2022 · Visual arts for IB diploma 1

Artwork 1 - The Raft of the Medusa Still life (drawn in class)

Historical context:
During this art class we worked with different mediums such as charcoal in order to explore
The Raft of the Medusa was produced by Theodore Gericault, a French painter and and develop a still life scenery with the incorporation of this new material to expand our
sculptor at the peak of the Romanticism period. The artwork attempts to illustrate a thought process for future development pieces
national scandal of the dreadful outcome of an actual grounding of a French cruise
ship named Medusa off the coast of Mauritania in 1816 during the French
Revolution.
Process Portfolio
Note taking based on The Raft of the Medusa (evidence)

Historical context:
-French revolution
-Romanticism (focused on emotion)
-Medusa (greek mythology)
-Represents an actual event (Mauritania 1816)

Art Analysis:
-starvation, suffering
-seeking for help
-wave in the background → indicates the worst is yet to come
-coloured clouds → generate a degrade effect illustrating the lack of time left
-midground horizon representing hope and light
-semi-cool color scheme contrasts with lighter shades such as yellow (possible chiaroscuro)
-white flag (freedom and peace)
-mathematical thinking (the golden ratio)
-Man against nature
-captures realistic perspective ( use of warmer colours and personal imagination for the scene)

Personal context:
-leaving people that have helped you to pursue your own path, dreams or career
-people collapsed could represent the people you’ve hurt along the journey / friendships
-mental or physical health issues
Global context:
-Worldwide poverty → lack of resources results in malnutrition, dehydration, etc.
-Colored clouds → representation nowadays of climate change, pollution
-The clouds could also represent the current mental health in society
2022 · Visual arts for IB diploma
Initial Inspiration pieces and artist for development
Raphael: He was an italian artist and architect during the high renaissance
period. He and his contemporaries were known as the great trinity alongside
Da vinci and Michelangelo. As an architect he mainly focused on applying
mathematical principles through his pieces and expressing human nature in
reference to Da vinci's exploration pieces.
Connections between both artist
Alike Raphael, Gericault also
experimented with different
perspectives and mathematical ratios
that allow the organization of elements
in a structural way to find proportion,
balance, unity, rhythm, and emphasis
to achieve a precise and cohesive
outcome.
Further reference to these mathematical
ratios:
The School of Athens (1509-11) with additional Golden ratio - definition
reference lines to demonstrate vanishing point
3
Caravaggio: Italian painter known for his baroque and renaissance inspired
pieces. Throughout his paintings he experimented and applied the technique fully
known as chiaroscuro (strong contrast between light and dark) to portray the
thought and emotion of human nature.
Connections between both artist
Theodore Gericault similar to Caravaggio explored
the ideas and techniques to illustrate human
emotion even though they were not contemporaries.
Furthermore both artworks address a story that
references greek mythology.
Further reference to the greek myths:
Medusa and Poseidon - Myth
Narcissus (1597-99) The punishment of Narcissus
2022 · Visual arts for IB diploma 4

Experimentation:

Replicate of Caravaggio's painting "narcissus" to experiment the different drawing

techniques I'd like to master. Such as shading, chiaroscuro and mathematical ratios.

Observe texture
 Art inspiration and initial ideas
Idea of freedom and liberty
My initial inspiration sketches explore agony and disruption through metaphorical
means. The eye itself represents a humans awareness and prophecy. On the other
hand the trapped persons reflects upon one’s willing to escape reality or certain
situations which are inevitable in life. However with time and experience we
eventually appreciate what we were giving
Final piece outcome 5
Title: Locked away
Dimensions A3 paper (297 x 420 mm)
Medium: Acrylic paint and colored pencils
The final representation of my piece embodies the sufferment of our inner voices trying to break free into
the world and expose our struggles. Similar to The raft of the Medusa the victims of the shipwreck portray a
sense of agony and suffering through emotion. Through the application of techniques such as chiaroscuro
and vanishing point the effects obtained are contrasting. Which generates further depth and emotion into
the piece. Lastly the small writing alongside the eye is our subconscious voices trying to escape reality or
aspects of our live that doesn't satisfy us. These brief phrases applied in my artwork are inspired by
American artist Jean Michel Basquiat in the great majority of his paintings to convey a clear message
across.
 Visual Mind Map - Plotting ideas
What does the structure itself require
to be attractive to customers:
For architects to stand out from their
contemporaries they must explore several
elements which will allow recognition for
themselves and their structure.
Who is the one in charge of controlling a
precise execution of these structures :
The answer is very simple the ones responsible
for the structure we find in most commonly
urban areas or even rural areas are architects.
They are in charge of everything the structure
represents and stands for (morals, identity,
culture, religion)
What inspires an architect ?
Throughout the variation of structures we’ve come across
worldwide we might wonder how an architect designs a
building from scratch. However they truly always base their
pieces on existing factors. For example Foster and Gaudi
obtained inspiration from nature to develop their structures.
Before carrying through my 2nd artwork I
explored what architecture meant and what factors
are relevant when exploring it. That why I’ll attach
below an image of a mind map that allowed a
creative outflow for my development piece
Looking into style:
When talking about architecture we must
understand the different style it can present
itself as. For example Gaudi carried a neo-
classical and Gothic style and on the other
hand Foster explored modernism.
Architectural elements for conclusive
analysis:
When criticizing or analyzing a structure we
must explore a different range of elements
proper to architecture in comparison to the 7
elements provided in artistic pieces.
 I wasn't sure about my exploration and analysis
Inspiration pieces for initial sketch: deduction on my first sketch. For my first development

