COLLEGE OF CREATIVE ARTS UiTM KAMPUS PUNCAK ALAM

KUALA SELANGOR

VCS550
(ART HISTORY METHODOLOGY)

ASSIGNMENT 1

ESSAY 1

GROUP: CAAD2323 4A

1.) NAJWA NATASHA BINTI MOHD FAUZI (2022786825)

2.) NURUL IEZZAH DIANA BINTI EDDIE (2022950251)

LECTURER NAME:

DR. MOHAMAD KAMAL BIN ABD. AZIZ

DATE SUBMISSION:

WEEK 6
time table
a) Artwork 1 (Johan Marjonid, 2015, Susur Akar Umbi I)

Johan Marjonid, 2015, Susur Akar Umbi I, 48inc x 72inch, acrylic on canvas

“Susur Akar Ubi I” (2015) from Johan Marjonid, gives an example of a

painting with the concept of "mimesis" according to the theory of Georgio Vasari.
Imitation of nature as the most important model and the main goal and activity in the
highest artistic disguise, because it mimics nature, this work also creates a realistic
painting that is precise. The concept of imitation has brought this work to reveal the
condition of a wild forest full of roots, and dry leaves that fall on the ground,
accurately reflecting this "mimetic" concept. The realistic painting "Susur Akar Umi I"
gives a clear picture of the situation of the artist who is in a jungle full of tangled roots
from a large growing tree. In the painting, Johan Majonid imitates reality by using a
realistic picture of the condition of plants in the middle of the forest. Clearly, this
painting provides a clear concept of mimetic theory as a result of imitating nature.

The real image of the wild forest mixed with the painting gives evidence that
the use of color, space, a perspective of view, and line techniques can produce a
realistic forest. Interestingly, the use of green color that has been mixed on the roots
and trees gives a realistic picture of the painter's scene in the forest in a quiet and
calm environment. Additionally, the viewer's perspective is influenced by the
painter's point of view in order to convey a sense of real expression and the beauty
of natural forms. The thing that is very interesting is the aspect of the use of color.
The artist used real colors that were realistic on the roots and trees to create a soft
effect as had a realistic texture. In addition, by using colors the artist can show that
the atmosphere in the forest has a quiet space and gives the impression of being in
a cold forest.

Besides that, through the concept of Giorgio Vasari, a person's personal

experience can produce the same neat painting. Through the painter's own
experience, he is a person who is very fond of exploring the universe by appreciating
nature like entering the forest. Each of his experiences and observations can also be
produced along with the quality of the concept of mimesis by Gergio Vasari.

Even though the concept of mimetic is able to emphasize realistic, taking a

look at Georgio Vasari's theory that introduces the concept of mimetic also
demonstrates how it gives the effect of expression to the viewing audience. Seen
from the artist's perspective view, the roots, and trees are seen from the top view at
a close distance. Based on the concept of mimesis by Giorgio Vasari in the aspect of
good rule quality in terms of proportion and perspective, the root groove and the
position of the tree are also balanced starting from the point of the tree. So clearly,
the use of perspective, color, and texture allows the painting to go beyond reality and
become a work of art that expresses the emotions and ideas of its creator. Clearly,
the images and facts recorded and drawn can be presented as a reflection of the
background of Mimesis as a concept that basically refers to the basic principle that
art imitates nature.
b) Artwork 2 (Leopard (2), 2011, Jaafar Taib)

Leopard (2), 2011, Jaafar Taib, oil on canvas 76 x 122 cm

Jaafar Taib, has a natural talent for various aspects of painting including
human figures, animals, and plants. His work also mostly combines elements of
culture and life. The artwork of "Leopard (2)" was produced in 2011, using medium
oil on canvas 76 x 122 cm. According to Georgio Vasari's and Plato’s Theory in his
concept of Mimesis or known as imitation which is one of the art results from
imitating nature. Understanding this mimetic concept, "Leopard (2), 2011" gives clear
characteristics to this concept of mimesis. Clearly, Jaafar Taib's ability to re-record
the objects he saw in his paintings is amazing. As we see in Jaafar Taib's work
"Leopard (2), 2011" he wants to convey a message to appreciate Malaysia's natural
treasures. This work is set against the backdrop of a wild forest that has been
explored by humans, the Leopard figure is a brave animal, this is explained through
the title of the work which is "Leopard (2)" It is also recorded through a long-distance
view. In addition, this artist has recorded the figure of a Leopard sitting alone with a
gloomy expression as if its habitat is increasingly endangered due to human greed.
In this case, the concept of mimesis is not only imitating nature, it also imitates every
facial expression and even a person's actions.
 The interesting thing here is that the interlacing found on the fur seems to
create a realistic effect on the fur of the leopard figure. In addition, in an effort to
make the work an example of the concept of mimesis, the Painter has made light
highlights on the leopard figure. This situation has made the work seem realistic. The
thing that is very interesting is the aspect of the use of color. The artist has used the
actual color of a leopard. In addition, by using the colors of the artist, it can show that
the Leopard has strength. Drawing real or realistic objects requires its own strength
and discipline. Among them, the concept of mimesis that can be used as a reference
is the artist's ability to 'imitate' or imitate the object being referred to. In fact, the
purpose of the painter is to record the subject as one of the treasures of art for future
generations to see. Besides that, seen from the artist's point of view, the figure of the
leopard is drawn as if seen from a distance. Based on the concept of mimesis by
Giorgio Vasari in the aspect of good rule quality in terms of proportion and
perspective, the leopard figure and its position are also balanced by being
surrounded by plants.

It is clear that this mimetic concept is capable of producing realistic paintings

that can create a sense of expression for the audience who see it as if it were a real
painting. Not only that, the concept of mimesis theory is the oldest theory for artists
to train a good point of view and painting technique, the imitation produced so that it
affects the audience is an amazing work.

Conclusion

Mimesis is a term used in philosophy and literary criticism of art. It describes the
process of realistic imitation of nature or imitation through which artists describe and
interpret the world. Overall, artistic creation is a form of imitation that really exists in
the real world, it can also be categorized as an imitation created by God. As we can
see, the skill of imitating this art also depends on the discipline of an artist in
observing and studying every element of nature to give a real image. not only that,
excellent artists are also able to bring art to perfection through personal experience
that makes the finish better and more perfect than the great artists of the past. Based
on the concept of mimesis from Georgio Vasari "mimesis" or imitation of nature
forms the most important model in the main goal and activity in the highest artistic
disguise. Not only that, According to the classical philosopher Plato in his concept of
Mimesis or called imitation which is art is an imitation of nature. Obviously, based on
the example of the work of Johari Taaib ( 2015, Susur Akar Umbi I) and Johan Marjonid
(Leopard (2), 2011) it gives a clear picture of the views of philosophers such as Plato
and Giorgio Vasari about the concept of mimesis that imitates nature. The work
brought also has characteristics that can be used as an example of the concept of
memetics in the modern era.

Reference
Website

Ali, N. (2022, June 16). Melihat alam lewat karya Jaafar Taib - BASKL. BASKL - Bandar

Aktiviti Seni Kuala Lumpur. https://baskl.com.my/melihat-alam-lewat-karya-jaafar-

taib/

Johan Marjonid. (n.d.). Saatchi Art. https://www.saatchiart.com/account/artworks/56749

MasterClass. (2021, August 16). Poetry 101: What Is Mimesis? Mimesis Definition with

Examples - 2023 - MasterClass. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/poetry-101-

what-is-mimesis-mimesis-definition-with-examples