Journal 4: Art Critique (Individual)

Liu Kang

Artist and Model

1954

Oil on canvas

84 x 124 cm

Response

When I first saw the painting, the bold use of colours instantly captured my attention. I felt that it was portraying a very pleasant yet simple scene of an artist drawing a sketch of his model. The artwork’s vibrant colours also brought about a sense of peacefulness and calmness I couldn’t really understand.

Description 

Liu Kang’s Artist and Model is a moderately sized oil on canvas painting. The painting features 2 figures, an artist and his model sitting opposite each other. The model is holding a pose, while the artist is sketching a portrait of her. In the foreground, there’s a round table with a tea set and some extra sketching paper. In the background, one can observe lush greenery, mountain and a meandering river, set against a backdrop of light blue sky and white fluffy clouds. The combination of colours used in the foreground is vibrant and warm, whereas the colours in the background are rather cool toned (eg. various shades of blue, green). The subject and objects in the painting appear very 2-dimensional and flat with little texture. White lines are used to outline each element in the painting, distinguishing one from another. The brush strokes also vary with different elements in the painting. For instance, the arms of the artist and model depicted in the painting are painted with more circular strokes, whereas elements such as the mountains and sky have more vertical/horizontal strokes.

Analysis

Liu Kang seems to have deliberately used vivid and solid colours in the painting, instead of using painting techniques such as shading to create a more 3 dimensional look. This may possibly be a tactic employed to encourage the viewer to appreciate the painting as a whole, instead of obsessing over the smaller details. For instance, he meticulously painted a bag behind the artist’s chair and some extra sketching paper in the foreground, yet each individual object and figure is painted simply using solid colours, with less attention paid to the minute details. His elimination of extra details can also be observed in the way the greenery and mountains were painted; they were simplified and raw. Based on the extensive use of various colours, it seems as though Liu Kang had the intention to make use of different colour hues to bring “life” to the painting, rather than through creating textures.

It seems as though Liu Kang’s intention is to evoke a sense of calmness and cheerfulness in observers of this piece. This can be implied by the relaxed facial expressions on both the artist and model’s face, as well as their body language. For instance, the model seems comfortable, resting her hand on one hand, while the other lay across her lap. The cheery atmosphere is brought about by the artist’s simplified method of painting. By removing the “unnecessary” details of each element, the painting gives off a more whimsical, cartoon-like feel. Also, judging by the dressing of the artist and model, it seems like there is some sort of cultural exchange. The artist is donned in a typical western outfit, whereas the model is wearing skirt and hair accessories which are more traditional, possibly from an Asian culture.

Evaluation and Judgement

About the Artwork :
In Artist and Model which shows Chen Wen Hsi sketching a Balinese woman, Liu Kang's dark outlines have become white - an innovation which could have been inspired by batik painting. Painted in 1954, this work may be based on a sketch made during the artists' field trip to Bali two years earlier. Chen is seated, working on a sketching board propped on another rattan chair. This rhythmic repetition of chairs, further echoed by the number and arrangement of tea pot and cups on the round table makes the entire painting delightfully casual and whimsical.

The painting seems to be successful in evoking a cheery and yet, calm mood in the eyes of an observer. However, as I read more into the details of the painting, I feel that the paint also has an underlying meaning of sexism towards the female gender. Perhaps it may not be an intention of the artist, however, it is seemingly implied by the depiction of a female model who is half naked, whilst  a fully-clothed male artist is sketching her. It suggests that females in that time period/society are somewhat objectified by males, and were probably of a lower status when compared to men/foreigners. Building on this train of thought, it feels as though the subject matter of the painting reflects a double-standard towards women and men.