Jina Wallwork

The Art of Lourents Oybur

2012-02-09T11:00:00.000Z

'Alien' by Lourents Oybur

Complexity and elegance is a feature of Oybur's work. The alien is a soft and smooth sculptural form. Every abstracted muscle is shaded to beautiful effect. The use of white creates highlights, that bring the piece to life. It is the white within the forground that holds the figure as the focal point. It captures the joy, within complex abstracted shapes.

'I Am On My Way' by Lourents Oybur

'I Am On My Way' reveals Oybur's complex visual language. It is almost like vieweing a persons individual dreamscape. It can't fully be understood by anyone other than the artist. The title reveals that the man on the steps is Oybur. Placed in the foreground of the image, he is given little prominance. The location highlights his small scale as he contemplates the next step. This painting speaks to me of fear. This is also highlighted by the spider rushing towards the viewer. The spider reminds me of both, fear and the creation of traps. The women appears out of reach, with elements of a bird her wings are outstretched. The piece reveals Oybur's vulnerability. I wonder if the piece speaks to me because I share the same vulnerabilies. I can relate to the common story and emotion within the work.

The composition and design of each piece is amazing. Beautifully structured the images have depth, interest and complexity. I want to explore all the symbolism as I roam through Oybur's wonderful inner world.

To view more of the art of Lourents Oybur visit: http://lourentsoybur.com/

Day 20

2012-02-07T16:04:00.001Z

'Day 20' by Jina Wallwork

This day reveals a snapshot of the world around me. I can sit amongst the flowers and admire their beauty. As I look back through a string of many days, I know that I have seen those flowers open up. I have seen the world change around me but it has happened so gradually I can only see this in hindsight. It is not only nature that has changed. The world has grown in culture and knowledge. Each day must have contained amazing people, each delivering their gift to the world. I am in awe of everything our species has achieved. We have made mistakes, perhaps they are merely aspects of our journey. Without failure there can be no success. They are both part of the same process. As human beings I can see all our shared growth within the world around us. It is magnificent and this is only what I can see, on this single day. It is a snapshot of all that we are capable of achieving. I am thankful to be a part of such an amazing species.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here

A Twist of Elephant Skin

2012-02-05T16:50:00.000Z

'A Twist of Elephant Skin' by Jina Wallwork

I will open my heart time and time again. With every word of love, I add a twist of elephant skin. I know the consequences and pain that can be inflicted, when I share the love that I feel. I'd like to say that I am prepared for any reaction but it is never true. My skin has grown thick and difficult to penetrate but my heart is always vulnerable. I know what love is; I know that my heart cannot be protected. It is designed to break, so I can learn how much love I am capable of giving. A large heart is always prone to pain and suffering. When broken into pieces it can love through a small section. We can choose to love through a single beat, rather than risk a heart that is whole. To love through a single piece would be so much easier. However, if my heart is incomplete then so am I. Lessened by my inability to give myself completely, I would be a fraction of who I am now.

I look at my heart and it is still whole despite its experiences of attempted mutilation. My heart is strong and I have no desire for it to change. It can experience pain and suffering but I will not allow it to break. I like the person who I am, when my heart is whole. I feel proud that I will not compromise my feelings and risk hurting another. My heart will not break and it will not change. I am whole and that is important. I believe that it is a good aim in life, to be the best that you can be. It is something that allows space for all of your strengths and weaknesses. I would measure success, by how much love I am capable of giving. I don't see how it could be understood in any other way. Everything is pushed into insignificance, when it comes against the importance of love. You need to ask how much love you are capable of giving, because the answer will reveal how much love you can be. Sometimes we need others to break our hearts so we can have an excuse for not risking a heart that is whole and complete. In reality other people cannot break your heart. They cannot shatter the core of your being; your heart is a part of you. It can only be broken from within.

I no longer wish to play this game, where my heart is attacked and then I allow it to break in order to minimize the pain. Give me all that you have, every cruel word and thoughtless act. I will not change who I am. Aim for my heart and attempt to break it because you do not have that power. I may cry and become filled with sorrow. At times the pain may feel all consuming. I will allow myself to experience it, without it changing who I am.

