Alan Yang: Autumn Song

Interaction of Sound and Brushstroke; Chinese and Western Landscape Painting Across Time and Space

Alan Yang - Interpretive planning

Autumn Song, Mixed Media Drawing


"Autumn Song" presents Nancy Newton's unique interpretation of the autumn landscape through mixed media painting. The artwork encompasses traditional elements of Chinese ink painting, reflecting reverence for nature. It is created with different brushstrokes and lines, conveying the tranquility and change of autumn, as well as the vitality of trees through seasonal transitions.


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1. What would happen if we attempted to mimic these diverse brushstrokes with sound?


One of the sound techniques commonly employed in the film industry is known as 'Foley.' This art, which played a pivotal role in the early days of sound cinema, is named after the sound artist Jack Donovan Foley, born in 1891.


Foley artists, or sound designers, must employ their imagination to faithfully recreate the necessary sounds in a post-production studio setting. They watch the screen while reenacting various actions, such as walking on prepared gravel, to synchronize footsteps and clothing movements. However, beyond the synchronization of physical actions like footsteps and clothing rustling, the primary focus is on portraying and enhancing the personality of the characters and the validity of the environment depicted, allowing the sounds of their movements to enrich the narrative context.


The following is a video explaining Foley: Video Link.

The original video was posted on March 30, 2023, with the title: 'How This Woman Creates God of War’s Sound Effects | Obsessed | WIRED


Joanna Fang, a Foley artist at PlayStation Studios, employed a rather intriguing method when recording the sound of horse hooves for a game like 'God of War: Ragnarok'—she used a toilet plunger.


Now, ponder this:


What if we were not to add sound to specific visuals but instead had the task of providing sound to a piece of art?


If we were to have the audience play the role of sound designers in a museum to create sound for Nancy Newton's "Autumn Song" painting, an interactive sound experience exhibit could be established. Sound character assignments: In the museum's display, multiple sound characters would be set up, each representing the sound of different elements in the painting, such as wind, rustling leaves, bird calls, flowing water, and more. These sound characters would be portrayed by museum visitors.


We could provide an interactive device for the visitors, like a touchscreen or buttons, to select and control sound resources. The interactive device should contain a rich array of sound resources, such as the sound of the wind blowing through leaves, bird songs, the sound of flowing water, and so on, for visitors to choose from. These sound resources should correspond to the elements in the painting. When visitors select a sound resource, they can control the volume and speed of the sound through the device to simulate the sounds of various elements in the painting. For example, increasing the sound of the wind to make the leaves rustle in the breeze or adding bird calls to mimic the birds in the painting. Visitors can freely control the sound in front of the painting, adding a sonic dimension to the artwork and allowing them to more deeply experience the emotions and ambiance conveyed in the painting.


This interactive sound exhibit will enable the audience to interact with art in a creative way, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nancy Newton's "Autumn Song." At the same time, it will provide a unique learning experience, helping people better understand sound design and the art of sound imitation.


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2. Crossing Time and Space: Contrasting and Appreciating Chinese and Western Landscape Paintings


"Autumn Song" by Nancy Newton is a unique interpretation of autumn scenery through the fusion of various artistic media. The artwork blends traditional elements of Chinese ink painting, reflecting a deep reverence for nature. Created with diverse brushstrokes and lines, it conveys the tranquility and change of autumn, as well as the vitality of trees during seasonal transitions. Both "Autumn Song" and traditional Chinese landscape paintings share a common theme of celebrating the beauty and grandeur of nature. They depict landscapes, often emphasizing serene scenes that evoke a sense of harmony with the environment. Similarly, traditional Chinese landscape paintings often capture the essence of different seasons, with a particular emphasis on the changing colors and emotions of autumn.


Three points of difference: mix medium, cultural influences, and personal expression


  • Mix Medium: "Autumn Song" represents a fusion of multiple media, combining traditional elements of Chinese ink painting with other techniques and materials. This multimedia approach adds layers and depth to the artwork, which may not be as prevalent in traditional Chinese landscape paintings, which primarily use ink on paper or silk.


  • Cultural Influences: Traditional Chinese landscape painting is deeply rooted in Chinese culture and often incorporates symbols and philosophies unique to Chinese art. In contrast, "Autumn Song" may draw from different artistic influences and cultural backgrounds, leading to different layers of interpretation.


  • Personal Expression: Traditional Chinese landscape paintings often follow established conventions and styles, while "Autumn Song" is a contemporary work that allows the artist greater personal expression and the freedom to experiment with various artistic techniques.



For example, consider Huang Binhong, a renowned Chinese landscape painter. His works exhibit a profound understanding of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and feature magnificent mountain peaks and rocks presented with bold brushwork and a minimalist style. However, his emphasis is more on expressing the grandeur of the landscape itself rather than mixing materials and personal ideas.


In summary, while "Autumn Song" and traditional Chinese landscape paintings both share an appreciation for nature and the use of ink and brushwork, they differ in terms of medium fusion, cultural influences, and artistic freedom. "Autumn Song" combines traditional elements with contemporary artistic expression, creating a unique interpretation of autumn scenery that transcends cultural boundaries and invites diverse perspectives.





Reflecting on My Response


In "Propeller Art Gallery  Project" , I talked about the artwork "Autumn Song," which is a unique interpretation of the autumn landscape through mixed media painting. I also talks about the use of Foley art in the film industry to mimic diverse brushstrokes with sound. Additionally, the highlights three points of difference between "Autumn Song" and traditional Chinese landscape paintings, which are mix medium, cultural influences, and personal expression.



Further exploring below:


Nancy's Website - https://www.nancynewton.com/index.php

Tour of the Exhibit - https://www.facebook.com/reel/6770137359770092

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