The Sound Brush Made of Bamboo

Abstract

This paper is about the study on an artwork, a black-and white drawing that has been expressed through a digital algorithm. Black-white drawings were popular during the Chosun era (1392-1910) reigned by kings and officials. The Oriental fine art, pursuing harmony with nature, is expressed in a moderate and restrained way, hence anyone would find it very soft and thus readily acceptable. Unlike the western paintings that fill the canvus to the very full, the oriental paintings treat even the blank space as a part making up a balanced painting. The four gracious plants, a Maehwa blossom, an orchid, a chrysanthemum, and a bamboo, used to be frequent subjects of gentlemen’s paintings as they symbolized the virtues of the old times. This artwork features Daegum, the decent traditional musical instrument which used to be played in loyal palaces or guest rooms of prestigious officials’ residences, and a bamboo which was a frequent motive of gentlemen’s paintings in the past. Daegum and the bamboo, expressed in a modern style in this work, make people appreciate the life that is full and rich. So, one can say they have been used here to make this “well-being art.” The artist’s intention is to be delivered through the sound of Daegum that carries the spiritual values of the Oriental culture, the bamboo painting and the spontaneous play by a computer.