Tuesday, June 26, 2012

“Who Stole Innocence Away?”

Artist: Lin Hsin-Chen
“Who Stole Innocence Away?”

The notion of “challenging a symbol that can represent something” is a question no one ever thinks of. Interestingly, this question leads directly to another question. Many questions regarding people, occurrences, and objects exist within this question waiting for us to discuss and explore. Therefore, it seems to be a design objective that extends to other fields.  

Time allowed me to get together with some of my friends and discuss “self-growth” on a regular basis. Together we analyzed the large line picture we drew and assigned one corner of the picture to each person, and referred to these as the “key corners.” The corner that was assigned to me had five lines and for me these five color lines represented five exits in life, five places we can settle into, and five directions we can learn and develop in. They infused me with new thoughts, enabling me to understanding more about myself.  


 “Key corners” made us consider countless questions, just like the wide variety of question marks images. These images, like human beings, have different characters and represent human intelligence, as well as an unwillingness to realize some questions in life, even to the extent that there is no awareness of self. If people don’t know their self, surely they can’t experience the details of life, not to mention solving all kinds of problems. Problems left unaddressed will become unsolvable, just like it can’t be brought under control once seeds of evil grow into a forest.    

There is a Chinese saying, “Sometimes asking is in vain, and that which is not understood remains so.” It means that if we don’t pay attention to what we don’t understand and make efforts to learn, problems will always be with you, bringing negative consequences. 

“Who Stole Innocence Away?”, detail

8 comments:

  1. Your piece has such depth and meaning. I particularly like the tan/black juxtaposed against the colorful background.

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    1. Dear Lisa-Marie Sanders,

      The tan/black juxtaposed section’s another meaning is: if a question remains unsolved, the question will never be answered. It is similar to an infected tree. If the infected part is not being taken care of, it will grow faster and bigger.

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  2. The black quilting thread on the symbol adds greatly to creating an atmosphere. You have given your symbol much thought Hsin-Chen and I appreciate being able to share a different world perspective.

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    1. Dear Sue,

      The black quilting thread is lines extending, and the symbol grows with the tree.
      I have discussed and shared with friends before creating.
      This piece was revised for 2 times before I finished it. Each revision helped me a lot.

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  3. You've created an interesting symbol, Hsin-Chen, almost the opposite of "ignorance is bliss". I love the image "it can’t be brought under control once seeds of evil grow into a forest" conjures.

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    1. Dear Martha,

      You are correct. Everything has bliss and expectation as long as he/she has good development.
      I am glad to take part in this challenge.
      I hope with a new mood that all of you will like the next challenge I assigned.

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  4. Visually very interesting...with the depth of meaning that leaves one in contemplation. Like Martha, I am left with your line "it can't be brought under control once seeds of evil grow into a forest" resonating in my mind.

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    1. Dear Diane Wright,

      Yes, you are very correct. The statement has been in my mind since the project finalized until now. It was like a teacher who keeps reminding me all the time.
      Thank you for enjoying my work and my text. I hope you all will like the topic I assigned for the next challenge.

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