Art Concentration: Appropriation of Iconic Art Pt. 5

I have chosen to do a small part of Michelangelo's The Creation of Adam and focused more on the most important part of the artwork: the space between God's and Adam's fingers which distinguishes the destinct role of the giver and receiver of life. I decided to mechanicalize the hands, attempting to challenge and see if it will have the same impact as 2 anatomical hands. I've carried on the technique of pixellation, and contrasted the squares by having different levels and mounted on a background similar to the original art.

The Creation of Adam

Original Artwork by Michelangelo

Medium: Ink on paper, watercolor and impasto

Art Concentration: Appropriation of Iconic Art Pt. 4

This was the 2nd piece I did for my concentration, an appropriation of Time Transfixed by surrealist René Magritte. I explored the technique of pointillism as a way of pixellation, which ties in with the overall theme of my concentration.  In the original oil painting, a black train was jutting ut of the fireplace, and I replaced it with a robotic arm.

Time Transfixed

Original Artwork by René Magritte

Medium: acrylic and spray paint

Art Concentration: Appropriation of Iconic Art Pt. 3

This piece is a response to Banksy's Laugh Now, But One Day We'll Be In Charge street art. There's an element of animation and I was highly inspired by post apocalyptic astronaut meets Darth Vader.

Who's Laughing Now?

Original Artwork by Banksy

Medium" Spray paint on wood

Art Concentration: Appropriation of Iconic Art Pt. 2

This is my version of Andy Warhol's iconic print of Marilyn Monroe. I added subtle details as if she was robotic, silver skin tone, golden hair and metal patchwork, while keeping the essence of the original prints by keeping it simple. In contrast to the original prints, I made it a bit 'raw' and unclean to juxtapose with the perfectness of the original image.

Marilyn Monroe
Original art by Andy Warhol
Media: Acrylic plastic and spray paint

Art Concentration: Appropriation of Iconic Art Pt. 1

Since I haven't had the chance to create new images, I thought I'd share some of the artworks I've done in the past.

For my concentration, I focused on appropriation of iconic artworks from the past, and reconstructing it with a sci-fi twist. For this one, American Gothic by Grant Wood, my inspiration came from post-apocalyptic imagery and pixellation.

American Gothic

Original art by Grant wood

Media: gouche, paper, metal wire, plastic

Research Project Editorial: Domestic Nomad

This is my final editorial for my research project of Deconstruction/Reconstruction. The idea behind it is I used clothing in unconventional ways and put together 6 looks using scarves, faux fur, trench coats, jeans, plaid shirts and knit as the 6 main items.

Photography and Styling: Leonard Arceo

Model: Dennis Khay

Research: Modern Nymph

I wanted to recreate the 'Grecian Goddess' image that we already have and modernize her in the 21st Century. I was influenced by statues, especially in nature, and how they are stoic but yet remain feminine, with draped dresses. I also found inspiration in Martin Maison Margiela S/S '11 silhouettes, with extreme boxy shoulders. So I took the two and made a dress for the shoot, using polyester chiffon to achieve the draped look. To make it a lot more natural, I used mud in the hairstyle.

Research: East Indian Deity

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My inspiration for this shoot were the women in India, and how they decorate themselves in times of festivities. I also did a bit of research on Indian gods, and how they are portrayed with the use of accessories.I took the warmer palette, focusing on golds, oranges, and browns, and focused on using headdresses, necklaces, and bracelets.

Photoshoot: Modern Nymph

Model: Laura

Styling and Photography: Leonard

dress by leonard.

Photoshoot: Harness Madness

Model: Laura

Styling and Photography: Leonard

Hair and Make-up: Lauren Barker

harness by topshop; trench coat worn as pants by banana republic; belt by zara men.

Photoshoot: East Indian Deity

Model: Kathryn
Styling & Photography: Leonard

bracelets from freedom topshop. belly dancing skirt as a turban, stylist's own.

Editorial: A Lonely Warrior Research

This is my research on my editorial 'A Lonely Warrior', which is based on the project METAMORPHOSIS. I chose the idea of exoskeleton, the contrast between hard exterior and soft interior. In my research book, I included magazine cutouts, images, drawings, and other visuals that helps portray my idea.

Page 1: Exoskeleton
     I looked into different kinds of imagery revolving around exoskeleton and i'm particularly inspired by insects and organisms such as the scorpions and trilobite.

Page 2: Architecture
    I'm also heavily inspired by the lines in architectures, as a source of foundation and also as design. 'The Nest' in Beijing for the Summer Olympics was one of my inspiration for the accessories I've created. I also like the idea of industrial work places such as factories and old buildings.

Page 3: Fetish/Bondage
   Another inspiration I have for my shoot is fetishism. I like to have an underlying idea of bondage and sensuality in my photos, without being too provocative.

Page 4: Fashion and Accessory Ideas
   I've researched different designers and labels that have done exoskeleton for their collection: Gareth Pugh, Heather Huey, Komakino, Valentino and Mugler. I've also researched different imagery for accessories.

Page 5: Outfits
   These are my planned outfits, accompanying 6 accessories that I've created for the shoot.

Page 6: Hair & Make-up/ Location/ Poses

    Make-up is very natural and minimal, while the hair will be slicked back with bondage tape tied around the temple of the head and around the face. The location is set in a rundown yard with a red brick wall. All the poses are kept natural and effortless, a little fragile and slouched.

EDITORIAL: A Lonely Warrior

My editorial spread for university around the idea of Metamorphosis. I did it on the imagery of exeskeleton, the fragility combined with hard exterior.

Photography and Styling: Leonard
Model: Ben

underwear by calvin klein; bondage tape by bondara; boots and belts by zara men; sandals and necklace from h&m; tights and tee shirts from american apparel; all other accessories by leonard.

Editorial Shoot: Exoskeleton 1

This is a preview of my editorial 'A Lonely Warrior'.

Model: Ben
Styling and Photography: Leonard

Say Hello to Her.

This is a shoot inspired by Japanese folklore ghost. 

Model: Mei
Photography and Styling: Leonard

Dazed & Confused Mock Cover: A Hairy Situation.

Model: Mei
Styling and Photography: Leonard

Commercial Shoot: Morning After.

This is a commercial shoot, in the style of Elle magazine.

Styling and Photography: Leonard

Model: Susie

trench coat by h&m; shirt by zara; shoes, model's own.

Inspiration: Bondage

From Dazed & Confused.