Love

Artist: Ootuoyevoli

A.K.A.: Ootuoyevoli

Country: Colombia

Type of Art: Photography

Limelight Content:

     The above piece amazes me a lot because it shows a very striking picture amidst its simplicity. The entire structure is a perfect conglomeration of silent emotions and loud gesture. The kind of gesture that the model is showing is just enough - enough to reveal the message. It has an overflowing potential of knocking at the spectator's sleeping curiosity. The entire scene might be considered by some as strange and less dramatic, but it absolutely caters its main goal and that is to show the people the message that it tries to give - the message of the fifth element called love.

     Colorless? Who cares? What matters most is the intention of the artist to give emphasis on the word "love". That's the main principle and it did work! And for me, it is the most dramatic emphasis that one could give - less face, more meaning.

Beyond the Usual:

     "Love" (the above piece) teaches us one thing - to love unconditionally. The remarkable gesture of the model tells us that love shouldn't be based on what we can see, it should be based solely on what we can feel. Why? Because that's what unconditional love is all about. It is a  kind of love  that is not based on knowing and accepting all of those superficial characteristics that is visually acceptable. Instead, it is a kind of love that goes deeper and deeper each time an unwanted imperfection has been unveiled. 

     As a conclusion, unconditional love is something that we should be aiming for. Why? Because loving unconditionally is the most perfect way of expressing and sharing the love that God has given us. It is a love that's not ordinary because it can only be produced in an extraordinary way. No superficial spark, no boundaries, and [most of all] no strongholds. TEMPORARY will never have a place on this kind of love... only PERMANENCE.

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Fake Beauty

Artist: Tarik Tadmori

A.K.A.: Tar-ik78

Country: United Arab Emirates

Type of Art: Photo Manipulation

Limelight Content:

     Art with the use of puzzle pieces or the characteristics of a puzzle does not do well when it comes to attracting art appreciators, unlike this one. The above art is an actual testimony that puzzle pieces are not that boring and are actually effective when it comes to soliciting the crowd's attention and curiosity as it tries to knock each and everyone's thoughts. This particular art also tells artists to be more creative in incorporating puzzle pieces in order to gain much more positive and overwhelming response from the public. Thus, the element of puzzle pieces is equivalent to the element of surprise and curiosity when incorporated in an art.

     The display of the model's character (through her simple yet astonishing facial expression) is, indeed, a realization that this art has a deep sense of conviction when it comes to illustrating and telling a story. Thus, adding this gorgeous model with her deteriorating face is an effective way to own its title - "Fake Beauty".

     As an overall assessment, "Fake Beauty" is a true and timeless masterpiece that reflects people's desire for greater yet artificial glory. Indeed, this art is both a reflection and a realization of a specific character that should be corrected. 

Beyond the Usual:

     "Fake Beauty" brings realization to everyone that fabricated beauty doesn't lasts for a lifetime. It is a realization that tells us to love that simple, yet authentic beauty that has been given to us by our creator - God. That simple beauty won't appear that simple as long as we learn to appreciate it by means of embracing it whole-heartedly (a process that tells about value and acceptance). Through this simple process, the simple beauty that we ought to know will suddenly have that glowing effect, which is capable of  revealing to us our true self. A self that talks about character and value. 

     As an end, beauty doesn't need to be measured outwardly because the true measure of beauty is what's within us. True beauty talks about the right amount of love, joy, and the overwhelming positive outlook in life. Therefore, we should not take too much time in developing our superficial identity by means of faking it. Why? Because our true identity is about to be revealed not by our external appearance, but by those hidden little gems that continues to glow within each and everyone of us.  

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Smoke on the Water

Artist: Sam Moshaver

A.K.A.: Samoshaver

Country: Iran

Type of Art: Photo Manipulation

Limelight Content:

     The above art work has a very striking connotation that could easily start a debate  inside an art spectator's consciousness.  The picture is so innovative, creative, and (at the same time) unusual. The only thing that I can tell about its creator is that he took courage in venturing this kind of art. Why? Because he has this powerful determination in pursuing an art that is way too unusual for people to see and contemplate. For this kind of art, an artist should take a huge amount of sacrifice in risking his great effort and precious time in pursuing his masterpiece without even having a clear assurance that it will be accepted and will be appreciated by the general viewers. 