'A Twist of Elephant Skin' (detail) by Jina Wallwork

Day 19

2012-02-03T15:14:00.000Z

'Day 19' by Jina Wallwork

I can see the sun travel across the sky. Its light reveals the golden beauty within each moment. I do not wish for this day to end. It contains so many wonderful moments; I hope my eyes are capable of perceiving their greatness before they pass. This day does not contain a major event, to feed my excitement. This day is filled with a collection of tiny joys, an array of simple pleasures. There is nothing different within the events of today. I perceive them differently because I feel content. I look within my heart and I discover a new appreciation of all that surrounds me. I feel as though I am blessed, and because of this I view the world as a blessing.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here

Napoleon Bonaparte by Jacques-Louis David

2012-01-30T11:18:00.000Z

'Bonaparte Crossing the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass' by Jacques-Louis David

It is a bold image, that bestows strength and power upon the subject. It shows a dynamic posture, which is enhanced by the flow of the cape. This is because the cape is completely parallel to the position of the horse. The composition contains three strong diagonal structures, the cape, the horse and the land. This enhances the height and posture of Bonaparte and is completed by his gesture that points upward. This image is a complete portrayal of power and victory. His men can be seen in the distance, they are small but not insignificant. Placed at the feet of the horse, this perspective enhances the power of Bonaparte by giving him the status of a giant.

'Bonaparte Crossing the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass' (detail) by Jacques-Louis David

Both the eyes of Napoleon Bonaparte and the horse stare directly at the viewer. The expression on his face shows will and determination. This is then enhanced by the color red within the cloak, which we tend to associate with aggression. The influence of the color red is so strong that it can affect our judgment. it has been shown that referees, tend to subconsciously favor athletes who wear red. The video below explains.

click here to view the video on Youtube

'Bonaparte Crossing the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass' by Jacques-Louis David is an image of power and victory. If you wish to look at the image further on Google Art Project click here.

Day 18

2012-01-25T16:44:00.000Z

'Day 18' by Jina Wallwork

I can feel the glow of a new day. It is not only the presence of the beautiful morning sun; I can also feel a new day dawning within myself. I can feel the change and it will be unseen in the outer world. This is a moment where I feel as though I am returning to myself. As my troubles depart I now understand, why it was necessary to experience those lessons. My understanding has expanded and I feel changed by the knowledge I have gained. I can feel this dawn and it only presented itself to me, once I had realized the true importance of the lessons I had faced. To smile with gratitude and know, that you are a wiser person because of all that you have overcome. As I remember my past difficulties as the perfect guides, I thank them and I know that I stand before a new beginning.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here

The Oak by Isaac Levitan

2012-01-23T11:39:00.000Z

'The Oak' by Isaac Levitan

I often wonder why any artist, would tire of painting trees. They are a dream to paint. The trunk is a solid structure full of interesting compositional elements. The solid form exists in contrast to the clouds of leaves that scatter around the image. Trees are wonderfully aesthetically balanced, even before an artist picks up the brush. 'The Oak' by Isaac Levitan is a beautiful example of the natural beauty of the tree. A realistic image that captures everything we find beautiful. The black shadows on the tree enhance its solid structure, and is in sharp contrast to all the other shadows within the piece. Every other shadow is created through shades of green, not black. This gives the tree trunk, a strong central focus. The composition of the piece is basic, it could be viewed as a disrupted Y shape, because the tree is the key structure of the composition. This is still a complex image and its simplicity becomes lost. The paintings complexity is created through the high levels of detail. The composition does not require further complexity or the piece would lose all balance. It is stunning, filled with a level high contrast between light and shade. It creates the view of a warm summers day, where we could sit beneath the oak tree as time passes by.

Note: Around the web I have found different spellings of this artists name 'Isaac'. I think this is mainly due to translation errors. The original Russian according to Wikipedia is Исаак Ильич Левитан

Papergirl Brisbane

2012-01-21T19:50:00.000Z

'The Swimmer' by Jina Wallwork

'The Swimmer' by Jina Wallwork will be included in the 'Papergirl Brisbane' exhibition and action.The Papergirl concept originated in Berlin. It consists of an exhibition and then the work is distributed through U.S. style papergirls and paperboys.