1st Idea -centre pompidou (Fig 1 - Paris, France)

-guggenheim museum (Fig 2 Bilbao, Spain)
Fig 1 - Centre Pompidou
piece I outlined characteristics that were evident in both
Fosters and Gaudi’s structure. Among them I choose to
take a deeper look into unique shapes and features, the
application of mathematical concepts and lastly the
idea of rhythm and pattern both predominant in the
chosen elaboration pieces.

Final Sketch:

Fig 2 - Guggenheim museum

- Use of identical materials (steel, titanium)

- for durability
-exploration of shape and rhythm
-Similar exterior glass work
-exterior/outdoor staircase

Strengths and weaknesses:

-explores unique shape to develop a structure

-open concept - through the use of windows (allows the entry of light)

-lacks exploration of mathematical concepts however it explores proportion (not

my area of interest or inspiration for the piece)

-patterns are explored in a distinctive manner however it doesn't explore patterns

and rhythm as a united concept which provides a monotonous outcome
 2nd idea
After criticizing my 1st initial sketch I reconsidered my 2 initial architects and outlined relevant characteristics of
each of their structures and applied them onto a digital art piece. However previous to that I came up with 2 other
ideas on methods of developing this piece. The artwork explores the essential idea of protection when surrounded by
nature which was a key element that inspired both my artist. On the other hand I also explore the idea of color and
lack of color which is an element that strictly opposed both my architects. On one behalf Gaudi in Casa Batllo with
Inspiration pieces for sketch
the liberty granted to him he explored different colors and mediums. However on the other hand Foster exposed a
-Morpheus Hotel (Fig 3 - Macau, China) more simplistic yet modern finish to his buildings which provided a tectonic outcome. Lastly I wanted to explore the
-Allianz arena (Fig 4 - Munich, Germany) idea of a tectonic and exoskeleton outcome for my sketch which is another elements that differed both architects.

Final sketch
Methods - How to develop sketch onto final idea

Fig 3 -Morpheus Hotel

Fig 4 -Allianz Arena

- Inspired by natural elements

- explores modern finish

3 idea developments (experimenting with mediums):

- Use of identical materials (steel, titanium) Closeup Idea 1 - CD’s: backfired because I didn't have CD’s at home. However great
-exoskeleton and tectonic exterior medium choice to resemble metal
-explores the lack of color
This inspiration of applying structural beams to the exterior of the structure Idea 2: Aluminium foil - Good choice of medium to
were both influenced by Norman Foster and Zaha Hadid. When developing reflect light however the finishing product looked tacky
Both of these stadiums explore the which was the opposite as to what I wanted
my sketch I wanted to implement this idea of a tectonic exterior. In
idea of natural elements. If you
analyze closely the shape similarity architecture the exoskeleton exterior protects the structure from possible Idea 3: Digital piece - Great choice it allowed me to
resembles a birds nest because of the damage. When associating it with this concept of nature I thought that a explore other methods to develop my artwork by using
constant use of structural beams that possible analysis would be that these beams were placed to represent the idea alternative platforms that will help build my knowledge
are very much alike a nest exterior. of protection and hostility in exterior surroundings. in architectural designs.
 As mentioned previously I decided to develop my final piece in a different platform than I'm used to. For this

Final piece process

piece I chose Autocad a website targeted towards architectural designs which allowed my artwork to look as
authentic as the drawing I had sketched onto my process journal. Throughout the process I took some
screenshots shown from a superior perspective to understand the procedure I had while developing the piece

