Claire Wu: February 2012

What Claire Knows

Previous Creativity

"Close the Window, Shut the Blinds, I'm busy" 140x105cm

This was my HSC Visual Arts Body of Work submission. I have long been inspired by the sky and the everchanging colours, forms, light and emotions that it evokes that for my HSC I decided to use some photos I had previously taken. Most have been tweaked slightly by Photoshop. From afar, it is difficult to see that I have written in ink on some photos some quotes from authors, artists, philosophers... At home, this work is pinned to my wall and I affectionately call it my 'second window'. All the photographs have been shot from home or locations within walking distance from home.

I think this was the first photograph I took which propelled my interest in photographing the sky. This photo was taken years before my HSC and reminds me of Jesus' crucifixion. Judging from the position of the sun in this photo, I think it was coincidentally taken in April. This photo was not digitally manipulated.

"The atmosphere: what a dull word for such a wondrous thing. 'The great aerial ocean' is a far better name... for it conjures the currents, eddies and layers that create the weather far above our heads..." Tim Flannery, We Are the Weathermakers.

(quote stretched over 3 photographs)

"My soul is in the sky."

Architecture

Menara Bank - the Jalan Ampang - Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

http://www.panoramio.com/photo/8896044

Earlier this year, I went to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and I was awestruck by the architecture. The Kuala Lumpur Public Bank stood out to me the most. I loved how the shape of the building resembled a piece of crystal. During the day, the exterior is slightly pink, but at night the gold colour reminds me of the gold colour strands that indicate the presence of crystal in quartz. The crystal allusion and clean lines, reflect how people want a bank to be, clean, clear and straight forward. Although relatively not tall, the building feels rather massive and heavy, attracting attention and has an aura of importance, and the waterfeature emphasises this.

Something Beautiful