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The original art of shadows involves a basic mechanism of using various shapes of figurines behind a screen and a projected light. Based on a specific theme, the puppeteer moves the figurines and narrates a story. The local art of shadow puppetry is believed to have originated since the Han Dynasty (202 B.C - 220 B.C) when people started to appreciate the performing arts. One of the first shadow puppetry performances was in Central Asia - China or India. To date, various rural areas follow the tradition of shadow puppetry during occasions or events. Shadow art is all about the connection between the obvious and the fictional substance through its fleeting impression.
Shadow art involves various forms of representation, such as puppet shows, art installations, photography, etc., depending on the context of the art form.
Shadow Art - Fusion of Art Forms:
All shadow art forms involve a fusion of more than one art form. For instance, if we consider a puppet show, the original art of shadow puppet includes the work of an artist/designer who makes the puppet, a story writer and narrator who are responsible for the theme and story, a set designer who makes sure that the puppets are connected and accessed properly, and finally a technician who takes care of the complete light and angle of how it is projected on the screen. It is believed that shadow puppetry to date has a stronger influence in many parts of China. The history of the local art states that the puppet shows in olden times had a direct connection with Buddhist teachings.
Although shadow puppetry was one way of using shadows, in other parts of the world, artists were using only hands as their elements to create art. Eventually, they started making use of materials that were easily available and assembled them in such a way that, when projected with a ray of light, created something.
Craft Behind the Art:
The act of creating shadow art is described as expressing the author's imaginative or technical skill through the use of visual or auditory elements. Shadow art can be appreciated both in static and dynamic forms. While considering static art involves a specific craft of arranging things and creating art by projecting light on them. The art community has explored a variety of innovations through shadow art.
The act of concealing or covering part of a work evokes curiosity, a desire to explore what we do not yet comprehend. It allows the viewer to not only participate and engage with the work but even imagine what is missing in it and complete it according to their imagination. With its undeniable, yet boundless, formless presence, the shadow opens the door to both horror and pleasure, and it is that connection between the apparent, non-existent substance and its questionable, fleeting impression that defines shadow art.
Evolution of Shadow Art:
Rooting from an early age, shadow art has evolved on its own in various parts of the world. Local art has been practiced in various forms of sharing awareness and thoughts of artists. Contemporary artists showcase their artworks in museums or as art installations in public spaces. Young practitioners who are interested in learning about the craft try playing with light and shadow by participating in small events. Since most of the principles of shadow art are explored through trial and error, artists push their limits in trying various compositions. They’re also trying to express a deeper meaning through a mindful way of illusion and composition.
Contemporary Shadow Artists You Need to Know:
Here is a list of contemporary shadow artists who can give major inspiration to upcoming artists in the art community.
1. Kumi Yamashita: This Japanese artist has contributed a lot to the art community of shadow art. Her works are appreciated majorly for how she uses every single material and conveys a different meaning with the help of light and shadow. She has done several solo exhibitions and group exhibitions of her work in public, which has gained her a lot of fame. Her works to date act as inspiration for many upcoming artists.
2. Fred Eredekens: Fred, being a sculptor and a ceramic artist has experimented a lot with wire metals. He got his first inspiration while working in his studio with a metal string and a ray of light shone on it creating interesting art. His work mainly includes lettering made in copper wires, and he creates art by using light rays on it.
3. Tim Noble and Sue Webster: This power pact couple has been inspiring people with their art since 1997. Their works include depicting silhouettes of human figures mostly themselves or other people through abstract forms. Depending on the theme, they collect discarded materials and assemble them to create shadow art out of it.
4. Diet Wiegman: He is well-known for his precise work of art through assembling materials of glass, plastic, and other kinds of debris. His artworks are a true example of precision and intricately detailed silhouette sculptures.
If you’re someone who would love to try your hands on shadow art, check out this cool AI feature that Google has launched to try shadow art.
Sources:
https://weburbanist.com/2015/03/25/drawing-with-darkness-24-incredible-works-of-shadow-art/
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