Exterior of the stadium - exoskeleton structure Interior of the stadium (hidden behind exoskeleton structure)

Step 2 - superior beams (outlined with intersecting lines) Step 1 - Interior beams (seats outline) Step 2 - seats (divisioned through stairs + contrast)
Step 1 - Initial beams (outlined with singular lines)

Step 4 - Final beams (complete 3D dimension to resemble steel beams) Step 3 - secondary beams (accentuate shape further + dimension)
Step 4 - complete 3D dimension exterior (shown from superior Step 3 - accentuating shape further - less contrast
angle - dark contrast)

Throughout the course of 1 week I developed the exterior part of the stadium which its purpose stands for During this past week I completed my design by developing my interior perspective of the
covering the interior structure as mentioned previously . In order to demonstrate this idea of protection. The stadium. Once that was finished I combined both interior and exterior which were developed
constant use of line used along the digital process resembles the complexity of natural elements (referencing as separate structures. Step 4 shows the complete product of the merge of both categories
the birds nest)
 Final outcome
The nest is a digital piece that consists of a stadium
inspired by natural elements. This structure was
constructed in black and white to resemble the lack of
color done by Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster to portray
a tectonic outcome.

Overall I enjoyed my second artwork because I achieved

my initial expectations which I was looking forward to.
Such as a tectonic outlook, exoskeleton structure and most
importantly inspired by nature which was a key element
that inspired both my artist The nest - Digital Piece (Done In Autocad)
 Development ideas - Artwork 3
At first I had the idea to explore dierent ways of portraying
architectural buildings through my chosen material rather than just Clay: Cons
doing a digital piece as I did in my 2nd artwork. I made an outline in - Hardens after a while making it impossible to
which I determined the pros and cons of each material I was willing to Pros: work with after a certain period of time
explore. My final 3 options where foam boards, clay and acrylics. -easy to work with / handle -Dirty
-malleable to your liking - Hard to make a standing structure - similar to
Analysis of the dierent materials: -no need to be precise architectural models
-Requires a lot of time
Foam boards:

Great flexibility and material - for architectural Acrylics :

Cons:
models
Light weight Pros:
-Easy to apply -Dries out fast
Grabs public’s aention - due to distinctive use of
-Easy to work with -Harder to blend out than other
material
-Quick development of new colors forms of painting

Cons:
-eventhough it is flexible - cuts can’t be precise In the following slide I will explaining my experimentation process and
-sensible material : prone to tears what led to me into exploring my next ideas and how I reached my final
-constant polish needed with the help of theme to develop my artwork.
sandpaper
Exploring Materials and themes:
At first I wanted to stick to a nature inspired theme. However I constantly base myself
on natural aspects to develop my pieces. So opposingly I chose to explore manmade
aspects. So I started with the basics and back to the fundamental our hands. Our
hands are used in our day to day lives to construct everything we had from the first
day we were set on earth. This is the fundamental reason as to why the world evolves
and how. Everything we see nowadays was initially constructed by our hands and
everywhere we’ve goen was thanks to our body fundamentally our hand

INITIAL aRTIST iNSPIRATION - DEVELOPMENT At first my teacher

I initially liked the idea
however the material
itself is hard to work with
since it is constantly
cracking. Besides that the
idea is way to broad and
hard to develop an actual
connection to other
artists and further
connect to my overall
exhibition theme
proposed the idea of the
For my initial development piece for artwork 3 I chose the use of foam boards typically
Russian artist leonid afremov which develops an impressionist applied to architectural
style. With dark and heavy brush strokes which is classic from studies.
this type of artistic movement.
I tried cuing through the
This painting itself represents Paris on a rainy day. Showing use of precise measuring
tools however I still didn’t
contrasting colors clash with the use of a warm palee which
enjoy the final outcome
juxtaposes with the idea of evolution and how it links to human because the materials
happiness or interdependence. We usually associate rainy started shredding
with a depressing and sad underlying issue. In this particular
case the painting contrasts the color palee from warm to My teacher then proposed
cool toned colors. the idea to use sandpaper
to polish it. BUt since the
material was to sensitive I
I finally decided to use acrylic paint on canvas to since Im very
chose to explore with my
familiar with the material. In the following slides I will be
3rd option acrylic paint.
experimenting with dierent techniques appropriate to the
Cafe in Rainy Paris
impressionist style. Commonly with the use of heavy
Leonid Afremov
brushstrokes and being good with color mixing and matching. 30"x 40" (75cm x 100cm)
EXPERIMENTING - ACRYLICS Brush strokes :

