| The entry of a selected artist from the database |
Database Entry
To reach the Artist Page for the artist shown below, click on the artist's name or thumbnail image |
Kumiko S. McKee
 | Biography: Kumiko McKee was born in Japan and has been living in the United States since 1994. She has a BFA degree in painting from the University in the U.S. She opened her art studio and online gallery in 2003.
The image above is called "Power on the Earth I" and is the first in the new series of paintings. Here the artist focuses on more current themes including political issues and impressions on the world today. Currently, she is also working on two additional series called "KOTO" and "Time on the Earth". The KOTO gallery contains The Tale of Genji, Noh Mask, and Gion, which are paintings based on Japanese culture. The Time on the Earth gallery contains paintings that combine figures and elements of the earth.
Statement of "Power on the Earth I"
The American flag (as well as flags from other countries) evoke powerful emotions. I was somewhat uncomfortable using such strong imagery, and since it contains connotations of power, negative impressions are also conveyed. It is a bit difficult to see from the image on the web site, but when you inspect the background of the figure closer, you can see a tree, which extends upwards towards the American flag. As it gets closer to the flag, the branches on the tree turn barren almost as if the tree has rotted and died. The tree branches can be seen through the flag, which gives the appearance that the flag has developed vericose veins or cracks, as it has grown old and decrepit. What was once apparently strong and vital has grown fragile. Or perhaps this is the transition from the success of industrialization to our post-modern culture. Is this the future of those that hold power? The green bushy tree contrasts with the dead tree, and symbolizes the transition from life to death. The young, strong person in front brims with confidence at the success of his labor, not realizing that his power is withering away. Many newspaper articles on power and corruption are embedded into the surface and can be seen showing through cracks in the flag and background.
I am not American, but I have been living in the U.S. for over 10 years now. When traveling outside of the U.S., one can obtain news through the media, which is not readily presented in the mainstream media in the U.S. It is a chance to hear news from a different angle or point of view—some good and others bad. These days, there are many negative things that are whispered in the world about the U.S., a lot ... to see complete biography, click on artists name Country: USA Media: oil Style: symbolic Subjects: people, portraits and characters |
|
|