3rd February 2012
'Papergirl Brisbane' at White Canvas Gallery, http://www.whitecanvas.tv/gallery/
http://www.papergirlbne.com/ 26 Church Street, Fortitude Valley, QLD 4006, Australia.

Divided

2012-01-17T15:06:00.000Z

'Divided' by Jina Wallwork

As you try to divide your character I attempt to see your complete nature. There are traits that you hide away. They do not see the light of day, as they are banished to the night. You have divided your personality in order to please others. You presume their requirements and behave accordingly. It makes me uncomfortable; I feel as though I interact with only a piece of you. I want to know who you really are. Do you have days where you dance around the house because you know that you cannot be seen? Do you have bad days where you kick equipment that does not work, or cry because the day has been overwhelming? I do not wish to see pretense and camouflage. There is no need to divide yourself into the pieces the world can see and what you desire to hide away. You are not under attack; you do not need to hide amongst the leaves.

There are times, when the space is available just to be who you are. Do not worry about my perception, it is broad and forgiving. Let go of the need to perform and just enjoy being you. Cease to place demands upon yourself. There is no need to divide your personality to fit every requirement. I'm sure that the different facets of your character are required,within a million different situations. I can see the needs of others being placed above your own. Stop, the person you require within this moment is amazing and that individual is you. Spend time with the complete you because you will be amazed of how special you are. This is what solitude asks of you. Solitude will observe the conversation you have with yourself. It will smile as it unfolds, and the energy of solitude will enjoy your process of self discovery. Spend time in solitude because you will discover your true voice within the silence.

Within the Belly of a Fish

2012-01-16T20:22:00.000Z

'Within the Belly of a Fish' by Jina Wallwork

I am surrounded by flesh and bones. I imagine the outside world, yet I am consumed by fear. To escape would be a wonderful thing. To cut through the surrounding flesh and discover a new world. To stretch open the mouth of a fish and climb out of this prison. I sharpen my blade with every thought, and as I plan my escape I try to ignore my reflection within the waters. I imagine becoming a butterfly or a form that would allow me to walk upon the grass. I dream of many things, when I wake I know that I am trapped within the body of a fish.

I am a fish. Travelling through shallow waters, imaging what life would be if I did not think, feel and behave like a fish. For the moment, I have lost the joy of being who I am. I can see the world through the ripples of the water and it distorts my perception. The life of a butterfly looks so much easier than my own. Being a fish isn't easy. Perhaps I need to swim to the depths of who I am and discover what is special within the life that belongs to me. I need to rediscover the magic of being a fish. There are experiences that are only open to a fish. They consist of a range of joy and sorrow. If I accept who I am, maybe I will discover those experiences that bring me happiness and accept those that bring me sorrow. When times are hard I think it would be easier to be something other than a fish.

…. I am within the belly of a butterfly. Oh, to be a fish and swim through the ocean. Life must be so much easier and carefree.

The Art of John Roddam Spencer Stanhope

2012-01-16T09:30:00.000Z

'Love and the Maiden' by John Roddam Spencer Stanhope

Such a beautiful image. The angel is framed by roses and the color pink moves diagonally across the image. Pink is a color that contains cultural associations with love. It is true that colors do not always contain the same associations. At a gallery talk on color, it was mentioned that pink used to be perceived as a masculine color, rather than the more feminine association within today's culture. It was perceived as the softer version of the aggressive red that was associated with masculine traits. I still wonder if pink could ever be seen as a color that has no associations with love. For me it seems a difficult association to change but not impossible. Although I have no desire for pink to be unconnected to love. It is paintings like the one above, that cement our understanding of pink as reflection of love. Without that association, perhaps we would be unable to perceive the beautifully romantic aspects of this painting.