Most commonly used in the impressionist art movement

Color Mixing:
it is evident that they focused on another technique
based on the strokes done by the brush. Comparing my
The most fundamental thing when trying to
initial inspiration it is clearly shown how these strokes
develop my idea was experimenting and being
allow a more rough outcome however by still precisely
comfortable as well in combining and achieving
portraying the initial mood given by the piece.
the desired colors for my final piece. I solely
focused on color since it plays a pivotal role in
the outcome and overall mood of the piece In the picture I started experimenting with how to
itself. work with harsh brush strokes. Considering I’m trying
to portray the negative outcome of manmade
As seen the right hand side the piece portrays structures Im working with a more depressing color
an overall depressing mood through the use of palee. I initially liked the experimentation. But I
cool toned colors mainly blue and black. This is particular;y chose to do several brush strokes all
why I chose to develop on the dierent colors together ranging from dark blue to light blue to follow
and shades of blue ranging from a very dark blue this technique most commonly seen in Impressionism
like indigo blue up to a very light shade as seen
in Nile blue.

AIMS AND INTENTIONS:

Considering my initial idea of the fundamentals of mankind. I followed the topic however I
explored a new theme within these fundamental concepts. I chose to use perspective
arts to show what mankind has done over the past centuries through the use of
buildings. Even though they brought innovation and urbanization in cities it has also
aected society negatively. Through the concept of climate change. This is why the
chosen palee reflects the negativity of architecture in perspective.
Photography and Local issues - Inspiration

Photography: Local Issues:

The original picture seen on the left hand With the appearance of the Covid virus companies were forced to stop
side was taken by me in Av Paulista. One of immediate construction. The lack of construction caused the city in
Sao Paulo main financial centers perspective being not modernized enough. After these 2 years have
excluding oice buildings in Faria Lima. gone by there now is a series of buildings being built all around the city.
The purpose of the structures is to bring the city up to date by
I chose this image as inspiration because modernizing it through construction of new buildings. This overtime
it has the fundamental idea of accumulates to show both the negative and positive outcome on
urbanization through the help of mankind. society which is fundamentally what my work will focus on .
On the left hand side we see regular oice
buildings and on the right we see green
space which represents the idea of the
natural species. During the pandemic
period construction companies were
completely stopped and now the issue
has strongly diminished construction
once again has started in order to
modernize the city as a whole again after
2 long years of waiting. Additionally this is
a good example of vanishing point to
represent the fading of the natural
spaces.
 Final idea for final artwork - Process

Step 1 Step 3
Step 5:
Moving further along the
First started of by roughly One of my last steps
process I started focusing
outlining by artwork with a was to paint the
on the objects that make up
mechanical pencil. I then chose to right hand side of
a city as a whole such as
develop my background which is the buildings which
cars and public transport.
the essential concept in regards overall appear to
This demonstrates the idea
to portray the mood. I started o cave in to generate
of constant urbanization
by focusing on the lightest shade this idea of
and lack of environmental
to build up the background into vanishing point
thought through the use of
the darkest shade representing the
the darkest shade of blue.
idea of a never
The few white highlight
1 3 demonstrates the idea of
ending proposal of
hope 5 innovation

Step 2 Step 4
Step 6 :
Consequently I began by I then focused
painting the people fundamentally on the In this step overall
present in the idea of building which I solely focused
perspective art. Their demonstrate the idea of on last minute
shape is homogenous the work done by details. Such as
overall showing the idea mankind.They were shadows
of lack of identity and to painted evidently with highlights among
show their perspective in 2 strong brushstrokes to
4 other small 6
regards to this demonstrate its fading details that
innovation throughout into the background complete the
the city representing the needs artwork
of the earth
 Overall meaning - Final Artwork
3

Blurb: The overall intention of the artwork is to show architecture in

perspective. It mainly shows how the evolution in architecture and
mankind developed over the centuries and how it negatively impacted
society over the years.

Criticizing my artwork:

Strengths:

Overall my artworks portrays evident marks of the impressionist style with the
constant use of heavy and marked brush strokes. On the other hand I believe
that the reflection of the rain is well achieved and mimicked in the boom part
of the painting. Lastly what is essential on the artwork which brings it the idea
of hope is the use of white highlights that represent the sense of hope

Weaknesses:

On the other hand the people are almost dehumanized due to the lack of a clear
separation. They appear to be homogeneous people rather than individuals.
Title: The fading city
There is no clear separation between the shadow and the actual person which
Materials: Acrylic on Canvas
may make the audience confused.
Dimensions: 20cm x 20cm