9314
Fax : 6733 3023
SG Private Banking Gallery,
Alliance Francaise de Singapour
1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130