     In terms of the art's physical attributions, I can tell that all elements  went well in harmonizing each other and in presenting the right amount of credit as a whole. For instance, the amount of shadow has made an amazing gesture in presenting and emphasizing the subject of this story. Also, the character of this story plays a very significant role in presenting the message that hides secretly in silence and patiently waits for people to be able to discover, realize and contemplate on it.

Beyond the Usual:

     The art piece entitled "Smoke In Water" is so amusing because it has this very deep and striking social message. At first, we may look at this as an art with the typical message of smoking or the attitude of man when smoking - pushing beyond the usual limit. But if we try to look at it in a much deeper perspective, we may realize that it also conveys a message about man's attitude towards water and the environment in which he lives.

      We humans are capable of acting irresponsibly without taking a closer look at the consequences brought by our own careless actions. We are capable of focusing on our own happiness and joy that we forgot to realize that it can cause negative results to our fellow humans, to our environment, and even to ourselves. The picture clearly tells us about the opposite and equal reaction of our own careless and selfish behaviors. We people tend to pollute our own planet without realizing that we are the prime beneficiaries of its end-results. We should be conscious enough to know that we are being encapsulated inside our own environmental jar. An environmental jar that clearly isolates us in a remarkable manner for us to immediately feel the sufferings and pain caused by our own carelessness.

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This post is dedicated to: Blog Action Day 2010: Water

Into Your Dreams

Artist: Melissa Humphries

A.K.A.: Spiralfly

Country: United States

Type of Art: Photo Manipulation

Limelight Content:

     The above art piece is a good example of how a monochromatic art interplays with the viewer's imagination. It definitely has the characteristic of a good monochromatic type of art - to emphasize details despite its monochrome feature. The entire elements were done perfectly in a manner wherein each of the elements has its own unique way of presenting itself  to its spectators and, at the same time, perfectly blends in with the rest of the elements in order to create a masterpiece that would give spectators the desire of spending much of their time in viewing and deciphering every intricate details that this art has to offer. 

     What's also amazing with this art is the ability of the artist to gamble with "out of focus" elements. One would notice that not all of the characters have been given the opportunity of taking the "center stage" and yet, it still turns out that the entire characters/elements earn enough spotlight for them to be recognized by the audience.    

     The relationship of elements supplies the introduction of hidden ideas and queries like "How the vessel of this story works?"; "Where  it'll be heading to?; and "What would be the type of ending this story gives?".   

     As an overall assessment, "Into Your Dreams" is a genuine art that shows multiple variations despite having only a single hue. 

Beyond the Usual:

     "Into Your Dreams" gives us the idea of how diverse and borderless our dreams are as oppose to its counterpart - the reality. This piece simply illustrates the majesty, mystery, and the wonderful characteristics of every dream. Power, superhuman capabilities, incredible strengths and awesome adventures are just some of the many illusionary qualities that a dream may offer. And in general, dreams may sometimes give us a feeling of relief because we find ourselves seeking for refuge underneath the dream's wonderful shelter every time we find our reality so confusing. But, at the end of the day, this wonderful piece (Into Your Dreams) serves to reminds us that the world of make-believe  constantly comes and constantly goes giving us enough opportunity to enjoy every bit of moment that a reality has to offer. 

     In conclusion, we may tend to diverge from reality in order for us to enjoy the benefit of a dream in times of dilemma. But, we also have to remember that the magnificent and magical world of dream won't exist as long as the platform of reality is still around.

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Human Trafficking

Artist: Chantelle Chapman

A.K.A.: RJDaae

Country: United States

Type of Art: Poster

Limelight Content:

     The above art is truly exceptional because it speaks so loud and clear even though it has no color to please its viewer's eyes. The content itself speaks for something that is far beyond the truth wherein reality is now asking us to widen our awareness. The style of the artist is very convincing that it would really convince people from what they see, intrigues bystanders to know its deeper meaning, and invites everyone to be aware of the current situation that is so alarming. 

     The included caption is so simple and very understandable. It has this door that has been widely opened in order to fully complement with the image that portrays human trafficking. Thus, the image and captions became dramatically as one and sets a unified and a very strong goal - to deliver awareness. 