The woman's face contains little emotion, love is contained within the cultural references that we have come to understand. As a culture we associate the rose with romantic love. The image talks blatantly within a cultural specific language that we easily understand. The image may not depict passion and raw emotion but it does contain a beauty that is stunning. It is a masterpiece and my eyes would never tire of the view.

Day 17

2012-01-13T15:34:00.000Z

'Day 17' by Jina Wallwork

This day holds life together. It is a point of great significance. You can view the past and see aspects of the future. You cannot travel to any other point in time and perceive your life from another moment. You breathe within this day. Your heart thumps and you know the gift that you posses. This day is the center of what it means to be alive and it belongs to you. It contains unlimited potential. This is not an aspect of a moment; the potential is streaming from you and this day is your vehicle in which to express it. It is your chance to be yourself and nothing else. Who you are within this moment is what is needed in the world. Your true nature is valuable or this day would not require your heart to beat. Life needs your presence and it will not overwhelm you because you will travel through life, one day at a time.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here

St Francis by Giovanni Bellini

2012-01-12T10:30:00.000Z

'Saint Francis in the Desert' by Giovanni Bellini

It is necessary to view this painting in close proximity, in order to see the brushstrokes. It is a delicate image where the natural world is given a soft quality, through the creation of an untextured landscape. It is in-keeping with the subject matter, St Francis living in a spiritual world where nature is kind and beautiful. The expression on his face appears to capture awe. Perhaps a moment of prayer in which he feels amazed by the world around him, and can see god within that world. This soft uniform view of nature is beautifully depicted. There is a high degree of detail through the entire image and it adds greater significance to every leaf. St Francis is only a small aspect of the natural word depicted in the painting. It is a world depicted in a manner that resembles the stories associated with St Francis. The artists style correlates beautifully with the subject matter.

To view this painting close up using Google Art Project click here.

Natural Self

2012-01-09T16:43:00.001Z

'Natural Self' by Jina Wallwork

I can see your natural self and I will never ask you to behave in any other way. I will not ask you to adapt to what society asks of you. How can we accept our strengths and our failings, if we are constantly told we should conform to the requirements of others? We all have limitations. Show me the complete you and I will not divide your character traits into categories of good and bad. It would only be based on my own requirements, when I know that you are all that you need to be. You live and breathe and because of this I know that the world needs you. It does not require compromise. You are one of a kind; it would be a shame for the world to lose your true presence. Reveal your natural self and let me see all that is unique to you alone. I will not pick and choose from your behavior. I will view you as a whole and accept who you are.

Qrt Show at Twin Oaks Gallery

2012-01-09T12:24:00.000Z

The Qrt Show at the Twin Oaks Gallery has just recently come to an end. I was one of the artists participating and was lucky enough to be included in their list of featured artists for the show. The exhibition was a conceptual exhibition of QR codes, each containing artists portfolios. Gallery visitors were invited to scan the codes to view the work, and the gallery provided smart phones for them to do so. It blurred the line between a brick and mortar exhibition and an online gallery. Through a mental lapse I failed to mention this exhibition sooner and I apologize immensely.

8th December 2011 – 7th January 2012

'Qrt show' at Twin Oaks Gallery Art & Frame, http://twinoaksgallery.com/

757 North Twin Oaks Valley Road San Marcos,

CA 92069, United States

'Tree Loop' by Jina Wallwork

'The Core of a Tree' by Jina Wallwork

The Art of Jose Villegas y Codero

2012-01-08T11:51:00.000Z

'A Mystical Apparition' by Jose Villegas y Codero

There is a wonderful contrast between the translucence of the apparition and the substance of the surroundings. The apparition is the focal point yet it is not a completely solid fixture. It is the composition of the image that leads the viewer to focus on the apparition. The stances and the positions of the people frame the focal point. As the viewer we follow the gaze of those within the image. This is something we do in our daily lives, if you look behind a person they will always turn to see what you are looking at. Within this painting this natural instinct is being utilized to control the viewers focus.

The apparition contains aspects of a figure and incorporates references that encourage the viewer to picture the sky. There is a hint of a rainbow and a solid sphere to remind us of the sun. We then connect the figure to the sky and this enhances our perception that it is a transparent intangible figure, even though it is only the surrounding area of the figure that actually contains any transparency.

