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‘When artworks communicate multiple layers of meaning, the collective impact is greater than the individual components or elements’
Synergy is the interaction of two or more component parts or elements so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Layers of meaning are incorporated to make synergy visible in artworks. In this essay, artists and one of their portrait artworks will be viewed to find a greater understanding through the deconstruction of the separate symbols that create a narrative or dialogue about the artist’s life and or other circumstances. Multiple layers of meaning are communicated as a collective, whole piece, the individual components or elements will be researched to grasp a better interpretation of the synergy used by each artist. Portraits by Kirsty Bruce, Mike Parr and Din Q Le will be analysed to gain knowledge of synergy and the impact of their particular works.
Sydney artist Mike Parr uses a strong cathartic presence throughout his works which is a direct result of his independent work strategies. His portrait ‘Injury – before and after’ is a piece evolved from the idea of identity and self-expression. The basis of frustration for this piece came from a personal experience. Parr broke his collarbone losing all use of his drawing hand, this started as an emotional experience for him which eventually resulted in him learning to use his other hand. This journey of self-discovery later developed in to an instinctive drawing style that made it capable for him to draw using both his hands simultaneously. Parr explains “This helped me realise that my hands are merely tools for my mind” (Newcastle Art Gallery. 2010). ‘Injury- before and after’ expresses an unsettling pain through the face of a man before and after an injury. The drawing is conflicted in the fact the pain before the injury looks more troublesome than the pain after, suggesting the audience contemplates the troubles in their own life.
Synergy is the interaction of two or more component parts or elements so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Layers of meaning are incorporated to make synergy visible in artworks. In this essay, artists and one of their portrait artworks will be viewed to find a greater understanding through the deconstruction of the separate symbols that create a narrative or dialogue about the artist’s life and or other circumstances. Multiple layers of meaning are communicated as a collective, whole piece, the individual components or elements will be researched to grasp a better interpretation of the synergy used by each artist. Portraits by Kirsty Bruce, Mike Parr and Din Q Le will be analysed to gain knowledge of synergy and the impact of their particular works.
Sydney artist Mike Parr uses a strong cathartic presence throughout his works which is a direct result of his independent work strategies. His portrait ‘Injury – before and after’ is a piece evolved from the idea of identity and self-expression. The basis of frustration for this piece came from a personal experience. Parr broke his collarbone losing all use of his drawing hand, this started as an emotional experience for him which eventually resulted in him learning to use his other hand. This journey of self-discovery later developed in to an instinctive drawing style that made it capable for him to draw using both his hands simultaneously. Parr explains “This helped me realise that my hands are merely tools for my mind” (Newcastle Art Gallery. 2010). ‘Injury- before and after’ expresses an unsettling pain through the face of a man before and after an injury. The drawing is conflicted in the fact the pain before the injury looks more troublesome than the pain after, suggesting the audience contemplates the troubles in their own life.