Ready-made products are the byproduct of mass production, a method that aims for minimal production costs and maximum profit, inherently with its own limits. Consider this: an object designed for use by as many people as possible must eventually lose its individuality. It needs to exhibit consistent features, remain basic, and above all, be ordinary. Contrarily, I believe art embodies the exact opposite. I posit that art cannot be ordinary. While an artist's message can be universal, I believe a true artist ought to maintain an interest in areas overlooked by others, coupled with a solitary mind that's sharp as a needle.
By learning and understanding the production process of paint, I have gained the ability to freely manipulate the characteristics of the paint. The result is an object optimised precisely for my purpose. This explanation simplifies why I create oil paint, PIGMENT BAR, a process that may, in certain ways, mirror my approach to painting.
In my view, painters continually create and decide on colours, deviating readily and frequently from a set palette, a practice that's common. However, altering oils, textures, and viscosities, incorporating fluorescent colours, and understanding and applying modern, highly developed pigments used in the industry represent a separate approach. Picture a professional football player crafting his own football boots. For this scenario, let's assume he fabricates them professionally. This represents a case where the user becomes the creator, an intriguing concept, isn't it? To provide another analogy, let's consider wine. If the world offered only 64 types of wine, imagine how mundane our lives would be?
I hold a deep affection for oil paintings. Water can't suspend as much pigment as oil, leading to a dilution of colours. This forms one of the simplest chemical reasons why oil painting persists today. While I don't insist that every contemporary artist should paint in oils like their predecessors, this fascinating medium boasts a unique and lengthy history. If I were to utilise oil colour today, I'd strive to evolve that history in my own distinctive way. Moreover, should I encounter someone who shares my love for oil painting, I'd undoubtedly encourage them to produce their own paints.
The Significance of Developing Personalized Painting Materials in Contemporary Art
In the current landscape of the art world, it is customary to rely on mass-produced materials; however, the decision to create and utilize a bespoke painting medium represents a notable divergence from this norm. With the introduction of Pigment Bar, an inventive oil stick, artist Jaeyeol Han reevaluates conventional artistic methodologies while delving into the intricate, historical, and philosophical aspects of crafting his own paint.
Pigment Bar signifies a revival of the time-honored tradition of artists creating their materials, harkening back to prehistoric painters grinding pigments and Old Masters meticulously mixing their colors. Han's participation in the development of this medium underlines his commitment to artistic authenticity and individuality, fostering a sense of continuity with previous generations of artists.
As a modern painter, Han's decision to conceive his own Pigment Bar medium exemplifies his dedication to artistic quality. By eschewing additives and extenders common in commercial paint production, Han guarantees the purity and longevity of his Pigment Bars, notwithstanding the elevated production costs. This unwavering quest for quality highlights the artist's passion for his work and his readiness to invest time and resources in the pursuit of excellence.
Furthermore, the distinctive composition of Pigment Bar, with its supple, lipstick-like texture, offers a range of versatile and expressive applications. This imaginative medium enables Han to draw or paint directly on a surface, eliminating the need for brushes, palettes, or solvents, and promoting a more immediate and tactile connection with his artwork. As a result, the art produced surpasses traditional painting constraints, as Pigment Bar encourages a sculptural approach, permitting the artist to crush, layer, and even melt the medium.
The nonconformist color palette provided by Pigment Bar, which diverges from typical oil colors, accentuates Han's unique artistic inclinations. By integrating unexpected shades such as fluorescent yellow and pink, Han defies the limitations imposed by commercial paint production and adopts a personalized, ingenious approach to color.
Beyond its artistic ramifications, Pigment Bar exemplifies a commitment to environmental sustainability and personal well-being. By reducing chemical odors, Han's invention facilitates a more pleasant experience, particularly in smaller spaces, and accommodates oil painting without the necessity for brushes or oils that may generate waste.
In conclusion, Jaeyeol Han's Pigment Bar encapsulates the fundamental principles of what it means to be a contemporary artist who creates and utilizes their own paints. By challenging conventions, establishing connections with artistic traditions, and pursuing innovation and quality, Han illustrates the substantial influence a painter can have when directly involved in the development of their medium. The conception and application of Pigment Bar serve as a testament to artistic authenticity, individuality, and the enduring drive to expand the boundaries of painting in the contemporary era.
