Look Inside Oneself with Childlike Innocence
by Rita Lee
In 1956, Lawrence Allowey coined the term Pop Art. Since then, a new topic that had never been discussed appeared in the art realm: how does pop culture, which involves symbols and commerce, present itself in artistic expression. Pop refers to the idea of popularity, inexpensiveness, mass-production, humor, and commodification. Many pop artists reveal their artistic ideas through cultural transfer in pop culture. After almost 70 years of evolution, changes brought by pop art can still be seen in contemporary art.
Take Takashi Murakami for example; he combines commerce and Japanese anime to create his own unique art symbols.
The representations of childlike innocence, happiness, and joy in his art are no longer subculture symbols to the public; instead, they convey the values of people in a straightforward manner. Takashi Murakami once said in an interview: “No matter how busy I am with work, I find the time to develop my skills; also, I always remember to keep a smile on my face when I am working so that my works can bring happiness to people.” Takashi Murakami knows that compared with other artists, he has chosen a different path. He also fully understands that he is willing to spend more time making sure other people can see the inspirations and meanings of his art pieces apart from their visual impressions. When pure art is combined with commercial culture, the one thing that stays constant in his art is his original intention of bringing people joy.
Irene Chang’s A New Beginning VIII shows her journey into her inner heart. The work incorporates concrete images and abstract symbols in a pure and personal way to display the meanings of the symbols. The particulars of the natural scenery are absent and the form of the tree is expanded; the tree symbolizes not only life but also right and wrong. The details are manifested in the soft colors coming from the heart. Ideas of pureness are conveyed from a lenient perspective. The tree does not represent a specific tree species. All trees have the same growing pattern—they all go from germination to death. Despite their various forms, they reveal a sense of completeness in their life cycle.
Replacing leaves and fruit with abstract symbols, Irene uses her gentle feminine perspective to illustrate the nourishment of life. Just like the universe caring for everyone, it is a kind of trust filled with love and freedom. This complete tree can be a tree of life or a tree of good and evil; either way, the land will permit its growth and provide it with nourishment. Where does the door next to the tree lead to? There is not a real answer to this question. Just like the end and the beginning of life are both crossing of some boundaries; the door thus symbolizes two sides. Whether entering good or evil, it is not something we can see on the spot. The process of judgement is like a lake mirroring one’s life experience. When Takashi Murakami started creating art based on subculture, he was also questioned by many: is this counted as art? Though everyone evaluates everything based on their own values, many things cannot be evaluated through one person’s values but can only be examined through time and the traces of history.
The light in the sky does not also represent the moon or the sun; instead, it is a glowing celestial object in the vast milky way. Everyone might believe in different things; yet, the only shared belief among us all is the pursuit of light. For Irene, that is a hope of life. For her, art is to continue creating and expressing herself; the purpose of creating is to “share.” Sharing everything can let others see and understand the wonderfulness of life, which is the idea she tries to convey. Living is a joyful thing. Moving forward towards the bright side of one’s inner heart means that there will be a better tomorrow. When the moment of judgement comes, one can continue to spread warmth and love like the refraction of light in the painting.
Takashi Murakami once mentioned “honesty” in art. Isn’t making art all about expressing one’s authenticity? An artist must honestly express their feelings, ideas, and passions. The inner voice cannot be replaced by craftsmanship. The colors of this painting are soft and warm like in a children’s fairytale. Chang said: “Life can be dealt with using a genuine and childlike mind.” Why not explore this world like a child as the universe tolerates all right and wrong and reflects our very true selves?
Photos by Irene Chang Studio
