Mikhail Nesterov

Mikhail Vasilyevich Nesterov was born into the family of a merchant on May 1862  in Urals, Russia. He studied in a technical collegein Moscow where he caught the attention of artist and inspector k. Trutovsky, an artist and inspector of the Moscow school of Art, which was an important turning point in his life. In 1876 on the recommendation of K. Trutovsky he entered the Moscow School of Painting and Sculpture. In 1881 he entered the St Petersburg Academy of Art and participated in the Itinerants’ Society of Traveling Exhibitions, which is also the society that organized the traveling exhibitions through all of Russia. He first worked on works that showcased everyday lives. This was due to the influence of the movement f modern style He then later got interested in religious themes and his works showcased religious pictures. Being a strong Russia to live and experience their unique way of life in order to observe and live the life of those who lived there so to correctly depict them in his works. His works tend to mask truth in a more literal way so to show a sense of spirituality and mysticism. He died on 18 October 1942

Starbucks

What a lovely Sunday afternoon. So quiet and peaceful, its so nice to go out and enjoy a dark mocha frappe and watch the world go by. Actually no, I'm at starbucks to complete my project with my group mates. Recently homework has been invading my simple life stealing away every bit of free time it has left. The life of an art student is not easy but i guess I like what i am doing right now so i am somehow motivated. The road to success always begin with solitude over a period of testing and practice,which is to prepare for the things that are about to happen. Uncover the importance of the passion within us to drive our purpose, thus giving us an unchanging direction we can relate to. Only in that way can one achieve their utmost goal they so desire

Architecture

Throughout the ages architecture has been evolving together with the changing cultures and its people. the early forms of architecture expressed itself in a more natural way, with its inspiration from the settings of nature.giving it its decorative and majestic characteristic. This can be seen in styles such as the Baroque and the Rococo. On the contrary, Neoclassicism in architecture, which was on the rise showcases the revival of ancient European architecture from the Roman empire and that of Greece. Neoclassic architecture are built on a much larger and grander scale to showcase the grandeur of the nation or empire so to promote nationalist and patriotic ideals. With that came the birth of Romanticism in architecture. Romantic architecture reflected more on simple ideals of the common man, which was against the aristocratic order, with their baroque and rococo styled architecture. With that, romantic styled architecture reflect the lifestyle, extreme emotion and passion, which was also aspects in nationalistic ideals. As time passed there cane the arrival of contemporary architecture , otherwise known as modern architecture. This style showcases simplistic designs of outrageous scale and propotion, and also a change in building material which includes glass and steel, different from the traditional materials like granite. One should always notice forms of art like this around us as they would tell the story of changing human ideals and intervention.

Surrealism

One of my favourite styles in art is surrealism. Appealing as it is, works of surrealism harbours deep meanings and ideology only the subconscious minds can understand. Great artists such as Salvador dali, Magritte and Vladimir Kush have inspired entire generations of artists into the movement of surrealism. I enjoy viewing or just having the presence of such paintings around me. i like the vast landscape or concealed places of misplaced objects in unworldly existance some of these paintings depict, as it would send me into deep thought. There would be times where i actually wished i could visit the surreal world, maybe just for a few days, to feel what it would be like to be there.In my opinion, surreal art is is the visual explanation to questions in our earthly existance, concealed in a way that only the wary can decode. 

MADE IN SINGAPORE - THREE QUARTERS OF A CENTURY

One of the works in the NAFA graduation exhibition has caught my attention was the work of Lim Soo Ngee, which showcases a surprisingly outstanding statue of a common man in singlet and underwear. The most distinctive factor that caught most of my attention even just seconds after I laid my eyes on the work was that despite being dressed so plainly and exposed he is made to stand out emitting a sense of authority and supremacy considering his body and arm posture, and the fact that he his standing on higher ground. Portrayed almost like a dictator or a fatherly figure of high authority. But still his face keep a calm and gentle expression. the long walk on the platform to inspect the figure also conjures up several thoughts. I noticed the change in mood when I stepped onto the platform, as though you have entered a certain zone or territory, creating a sense of respect and reverence. as you walk closer and closer towards the figure you will start to realize the height of the figure, suggesting a sense of inferiority of yourself towards the figure. First thoughts were criticism towards the figure as though it is not his position to be there. Then comes the subtle thoughts of instead, his inferiority, dressed like the common man with no hint of supremacy whatsoever. Then comes the part where I noticed wings behind his back, which was ironically hidden away, despite its glory. Having seen the wings, my perception changed completely and after the second analysis the conclusion was that this work was an exact representation of a good leader. Wings, are the representation of wisdom and divinity. the platform he is standing on is high yet small, and only with wings can he reach this higher ground. The title of this work is: Hey you Watch up, or in chinese:嗨!小心点一.Notice the difference. in the English title the message is more like 'pay attention to me' whereas in the chinese title it is more 'hey, be careful'. People often criticize the good leaders and people who begin the lonely ascend to the top to lead, only noticing the supremacy and position, which always stands out first, and instead failing to see the more important factors like selflessness (portrayed in the work by the revealing common clothes) and that expression which the ignorant often perceive as pride and arrogance. all this view points shall be changed when you actually spend time and analyse the big picture, (small platform and the wings) think about it, he hasn't got much space on that microscopic platform he is standing on. Good leaders only wish for the best for his people, smiling upon them as though they are their own children. Try to notice the wings on the people which appear in your life. He who seeks truth shall be freed by it.