Charisse, Crystal, Jin Ni
(above) Liu Kang, Adjusting The Waistband (1997)
(above) Matisse, Odalisque in Red Trousers (1921) and The Dance (1909)
SIMILARITIES
– subject matter: females/female nudes in classical reclining posture
– style: use of decorative patterns in wallpaper and clothes
– style: flat light/dark tones used to depict volume instead of 3D modelling; simplified facial features
– style: no use of single-point linear perspective to create illusion of depth; space is rather flat
– style: use of coloured curvilinear outlines to define figures
DIFFERENCES
– subject matter: Liu Kang’s subject mater is distinctively Balinese, from the figures to the event depicted and even the patterns on cloth. Details specific to Balinese culture (Wayang Kulit, Balinese batik prints) reflect the richness and diversity of SEA imagery
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(above) Liu Kang (title?)
(above) Matisse, Le bonheur de vivre or The Joy of Life (1905-1906)
SIMILARITIES
– relaxed atmosphere, harmonious landscape, bright colours
– prominent use of outlines to define figures (Liu Kang uses more straight lines while Matisse uses strong curves)
– flat colours (for both figures and ground), reduction/simplification of faces, figures, clouds, trees
DIFFERENCES
– subject matter: Matisse depicts numerous nude women lounging in the grass and dancing on the beach, in contrast to Liu Kang’s depiction of the daily lifestyle of SEA women. Liu Kang’s work is recognisably set in the Southeast Asian historical/cultural context, in contrast to the universal, timeless quality of Matisse’s nudes.
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