It is obvious, this is a painting by someone who has never experienced any kind of mystical apparition or vision. Interestingly, this painting is by someone who has complete understanding of the visual perception of others and knows how to use that perception. It is a beautiful image, full of techniques that position the viewer where the artist desires. I always paint from my emotions so this approach feels alien to me. I can see what this artist is doing, and in many ways I feel as though I am watching a magician. It is a different kind of magic, for me art is an act of expression, whereas this image is an act of manipulation in which the viewer is guided to the desired perception. I can see the attempt and I understand how my gaze is being manipulated and still I allow my eyes to be fooled. The image is beautiful and because of this I embrace the deception. The piece is magnificent.

I'm exhibiting with Kiki Smith, Ed Ruscha and John Waters

2012-01-04T17:00:00.004Z

'Direction' by Jina Wallwork

6th January 2012 - 8th January 2012

'Postcards from the Edge' A Visual Aids benefit at
Cheim & Read, http://www.cheimread.com/

http://www.thebody.com/visualaids/index.html
547 West 25th Street New York, NY 10001, United States.

'Direction' by Jina Wallwork is included in this exhibition. The exhibition also includes the work of Jeff Koons, Yoko Ono, John Waters, Donald Baechler, Marilyn Minter, Ed Ruscha, Adam Fuss, Kiki Smith, Louise Fishman, Ross Bleckner, Barry McGee, Mary Heilmann, Louise Lawler and many more excitiing artist. For further information and a full list of exhibitors visit http://www.thebody.com/visualaids/current/postcards2012.html

The event has also been mentioned in The New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/fashion/parties-this-week-in-new-york-the-buzz.html?_r=1

Ed Ruscha

click here to view the video on youtube

John Waters is a visual artist but he also created the original version of 'Hairspray'

click here to view the video on youtube

The Swimmer

2011-12-29T17:15:00.000Z

'The Swimmer' by Jina Wallwork

Faith will often take you to where you need to be, rather than where you choose. It will drag you through sorrow and hardship because it knows that you will grow and learn from the experience. When you feel that you cannot take another step, faith will teach you to swim.

Knot at the Brunswick Street Gallery

2011-12-20T17:01:00.000Z

'Knot' by Jina Wallwork

The image 'Knot' is being exhibited at the Brunswick Street Gallery, as part of a group exhibition.

21st December 2011 - 13th January 2012
'40x40' at Brunswick Street Gallery, http://www.bsgart.com.au/
322 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia.

Day 16

2011-12-17T15:17:00.000Z

'Day 16' by Jina Wallwork

Remnants of the night haunt this day. I woke from a nightmare and now I feel shaken. I begin this day with a moment of fear that heightens my awareness. I have an expectation of danger that is accompanied by an uneasy relief. I am no longer within the nightmare and yet it raises many questions. I search through the symbols it contains and I attempt to understand. It is as though I have allowed the night to extend into the day. The boundary that lies between day and night is not solid. We cannot divide time with abrupt boundaries, as we always carry many things from the past. I feel as though, the nightmare was a scream from a past memory. It is a memory that I must carry forward. We ignore some lessons at our own detriment. We attempt to throw away aspects of the past when they are often valuable teachers. Without an understanding of the past, the future seems random and meaningless. The past allows us to place events in context. It creates an awareness of our life's purpose and meaning. It allows us to understand our own process. Sometimes we cannot let go of an event, until we have defined its purpose and value within our life's story. It doesn't matter how unpleasant the experience was. There was a reason why we traveled through the nightmare. We must remember its content as we approach a new day.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here

Day 15

2011-12-16T14:17:00.000Z

'Day 15' by Jina Wallwork

On this day I will hold my tongue. I will not speak from anger or sorrow. These are transient emotions that will pass in time. Perhaps, tomorrow I will no longer feel this bitter disappointment. Maybe, I will discover a new understanding that will explain the behavior of those who have caused this hurt. I will not speak today as I know it will only lead to future regret. No words will pass these lips because I need to know that my words will not be infused with anger. I will not regret today. It will not burden me as I travel forward. I cannot react to cruelty with anything other than silence. Tomorrow I will locate a space in which I feel the freedom to speak.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here