     In over all assessment, Human trafficking (the title of the image) gives you what you deserve to know in whatever level you would want it to understand. The opportunity of understanding this piece can be obtained whether you take it either in just a quick glimpse, simple stare or in deep attention.    

Beyond the Usual:

     "What do you see when you look at your fellow man?... Some people see a profit." The art piece is very convicting that it gives us the opportunity to think and rethink all over again. It allows us to contemplate on the real reality that is actually happening within our circle of community without even knowing it. 

     The piece would also challenge us to assess ourselves if we really are a responsible citizen and if we dare to take necessary action in resolving or helping the authority solve this kind of frustrating problem that emerges within our community. In my own perspective, the image is inviting us to seek for specific answers that would  help solve the problem instead of just knowing the problem that had occurred several decades ago. This problem won't stop as long our eyes, ears, and hearts are not open for this kind of inhumane doings. 

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Creative Reflection

Artist: Aude Brisson

A.K.A.: oAyleena

Country: France

Type of Art: Digital Art

Limelight Content:

     The above piece can be considered as one of the most sought art because it contains a much higher level of interpretation. In this kind of art, the method of portraying one's reflection is so unique that it has the capacity of capturing a glimpse from spectators. The kind of glimpse that I'm talking about is the one that can only be owned by the most precious masterpiece that the world has to offer.

     The contrast of colors between the two characters helps define the individuality of both persona- one,  portraying the real self while the other, portraying the preferred self. No wonder that this art is being talked about because it contains the picture of how it embraces the union of creativity and innovation.

     As an over-all assessment, I must say that this art fascinates me so much because it supplies my mind with an impressive imagination straight from the artist's juicy and well-applauded mind.  

    

Beyond the Usual:

     If art would be defined as a reflection of the everyday reality, then "Creative Reflection" can be a very good example. This piece reflects an everyday phenomenon that occurs in every human beings - achieving a much preferred self. In life, people would always seek for a certain level of perfection that would satisfy them from achieving their desired personality. This only means that sometimes, we do strive and are eager to excel in different fields because we do want to have a certain identity and a character of fulfillment. These two things are factors that motivates us to strive more and to become better than our previous performances. 

     Therefore, I would say that this art tells us that we (people) are the perfect artists and designers of our own identity because we do things that would help build up our own personality through emotionally-satisfying activities. Just remember that whether we achieve our preferred personality or not, what matters most is that we have enjoyed and learned positive ideas from the entire process of creating and building our own reflection (identity). 

 

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Redemption

Artist: Zhang Jingna

A.K.A.: Zemotion

Country: Singapore

Type of Art: Photography

Limelight Content:

     The art piece (above) shows the exact limit of a good photography - limitless. The presence of a long white dress (with its loose parts) and the effect of the model's hair are great elements in showing the defiance of gravity. The use of the nearly black and white tone captures and widens the expression of the model giving it the rightful drama that this piece has to offer. In overall assessment, the photo has been given the right ambiance through the use of simple yet productive colors. The piece won't look as valuable and as dramatic as it is if it has been treated with the usual bright colors.

  

Beyond the Usual:

     Redemption is an image that you should not miss. It gives us the idea of how we should think as an individual. The piece gives us the opportunity to explore with our own creative thinking in producing magnificent art that would change the usual perspective of those people seeing our own piece. 

     The other lesson that I'm getting from this piece is our ability of defying anything. We humans are weak in nature and we sometimes become weaker when obstacles come into our way. The piece should tell us how we should defy every problem that would cross our path towards success. Imagine if gravity would be the problem that we should face in an everyday basis. By thinking so, one might see himself or herself drowning from his or her lack of initiative in thinking possible ways that would let him or her overcome the dilemma that he or she is facing. 

     If ever we encounter a highly-difficult and nerve-breaking situation, let's just think of "Redemption" and the message it gives us - To think creatively as if we are trying to reach for our imagination's limit; and, To defy elements of obstacles the would allow us to survive from the misfortunes of time.    

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Deeply Inside

Artist: Priscila Santos

A.K.A.: Eclipsy

Country: Brazil

Type of Art: Photo Manipulation

Limelight Content:

     This piece has something to do with stealing someone's attention. Those branch-like thorns are so eye-catching. It has the power of convincing us that fantasies can sometimes make us feel a little bit of what reality has to offer. The bloody tear and the soft but expressive look of the model supports the idea of a dark, emotional, and realistic atmosphere. In overall assessment, the art piece (above) has this ability of making us feel the heavy emotion that it tries to portray. 

