Astrid Pepper Davis
Newtown High School of Performing Arts
SANCTUARY: A PERSONAL EXPLORATION THROUGH JAPANESE ARCHITECTURE
Designed Objects
Balsa Wood, Linen, Wax Paper, Modelling Foliage, Polymer Clay, Watercolour, Paper, Digital Art
Japanese culture and my love for design and architecture inspired this body of work, with both the concept and the rigorous process of creation providing their own therapeutic haven. Using digital art and watercolours, I produced a series of studies of traditional Japanese shopfronts, the outward-facing, vibrant facades expressing how we present in our everyday lives. I juxtaposed these studies with the exploration of the raw, intricate models, which represent the personal, intimate inner world and the refuge that this culture has provided me.
My artmaking practice has been influenced by the study and interpretation of the following artists: Mateusz Urbanowicz, Hanabira工房 YouTube channel, Richard Leplastrier.
Marker's Commentary
The series of small-scale architectural facades creates a sense of precision with intricate designs and vibrant colours, drawing the audience in for an intimate investigation. The use of watercolour and digital techniques further enhances the visual appeal of these facades, creating a fusion of traditional and contemporary artistic practices.
The Japanese motifs incorporated into the facades serve as an invitation to explore the rich cultural heritage of Japan. They provide a glimpse into a world of serenity and calmness, where traditional architectural forms harmonize with nature. The deliberate curved mounting of the watercolours evokes the aesthetic of scrolls, echoing the artistic traditions of Japan. The small sculptural architectural forms are presented on simple plinths, reflecting the minimalist and utilitarian principles often found in traditional Japanese design. The absence of human presence within the depicted spaces contributes to a sense of quiet and calmness.
While the artworks present a serene and composed environment, they contrast with the reality of modern Japan of a fast-paced and ever-changing society, where technological constantly push the boundaries. The deliberate choice to foreground raw materials in the construction of the sculptural forms aligns with a connection to nature and a sense of order and respect, counterbalancing the rapid pace of the outside world. The small and humble spaces depicted in these facades evoke the fragile and highly refined nature of traditional Japanese architecture. The reduced colour palette, focusing on natural woods and cloth, imbues these structures with a humble yet refined exploration of intimate and personal spaces. Such spaces are reminiscent of tatami-mat floors where people remove their footwear and engage in activities such as sleeping, sitting, and eating.
These meticulously designed and carefully considered small-scale architectural facades offer a glimpse into a world where tradition and tranquillity coexist, while also inviting contemplation on the dynamic nature of modern Japan.