BETWEEN THE LINES

 A GLIMPSE OF THE DARK PAST

   This is a project on my component 2 for A-Level project. Initially, I think of the idea between the lines as a rift. Whether it is geological rift or a metaphoric meaning, the idea that came on my mind was space rift. I developed this project into a more surreal piece through series of experimentations.

A-Level Art-Preparatory works with paper, image transfer, canvas, fire, and bitumen
    

    I found Spatialism by Lucio Fontana where it is the foundation of this project between the lines. At first, I ripped apart papers but instead of using knifes and cutters on a canvas, I revolutionise the concept using bare hands. On the top-left picture, I experimented on paper and ripping it with my bare hands while putting a black paper to indicate the void created; the rift of space through art.

    At the top-right of the image, I tried to apply a compilation of news about Jack the Ripper on a bitumen stained canvas. I chose the issue about Jack to highlight the modern-day murder sprees that are unnoticeably happening in our society and raise awareness on it. I use image transfer technique and ripping only parts of the new to indicate mysteries underlying the case of the infamous Ripper.

    On the bottom-right is the trial of effects of bitumen on the canvas. I use various technique including dripping and splashing it using various concentration of bitumen in order to achieve a vintage, old-like result.

    On the bottom-left of the picture, I tried testing it on a partially gesso unprimed canvas, where I ripped it apart using hands. In addition to that, I burned the sides to imply the symbolic meaning of a diminishing object in relation to the declining awareness of murder in this modern world.

FINAL RESULT

A-Level Art - Final artwork (series), Mixed media on canvas

    Final outcome of the theme 'between the lines'. I made subtle subjects using body parts such as the eyes and mouth to imply the terrors and insanity from Jack and its victims. The news compilations are the signs of our parents warning us of the dangers of the world, but we are still taken astray by the new media and technology.

    

    Like my previous project, I tried to insert various meaning to what people may interpret between the lines is. Some may say that the interpretation itself is the epitome of the phrase between the lines. However, I wanted to show in this work that between the lines is not just about finding the meaning of metaphors hidden, but also the apparent 'lines' that divides our world between the present and the past. Although cases such as this may seem to be dwindling, but who knows whatever happens under the dark side of the world in the advent of technology. The internet, family, and our government itself may holding those 'lines' that prevents us from seeing the glimpse of the dark past.