Somewhere else: Dream of Ocean Interpreting Abstract Art in Contemporary Environmental Context

Abstract

This research, titled "Somewhere else: Dream of Ocean Interpreting Abstract Art in Contemporary Environmental Context," aims to investigate contemporary environmental issues, analyze environmental problems and the conceptual framework underlying the artwork "Somewhere else: Dream of Ocean," create abstract printmaking works, and foster environmental awareness and understanding of contemporary environmental challenges. The research methodology employs a critical analysis approach, integrating theoretical frameworks of abstract art and eco-art, complemented by data collection from exhibition curators and related artists. The study incorporates in-depth interviews with Zhang Yatao, the Executive Curator of "The Blue Dream 2024: Sunrise at Sea" International Contemporary Art Exhibition, and comparative art analysis to comprehend the artistic intentions and creative processes. Findings demonstrate that "Somewhere else: Dream of Ocean," executed through woodcut printmaking technique, effectively communicates concepts of global warming and oceanic transformation through strategic employment of dark tones (black and blue) contrasted with maritime color palettes, distorted and flowing linear structures, and dynamic compositional arrangements that evoke movement and uncertainty. The artwork successfully generates environmental awareness regarding marine ecological issues, eliciting emotional responses of concern, tranquility, and contemplation about environmental futures while establishing connections with concepts of natural transformation. The work demonstrates that abstract art functions as an efficacious instrument for communicating contemporary environmental discourse. The integration of traditional techniques with contemporary conceptual frameworks creates innovative dimensions in artistic communication for environmental conservation. This study contributes to the discourse on the role of abstract art in environmental awareness and offers new approaches for utilizing art as a medium for ecological communication within contemporary artistic practice.