My final project titled ‘Gemini,’ I delve deeply into the complex and multifaceted theme of human nature. I believe that human nature cannot be entirely inclined towards either goodness or evil; each person harbors both of these conflicting yet interdependent aspects within their heart. This understanding of the multifaceted nature of humanity was profoundly inspired by the works of Francis Bacon. His paintings powerfully convey the force of human nature, making me realize that the coexistence of good and evil is a core element of humanity.
My creative process began with experimental plant element printing, an initial attempt to compare the complexity of the natural world with the multifaceted nature of humanity. In the first three pieces, I explored this element, integrating the beauty and inherent symbolism of nature into my artwork. In the subsequent three pieces, I depicted figures that symbolize two contrasting spirits residing in one body. The benevolent aspect was represented by an angel, while the malevolent aspect took the form of a demon. This concrete depiction of good and evil was inspired by William Blake’s ‘The Good and Evil Angels.’ In my work, flowers play a significant role. I extensively used plant elements and flowers, attempting to combine the beauty of nature with the complexity of human nature. Each plant in nature has its unique life process and symbolic meaning. These plants not only add beauty to my work but also deepen the understanding of its theme. Each flower conveys profound emotions and symbolism. For example, the rose, commonly associated with love, thus represents beautiful love. The lily symbolizes purity and goodness, while the red spider lily represents death and the darker aspects. These flowers not only beautify my work but also enhance the expression of the theme of good and evil.
My creative inspiration also comes from interpersonal interactions in daily life. Everyone has a different attitude towards others, reflecting the complexity of human nature. Our friendliness towards familiar people and our caution towards strangers, even our attitudes towards people we dislike, reveal the true face of the interwoven good and evil in human nature. In my work, the ugly image of the demon symbolizes those released negative emotions and extreme behaviors, while the beauty of the angel reflects the goodness and purity in humanity. Through my work, I hope the audience can feel this complexity of human nature, understanding that everyone possesses their own good and evil, these elements together form our complex and unique personality. The power of human nature lies not only in its goodness or evil but in the coexistence and interaction of these two aspects.
I attempt to explore the deeper meaning of human nature. Human nature is a complex and profound theme, encompassing not only good and evil but also a wide range of human emotions and behaviors. In my artistic practice, I found that Francis Bacon’s works have a profound impact on me. His paintings reveal the complexity and diversity of human nature, which inspired my in-depth thinking about the multifaceted nature of humanity.
To better express the multifaceted nature of humanity, I chose to juxtapose elements of goodness and evil in my work. I believe that good and evil are not black and white but interwoven. This view is reflected in my creation: I combined the images of angels and demons, symbolizing the coexistence of good and evil in human nature. Here, the angel represents purity and goodness, while the demon symbolizes the dark side and the parts of humanity not accepted by society. This visual contrast not only enhances the expressiveness of the work but also prompts the audience to ponder the true essence of human nature.
In my creative process, I pay special attention to the treatment of details and the use of color. I try to use color contrasts to enhance the visual impact of good and evil. For example, I used bright and warm tones for the angel, while dark tones for the demon. This use of color not only enhances the visual effect but also makes the theme of the work more vivid.
My creative inspiration comes not only from artists and the natural world but also from my daily life and personal experiences. I have observed that people show different faces in different situations. In familiar environments, people often show a more relaxed and authentic side, while in unfamiliar environments, they may show caution and defense. This diversity and complexity of human nature deeply inspired me and became an important part of my artistic creation.
Finally, I believe my work is an artistic expression of my understanding of human nature, as well as an exploration of my personal growth and self-awareness. In the process of creation, I continuously challenge myself, exploring new artistic forms and techniques. This not only allowed me to understand more deeply the complexity of human nature but also gave me a deeper understanding and insight into art. I hope my work can inspire the audience’s thinking, allowing them to have a deeper understanding and recognition of human nature. ‘Gemini’ is the result of my deep exploration of human nature. I hope that through my work, the audience can feel the complexity and depth of human nature, understanding that each person is composed of a variety of emotions and behaviors. Just like Francis Bacon’s works, I hope my art can provoke deep thought in the audience, prompting them to have their understanding and insights into human nature.”
SHUWEN 