Form And Metaphor

As one of the most important substances for human in nature,water has always taken a critical position even in human cultures.Water is essential for human beings;therefore,in any culture across the world,water is one of the most crucial images,and it is a concept derived from ontological experience.As a result,the image of "water" appears frequently in books of various cultures and has developed a rich variety of representations,while containing complex metaphors.Of course,painting is no exception.David Hockney and Fang Lijun are both important representatives in Chinese and Western contemporary arts.More coincidentally,in their respective artistic careers,their depiction of "water" renders a very personal styles and depths.Now the "water" in the works of these two artists is discussed together for the following reason: in "Live Like a Wild Dog" by Fang Lijun,he mentioned that when preparing for the "Water Series",he had observed paintings by David Hockney.And he also compared the reason why he wanted to paint water with that of David Hockney--Unlike Hockney,he couldn’t allow water to have boundaries.This study will carry out further research by referencing Fang Lijun’s comparative awareness of "water" as shown in David Hockney’s works.This paper is divided into five chapters.The first chapter is for introduction,which describes the research significance of this paper,the current situation of research and development at home and abroad,and the development background.The second chapter will analyze the forms of "water" as shown in the works of the two artists;and the two artists will be compared and studies with time periods as the context and with main themes as the aspect.The third chapter will comb and analyze the metaphors of "water" in the works of the two artists,so as to further explore the individual meaning of the two artists’ works to themselves,as well as the deeper social significance.The fourth chapter will make a conclusive comparison of the "water" in the works of the two artists.The last part,i.e.,the fifth chapter,is to sort out the previous creation methodology and conception,and then integrate theories as well as the artists’ thoughts and feelings into my own creation.The depiction of "water" has been constantly emerging in painting easels.By comparing the "water" in the works of the two artists,an effect of "generation" in my own creation will be delivered.Through this paper,the author hopes to inspire my own creation practice and re-examine the special ways for artists to metaphorize their own life experience in forms.