1. What do you understand by the word 'claymation'?
Claymation is animation shown through the use of clay models. In clay animation, each object is sculpted in clay, usually around a wire skeleton. A frame is taken and the object is moved slightly by hand. Another frame is taken, and the object is moved slightly again. When the collaborated images are viewed in order, it gives the illusion that the figure is moving on it’s own,
2. What is meant by the term 'surrealistic Garden of Eden'? And 'all that is natural goes awry'? The term Garden of Eden is often referred to.
The two terms 'surrealistic Garden of Eden' and 'all that is natural goes awry' is referring to artists who often use surrealistic artistic techniques to make things that one would relate to an everyday garden. Nathalie Djurberg has aimed to challenge and confronts viewers in a terrifying and artistic way. Initially, when viewing these works the bright colors and happy connotations can overwhelm you. On further analysis the large shapes can be overwhelming and terrifying. The term ‘Garden of Eden’ alone alludes to the place where the first man, Adam, and his wife, Eve, lived after they were created by God.
3. What is the 'complexity of emotions' that Djurberg confronts us with?
Djurberg’s works often explore a great deal of outlandish and voracious human behaviors, for example, the many sexual scenes. I think Djurberg is aiming to challenge our thoughts on ourselves as human beings as even though she portrays her characters in a more ferocious way they still show huge similarities to every day human beings, who are these days often greedier and selfish.
4. How does Djurberg play with the ideas of children's stories, and innocence in some of her work?
Nathalie Djurberg work plays with the ideas of children’s stories in many different ways. Initially her use of the Claymation technique immediately refers the viewer to childhood animations and movies, such as "Wallace and Grommet".
Secondly, Djurberg has shown elements of fantasy, which are often referred to in children’s stories. For example the use of bears, wolfs, tigers, talking trees and flying people.
Lastly, The stark contrast between the innocence portrayed in the childlike figures and what they actually do – animalistic features – shows the harsh reality that people, especially children when they grow up, are not innocent little ‘angels’.
The soft medium Djurberg has chosen to show the ideas in her stories is evermore contrasting. The contrast between childlike animation and vulgar actions often done by humans creates an even bigger impact effect on the viewer.
5. There is a current fascination by some designers with turning the innocent and sweet into something disturbing. Why do you think this has come about?
This has come about because art today is beginning to be repetitive in away, this is sometimes referred to as ‘intertexuality’ where one text references another. Because there has been so much progress now is the time were people challenge something new and turning things into disturbing works is how people are getting recognition. Another example of this technique is by artist Damien Hurst.
6. In your opinion, why do you think Djurberg's work is so interesting that it was chosen for the Venice Biennale?
I think Djurberg’s work is extremely extraordinary. The layered ideas and contrasting effects used make it very challenging and interesting to depict. As a viewer you are most definitely left thinking about the work in away people have never made you think. Artist that are chosen for these types of things need to be interesting, portray new ideas and have a capturing and individual style as well as challenge and portray real ideas.
7. Add some of your own personal comments on her work.
Nathalie Djurberg’s work is very interesting and at the same to controversial. It is bright and colorful, whilst at the same time being dark and creepy. Naturally you are drawn into it. Her work almost has an addictive quality as you are left wanting more.
Reference list:
Works talked about-
Djurberg, N (2009) 'experiment' at Venice Art Biennale
Holland Cotter (November 9, 2007). "Art Review, Performa 07: Art Is Brief. You Just Have to Be There.". New York Times.
Roberta Smith (May 19, 2006). "Art in Review; Nathalie Djurberg". New York Times.
"Indepth Arts News: "Nathalie Djurberg: Installation"". absolutearts.com. Retrieved 2008-04-25.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathalie_Djurberg
Images of her work-
Garden of Eden-
Videos-
I found the statement you said about challenging our thoughts as people very interesting as i never looked at her work that way but now i have put that in mind and really seen that through her work. - "I think Djurberg is aiming to challenge our thoughts on ourselves as human beings". Her work is so different to every other Artist and you need to sometimes think about the different things going on.
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