Tania Arik Extra Credit: "Life Lessons" from the Brooklyn Museum

Suzuki Harunobu, Courtesan Standing on a Veranda,
circa 1767

Suzuki Haranobu from Japan was born during the Edo period; that being the period in which most of his work was done. From class lectures, his art comes off as very big. Although it may seem that way, the museum visit has taught me otherwise. As well as the fact that his work is done on color woodblock. Which is achieved through the dedication of time and detail. Another intriguing aspect of the "Courtesan Standing on a Veranda,"is the woman in it. In the back of the woman are the shadows of musicians, which indicate that the woman has left the party. To be alone. The purpose of this artwork was to reveal the misery that overwhelms people who value and become attached to "worldly things."

Zhang Jian-Jun, Water Fire, 1992

Similarly, Jian-Jun's Water and Fire piece tells a story, as well as a lesson to the audience. His work is meant to reveal the different substances of life, such as the yin and yang. In Chinese philosophy, water and fire are part of the major elements, together forming the "wu xing." Representing a life-force also known as "qi." In Jian-Jun's two circles, the black one was set on fire and he painted the lower one to resemble water, which looks wet even after it dries. Showing us that although two things may look as if they do not fit together, they all come together to make what is known as "life."

Kang Seok Young, Untitled, 1992

In this untitled word, Korean ceramicists decide to once again, use porcelain. He uses many techniques to shape it differently and makes the material appear in a very white matter. He begins by pouring the liquid into a mold. Before the material dries up, he takes it and bends it to change its shape. His work is displayed next to other porcelain pieces. They are put next to each other to emphasize the fact that they are all made from the same material. Yet, one appears to be much more recognizable to us, as they resemble pieces that we have seen in-class lectures. This adds to the uniqueness of the object. Shall I say this is another life story? In which, humans come in different shapes and sizes. Yet are all made of the same "material."