Allie
Haught
April
2, 2014
Professor
Bomboy
HUM
101
Non-Western Art Critique
Pieces of Non-Western art have a
style and a uniqueness all of their own depending on the area that they are
from. Ancient Chinese art is no different. All of the elements that were specific
to Chinese art and Buddhist culture are found in “Wooded Mountains at Dusk” (“Timeline”).
This is a hanging scroll from China that was created in 1666 during the Qing
Dynasty (“Timeline”). It is definitely authentic because it is inscribed by the
artist, Kuncan, himself (“Timeline”). There is also a backstory behind the
artwork. Kuncan, a Buddhist, was inspired while visiting Mount Huang to begin
painting landscapes (“Timeline”). Not only is the artist’s personal story
verification of the authenticity of the scroll, but it is also designed in the
common style of Chinese artwork. The different elements and principles of
design play very well to bring life and meaning to the piece. The point of the
scroll is also easily discovered simply by looking at it. “Wooded Mountains at
Dusk” provoked very distinct feelings for me personally. I believe that the
artist did a wonderful job of conveying his message through this painting.
“Wooded Mountains at Dusk” is a
hanging paper scroll that is painted with ink and color (“Timeline”). It
depicts a landscape when the sun is setting. There are also two humans found in
the painting; one is found traveling up the mountain, and the other is found
meditating under a stone bridge (“Timeline”). The different elements of design
are used perfectly to enhance the work of art. The lines are definitive, yet
shapely. The solid black lines are there to set the different elements (trees,
mountains, et cetera) apart from each other so that it does not blend together
into a mass. Although there are solid outlines, the lines also curve to make a
natural-looking shape to the different things in the painting. The colors
found, although a bit dull, are black, gray, green, and brown. These different
colors are used to enhance the natural features of the different parts while
still keeping the outline there. For example, the green of the tree leaves and
the brown of the trunks adds the actual color that is found in nature, but the
black outlines of each help to maintain the curves and shapeliness. The texture
in this painting is very present. The artist was known for using a “densely
textured style” of a master before him (“Timeline”). The texture becomes more
misty and fog-like as the distance is perceived to increase, which is very
realistic. Other features, like the mountains and leaves, have a life-like
texture similar to what is found in nature. Texture is the main element in the
painting in my opinion. The value in the painting is also very rich. The color
gets lighter with the things in the background and darker with the things that
are clearly seen in the foreground. This also plays in to the form. The painting
has a three-dimensional effect. The things in the foreground are dark and more
defined, while the mountains “behind” them are perceived as further away
because of the light color and misty texture. The space helps to make the
artwork appear as a “journey” (“Timeline”). Even though the painting has depth,
it is still has unity. These elements lay the groundwork for the principles of
design to add even more to the piece.
The principles of design use those different
elements to enhance the art further. There is a contrast of the different
textures that helps to set the elements apart and to make it appear as though
things are further or closer away. The emphasis of the painting is not on one
single thing. It even has a poem accompanying it that “describe[s] a physical,
as well as spiritual, journey through mountains and over waters” (“Timeline”).
The rhythm of the hanging scroll flows from shape to shape. It draws focus to
the different trees in the foreground and to the shapes of the mountains behind
them. The proportion helps to show the importance of nature in their culture.
The humans in the painting are miniscule and hard to notice compared to the
massive size of the mountains and trees that are depicted. There is repetition
in the textures and objects (since they all look realistic) that helps to join
the painting together. There is unity in the painting with how everything flows
together and gets the message across. It is clear that the meaning of this
painting is to provoke thought and to show how important the natural world is.
The function of “Wooded Mountains at
Dusk” is to exhibit the Buddhist belief that nature is key and that there is a
journey to a higher place. It accomplishes both of these things. Nature is what
the physical portrayal of the artwork is. Trees, mountains, and leaves are all
painted. It is a beautiful landscape captured as the sun is setting. The minute
size of the men in the picture shows that nature is greater than man. The
foreground-background style of the scroll is meant to have the eye travel upwards,
much like how, in life, the Buddhists believe that there is a higher being that
is greater than Earth. This would also be true if the painting was viewed
upwards to downwards, symbolizing that the higher being is more important than
Earth. It is meant to make a person reflect. Hanging scrolls were used as
decoration and a way to express the Buddhist belief through art. “Wooded
Mountains at Dusk” definitely made me reflect.
This
painting invoked many strong feelings within me. First, it made me reflect on
how truly breathtaking scenes in nature can be. It is easy to overlook these
things in everyday life, but a beautiful depiction like this shows that nature is
genuinely striking. It also brought a peaceful feeling to me. It is easy to get
lost in all that is illustrated in this painting both literally and mentally. I
love how the different textures kept me enthralled in the artwork. The depth
helped to keep my eyes moving and fixated on the piece, as well. I admire how
the outlines show that everything is clearly defined, but there is still a
oneness that is actually found in nature. The organic shapes help to show the
realism in the painting. The intricate details, like the two men who are found with
difficulty, make it even more stimulating and thought-provoking. Overall, I
think that the artist did a wonderful job of expressing his beliefs in this
landscape painting.
Kuncan
did a remarkable job of creating a piece of art that is so simple yet so
thought-provoking. The Buddhist style is shown in this artwork, and it is
enhanced by the elements and principles of design that were used. It has more
of a mental function that a practical one, but this was common with the
Buddhists. Personally, “Wooded Mountains at Dusk” made me feel peaceful and
deep in thought. I think that it is a great interpretation of the Buddhist
culture through painting, and it was very well executed.
Works Cited
"Heilbrunn Timeline of Art
History." The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Metropolitan
Museum of Art, 2013. Web. 02 Apr. 2014.
Kuncan. Wooded Mountains at Dusk.
1666. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The Metropolitan Museum
of Art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2014.
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