Minds On
Let’s get started!
Meet artist Bahk Seon-Ghi
Bahk Seon-Ghi is an artist from South Korea. Explore the following images and descriptions about artwork created by Bahk Seon-Ghi.
Portfolio
Track your progress
While you explore the artwork of Bahk Seon-Ghi, consider the following questions for each piece:
- What do you notice about the materials in the artist’s sculptures/sculptural installations?
- What do you notice about the forms presented in the artist’s work?
- What do you notice about the shape and/or colour scheme used?
Record your thoughts in your art journal or using any method of your choice.
An Aggregate Drop by Bahk Seon-Ghi, 2009
This exhibit is 4 suspended black sculptures of various circular shapes. 2 are in the shape of a raindrop, one is a circle and one is oval-shaped. Materials: charcoal and nylon threads.
Examine how the arrangement of the charcoal pieces creates a silhouette to create the illusion of birds flying.
Silhouette
A silhouette is the outline and shape of a person, animal, object or scene created from single colour. Silhouettes are often created using dark colours and are presented against a lighter background. Silhouettes do not contain any interior details.
An Aggregation by Bahk Seon-Ghi, 2013
This exhibit includes a bowl on the ground and a series of small charcoal pieces suspended in a formation that appears funnel like with some of the pieces spreading out from the top of the funnel.
Bahk Seon-Ghi has created various items, including tables, circles and picture frames, from which some pieces of charcoal seem to escape.
Bahk Seon-Ghi has been interested in charcoal as a medium since he became an artist. He uses charcoal to demonstrate the cycle of life.
Notice the use of repetition with the placement of the charcoal pieces.
Repetition
A principle of design. The repeated use of similar elements and effects in an art piece. The repeated use of an element creates unity in an artwork. Repetition may give attention to one idea. Repetition can create a feeling of harmonious relationship. Repeating one element can also make a pattern, or create a rhythmic movement of the audience’s attention. For example, a repeated pattern of similar brushstrokes can lead the audience’s attention through the artwork.
Relationship by Bahk Seon-Ghi, 2012
In this exhibit, charcoal pieces are used to create two square tables, one smaller than the other. The larger table has a vase of yellow flowers in the centre. Materials: Charcoal, nylon threads
Emphasis
Special attention or importance given to one part or element in an artwork. Emphasis is used to direct the audience’s attention to the emphasized element first. Emphasis can be created using design elements such as contrast, colour, size, position and repetition. For example, a shape can be emphasized by making it the largest.
In the following installation piece, Bahk Seon-Ghi creates emphasis by adding a few pieces of charcoal to the top and middle of the sculpture and concentrating the rest at the bottom of the sculpture. This draws the audience’s attention down to focus on the flower pot.
An Aggregate 11-07 by Bahk Seon-Ghi, 2011
An exhibit in a gallery of a charcoal sculpture in the shape of a flower pot hanging from the ceiling, with a small dead tree in the pot. A few pieces of charcoal are floating around the tree.
Press ‘Bahk Seon-Ghi’ to learn more about the artist and his choice of materials.
Bahk Seon-Ghi creates sculptures from pieces of charcoal suspended from nylon filaments, everyday objects or simple geometric shapes based on sketches made.
Action
Get ready, get set…
Explore the following video to learn more about the artist Bahk Seon-Ghi, his choice of materials and insights into his work.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
- What message do you think Bahk Seon-Ghi wants to convey in his art?
- What design elements does Seon-Ghi use to represent his ideas?
Press ‘Hint’ to access ideas that inspired Bahk Seon-Ghi.
Consider how Bahk Seon-Ghi was inspired by nature and humanity; exploring topics such as the past, present, and future. He is also interested in materials that are natural resources, especially charcoal. A lot of his artwork emphasizes recognizable shapes.
How has the artist’s surrounding environment inspired him to create sculptures?
Press ‘Hint’ to consider Bahk Seon-Ghi’s choices of material.
Bahk Seon-Ghi used materials that were inspired by nature and humanity. He used materials that were found in nature, especially charcoal.
Sculpture
Sculpture is work of art in three dimensions (3D): height, width, and depth.
It is the technique of creating three-dimensional forms or figures by carving, cutting, hewing, casting, moulding, welding, or assembling materials. Materials may include clay, found objects, papier mâché, plaster bandages, plasticine, wire, and wood.
Some types of sculpture include found-object sculpture and free-standing sculpture.
- Found-object sculpture. A type of sculpture made of materials and objects found in the environment. The materials and objects are reorganized and reassembled into a new form with or without surface decoration.
- Free-standing sculpture. A self-supporting three-dimensional form surrounded by space and designed to be viewed from all.
Public art comes in many types, including graffiti, sculptures, statues and even decorations around a city.