Beyond the Usual:

     Deeply Inside is a piece that lets us feel the agony when we try to keep our negative feelings deep within our own.  It supplies our emotions with the heaviness and real value of heartaches. It gives us the realization that keeping burdens on our own will only make us suffer more. Because a simple load (problem) that we try to carry on our own has a tendency of becoming heavier and more aggressive each day. And when the right time comes, that simple-turned-huge and complex load will eventually burst out from us. The process will make us feel so helpless. So helpless that we turned into emotionally-blind individuals that are searching for great benefits that our previous life has to offer. With this, the lesson that I can extract from this piece is the idea of sharing. 

     Sharing a problem to a companion will help ease the burden because every time we share the load, the more it becomes lighter. By doing so, it will relieve us from too much pain and suffering. I believe that the method will definitely work for each and everyone of us because a problem being shared to others will give us the assurance that someone or somebody (whether friends or family) is out there waiting and willing to help and guide us in our most difficult and troubled times. We will not become and  we will never experience extreme defeat as long as we seek for someone's help and comfort.  

  

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Shadow Dancer

Artist: Michon Sauter

A.K.A.: Michon

Country: United States

Type of Art: Photo Manipulation

Limelight Content:

     The above piece revolutionizes the effect and atmosphere that dark images usually give. It (Shadow Dancer) gives the viewer the feeling that only bright colors can give - to attract people and to stay them attracted all throughout. I easily fall in love with this piece since the first time I saw it and it never fails to attract me over and over again. With the combination of the woman's body language and the gentle touch of dark color, I must say that the overall concept is breathtaking! So dramatic, so full of energy and so unbelievably eye-catching! 

Beyond the Usual:

     Shadow Dancer gives us a very innovative kind of concept that can be included in our list of fantasies - to dance differently! It gives us the idea of dancing with our own shadow, with our own fear, and with our own limit. In this piece, dancing can simply be attributed to a movement in parallel and in accordance with a certain entity - in other words, to go on with the flow. 

    Dancing with our own shadow gives us the ability to know our own self and our own capability as a person. Knowing our own self is a way of knowing and appreciating our own unique traits.

     Dancing with our own fear lets us realize that we have our own sets of feelings and that we are capable of producing and inflicting fear to others as much as others can do the same to us. It is in fear that we are able to wake up from the reality that we are only humans and that we need God. 

    Dancing with our own limits gives us the idea that we are weak in nature and that we always strive to develop ourselves in order for us to become a much better and stronger person. It is in developing ourselves positively that we can find our own sets of opportunities. We are given the ability to reset our boundaries and to redefine our given limitations.  

     Shadow Dancer has all of these concepts that can be considered as a guiding principle that would help us improve ourselves. 

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The Sand of Time

Artist: Andrea De Acosta

A.K.A.: Pieces-Of-My-Heart

Country: Australia

Type of Art: Visual Poetry

Limelight Content: 

     The art piece (above) shows both fantasy and reality that will never fail to capture the attention of spectators. The visual representation of the piece has something to do with the artist's creative imagination on how to express and expand the title into a level that can easily be understood by everyone- A different level of fantasy has been expressed. On the other hand, the content of the poem has the capacity of equalizing the mood of the piece by integrating the description of a certain part of reality that she tries to describe (sand of time). In overall assessment, this particular piece has an extraordinary value that people must see and understand.   

Beyond the Usual: 

     Sand of time talks about a reality that we sometimes pay little attention to. It is a reality that we must realize and take consideration to in spending our precious moments here on earth. At the end of the included poem lies a simple question that lets us think twice and reminisce on things that we did or the impact that we have done to other people- be it our family, friends, neighbors, the environment, and even our enemy. The message is so simple yet, has the capability of widening our perspective towards life and on how we understand our value for ourselves and for others. We only live once. Therefore, we should make sure that we make the most out of our life and be the best that we can be so that (later on) if the time comes that we have to leave this wonderful planet, we can say to ourselves "I have done my part in the best way that I can and therefore, I am contended and I have no regrets!"

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