Pluralism

Pluralism has such vast meanings. In a simple explanation, it means “the condition of being multiple or plural.”  

My interpretation of this painting is based on Sociology, the existence in a society of groups having distinctive ethnic origin, cultural forms, religions, etc.  A condition in which numerous distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural groups are present and tolerated within a society.

In Sociology, “Pluralism” means the existence of groups having distinctive ethnic origin, cultural forms, religions etc., that are present and tolerated within a society yet adds to the “flavour” of the whole.

Individuals, irregardless of race, creed, culture, shapes and sizes, when coexist harmoniously, can turn this world into a beautiful and harmonious place in time of many challenges.

The rock pebbles depicted in my painting is a metaphor of today’s society, multiculturalism. Each rock represent us as individual, some are similar but never quite alike and some are a total opposite but still a rock all the same.

Each rock has its own unique characteristic, the shapes, colours and textures. Some are beautiful to look at, some are just plain in a glance. But group them altogether, they compliment each other beautifully even though its different in many ways.

Instead of gloomy black, the hues and reflections of the colours emanate from the rocks radiates the dark background with multitude of muted colours. It shows the ‘strength’ of pluralism.

Just like us humans, we need not compete with each other, we are unique in our own special way and this uniqueness is put to use along with others, we are powerful as a whole.

The process.

36 x 36 inches (91 x 91cm), 300gsm hot pressed Arches watercolour paper. Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer (black/wet) and Polychromos. Own photo reference.

It was a joy in creating this piece, technical wise, I have learned a lot. In terms of how to make it shine and create textures that one could almost feel. The idea is to make every individual rock come to life, shine but not over-powering the others. This painting is similar to abstract art, only instead of using imaginations, I use objects or subjects that people can relate to. You have to use your mind to ‘see’ it rather than using your sight.