There are two main types of public artwork depending on the type of art and purpose: temporary and permanent artwork. Temporary artwork is lasting for only a limited period of time. Permanent artwork is lasting or intending to last unchanged for an indefinite period of time.
Sculptures can also be either temporary or permanent. Sculptures can use a variety of materials, including found objects which could be recycled or found in nature.
Go!
Explore the following examples of a variety of sculptures. Record your thoughts in your art journal or using any method of your choice.
Consider the following image of Eroded Landscape by artist Tony Cragg. What do you notice about the materials used? What do you think the artist is trying to communicate with this sculpture?
Eroded Landscape by Tony Cragg, 1991
The following image of the sculpture Cloud Gate in Chicago, Illinois, which is considered to be one of world’s largest outdoor permanent art installations.
Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor, also known as "The Bean"
Consider the following sculpture from British artist Andy Goldsworthy. What stands out to you in the following sculpture? What do you notice about the choice of materials used?
Foggy Sun Breaking Through Just as I Finished by Andy Goldsworthy, 1987
This sculpture was created using found materials. This is a block of snow that has been molded into a rectangular shape. In the centre a hole has been created from ice. This ice hole has been covered in small sticks that have been arranged in patterns.
Choosing your own theme of sculpture materials
In the following task, you will be creating either a personalized 3-dimensional (3D) or 2-dimensional (2D) sculpture using household materials, found objects, or items found in nature or a description of a plan of what you would like to create and which materials you would like to use. You can create a digital or paper copy of your plan and label the various materials you would like to use.
Three-dimensional art (3D art)
Three-dimensional art is created to occupy space defined through the dimensions of height, width, and depth. Sculpture, installation, and performance art are a few examples of three-dimensional art.
Two-dimensional art (2D art)
Two-dimensional art (2D art)–Two-dimensional art is created as a flat object and includes length and width but no depth. Paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs are a few examples of two-dimensional art.
Brainstorm
Use materials creatively
What are some everyday items that could be repurposed to create a sculpture?
Consider the wide variety of materials you could use that you already have access to.
Press ‘Examples’ to brainstorm some possible everyday objects that can be used for your sculpture.
Some examples may include: objects of varying sizes, magazines, newspapers, recycled paper, packaging, construction paper, cards, photos, toys, puzzle pieces etc.
Think of objects that are common and that may hold a special meaning for you. If possible, share your ideas with a partner.
Planning your own temporary sculpture
It’s time to plan your own sculpture! The first step is to choose what kinds of materials you might use. Consider the diverse materials you brainstormed in the previous section.
Press the following tab to access possible materials for your temporary sculpture.
Once you have decided your method and materials, it’s time to create a plan for your temporary sculpture.
You may use the fillable organizer below to record your ideas, or another method of your choice.
Complete the My Temporary Sculpture activity in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
|
Type of sculpture |
Possible themes for your sculpture |
|---|---|
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access My Temporary Sculpture.
Consolidation
Putting it all together
It’s time to create your temporary sculpture. Select one of the three tasks and get started!
Student Success
Exploring digital creation options
When you are considering digital creation options, explore the variety of digital applications available!
Safety
Before you begin, consider these safety precautions:
Materials Needed
Materials needed
Possible materials:
- building toys (building blocks, blocks)
- arts and craft supplies
- coloured chalk
- buttons
- string
- yarn or paper for the outline
Press the following tabs to check out a variety of methods to create your art. Choose one of the following options to try out!
You may also create an audio clip or a description of a plan using any method of your choice of what you would like to create and which materials you would like to use. You may create a digital or paper copy of your plan and label the various materials you would like to use.
You may also choose to create a digital version of your sculpture.
- Access a digital drawing application you have on your computer.
- Decide what your silhouette shape is going to be. You could use a found image for inspiration.
- Digitally trace around your silhouette.
- Digitally fill in your silhouette with a range of shapes. Carefully emphasize your silhouette by choosing shapes that fit inside of your shape. Repeat your diverse shapes until your silhouette is completely filled up!
Complete each of the following steps to make your art!
Step 1: Create an outline for the shape of your sculpture. (Options: draw on paper or use string/yarn to create the shape of your outline).
Step 2: Gather materials and/or objects for your sculpture.
Step 3: Organize the objects inside your outline. Think about organizing items based on size, shape, or colour or all.
Step 4: Finalize the arrangement of your sculpture so that you are satisfied with the outcome.
Step 5: Capture your creativity. If possible, take a photo of your sculpture or share it with a partner, so you have a memory of your sculpting experience. Please return the objects to where you found them.
Portfolio
Track your progress
Consider adding your art to your portfolio. You may also consider saving your responses to the following questions in your portfolio.
Respond to the following questions using a method of your choice.
- What did you learn from the work of Bahk Seon-Ghi?
- What was the inspiration for your sculpture? Did you consider nature as a source of inspiration?
- How did you overcome any challenges that they may have encountered?
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel...
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.