Chelsea Cheang
Cherrybrook Technology High School
THE MORE THE MERRIER?
Painting
Acrylic on canvas
My body of work is a series of four paintings that addresses concerns about population density across the world and in Asian countries such as Hong Kong in particular. I used murky colours to express the negative consequences of population growth, such as increased pollution and waste. The figures are colourful to create an ironic contrast, representing humanity's negligence in adapting to population growth through high-rise, congested living spaces. This juxtaposition aligns with my title, questioning if 'the more' really is 'the merrier'. My intent was to engage viewers and prompt them to consider the consequences of overpopulation.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, Juan Genovés.
Marker's Commentary
The More the Merrier? comprises four large scale paintings utilising mixed media and modelling compound, demonstrating a high level of assuredness and painterly skill. A thoughtful and sophisticated mix of monochrome and colour is well refined through the repetition and contrast used to accentuate detail and form. Conceptually the body of work knowingly portrays overpopulation in the city of Hong Kong from traditional and contemporary perspectives, following the rich influence of change, shaping her family origins. An engaging sense of movement is created through the repetition of forms and motifs with the colourful abstraction of the human forms. The student has established their own sensitive and unique rendering technique using engaging compositions and variation of scale and viewpoints. Furthermore, the sustained series confidently reflects cultural change and everyday lifestyle, which are highly considered, cohesive and conceptually meaningful.