Day 14

2011-12-14T15:44:00.000Z

'Day 14' by Jina Wallwork

I have experienced many days. As this new born arrives I question how it will perceive this day. I know it will become buried deep within its memory. Forgotten, it is still an event that was experienced. On our first day we connected to the world around us. We must have held a perception of life on the first day we were born. Even if that perception was an emotional understanding of what it means to be alive. As our perception of life alters over the years, our initial understanding seems completely lost. Life must have seemed difficult to understand. I wonder if we made the attempt or we simply trusted our instincts and felt safe.

Maybe, we forget our first day because it is unnecessary to know how we previously understood life. As I search my thoughts, I find it easier to access memories rather than old beliefs or attitudes. Sometimes we are reminded by another and yet we cannot rediscover the perspective. It seems impossible for an adult to perceive life from the viewpoint of a baby. Life means something different to all of us. We do share a common link, we all seem to understand that life is important and valuable. I wonder if a baby feels this is true, on the first day of its adventure.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here

The Art of Law Wai Hin

2011-12-13T10:52:00.001Z

'Birch Grove' by Law Wai Hin

There is elegance within these pieces. They have a soft delicate nature that is balanced by a strong composition and solid structures. In the piece 'Birch Grove' the blue of the river creates a vibrant and solid aspect to the composition. It is bold and dynamic and still my eyes are first guided to rest upon the mountains in the distance. This is because the color does not dominate even though it is striking. The Blue is balanced with the yellow in the foreground and the small use of black on the right hand side, anchors the colors and balances the picture. The picture is also balanced by the combination of vertical and horizontal elements. There is a grid based composition but each line is dynamic and bends to allow for interest, and the diffusion of what is a very structured composition.

The piece 'The Heron' shows a greater degree of subtlety, the dominance of white creates a sense of peace and this is enhanced by the controlled use of color. The nature of the color white, makes it difficult to occupy a dominant position because it enhances every color by its side. White brings other colors to the foreground and yet Law Wai Hin has created a composition that holds them at bay. The structure of the white trees cuts through the bold green demanding the dominant position. The green is a very strong color, he has not attempted to lighten its shade to ease in the creation of the image. He makes structures so bold that the strength of the green is overpowered.

These images are so beautiful and emit a sense of calm and serenity. This is created through the use of color and how the images are balanced. There isn't a hint of aggression or frustration, there is only calm.

'The Heron' by Law Wai Hin

The website of Law Wai Hin: http://lawwaihin.com/

The Vagrants by Frederick Walker

2011-12-11T15:13:00.000Z

'The Vagrants' by Frederick Walker

There are some wonderful small details within this piece. Of particular note is the wonderful brushwork within the twigs. The difference between each piece of wood allows for a series of contrasting brushstrokes. It is a wonderful range of mark making that is located within a small space. The smoke is also captured beautifully, it has the right level of transparency and movement. The range of ability perceivable within this small section is amazing.

'The Vagrants' (detail) by Frederick Walker

You can also view this image on Google Art Project where you can zoom in to all the details click here.

Day 13

2011-12-09T15:06:00.000Z

'Day 13' by Jina Wallwork

Time passes so quickly. There are so many things I wish to do. I keep thinking that I will always have tomorrow. What a magical day tomorrow must be; in my mind it contains every possibility and desire. My vision of tomorrow inspires me, life could be many things. Tomorrow seems far removed from what can actually be accomplished within this moment. As I plan for tomorrow each day brings it closer towards me. Tomorrow is not simply another day. Tomorrow contains endless possibilities, and its perfect companion is the practicalities of today. The tomorrow that exists within my mind could never arrive without the encouragement of my actions today. Strive for greatness and inspire tomorrow to be everything that it can be.

'27 Days' is a series of transient sculptures each representing a day. To find out more about the series click here