Saturday, September 24, 2011

Happy World - Ik-Joong Kang (2008)

Mixed media on wood, 485 x 485cm

Detail from Happy World by Ik-Joon Kang
Detail from Happy World by Ik-Joon Kang
Detail from Happy World by Ik-Joon Kang
Detail from Happy World by Ik-Joon Kang

Happy World: 48 x 48 pieces of 3" x 3" glazed wooden tiles with either paint on them or objects stuck to it. The objects included toys like "beyblades", rubber ducks, yo-yos, guns and trucks. There were also pieces of mirrors, calculators, baseballs, can openers, spoons and even an old Canon camera. I liked the Canon camera, particularly. It was the only camera stuck onto the wooden tiles.

The artwork was named "Happy World". I thought that every day objects stuck onto the tiles looked interesting and fun. Toys, utensils, things that we would use everyday. Happy World shows everyday and simple objects. Most of them were toys that we or the previous generation tend to play when we were young. Hence, these objects give the artwork a happy feeling, making us remebmber the happy times during our childhood.

The artwork is filled with colours, yet, they are not clashing. Therefore, it does not spoil the artwork. Also, this artwork probably wants to tell us that simplicity can also bring happiness to one, and that we should be contented but not be greedy instead.

I really liked how Kang placed all the colourful objects together, without letting the colours clash and making the artwork look messy. I was awed as I knew it would take much patience and effort to stick every object onto the tiles or paint them. I was amazed by the number of tiles stuck on the wall, forming a huge piece of artwork on the wall, made by small ones.

I like this work as I think it brings happy memories to everyone who sees it, including myself.

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