Emily Liu
Protection
Prompt: With inspiration from sculptures and 3D artworks from the MET museum, we were to search for more objects and create a digital collage through Adobe Photoshop, ultimately recreating it from Adobe Illustrator. The objects were to hold specific meanings and significance.
This artwork features three distinct and significant subjects. While browsing through the MET, I encountered many incredibly striking sculptures. However, I was particularly drawn to those that represented protection and safety. The Nguzu Nguzu from the Solomon Islands was carved as a symbol of protection, bringing good fortune and safety to the canoe and its occupants. The Bird Bowl, also from the Solomon Islands, represented maturity in males. Lastly, the Tiki is a symbol of Polynesian culture, signifying safeguarding and defense. I noticed many similarities among these tribal artworks, as they all embody a graphic essence with repeating shapes, strong lines, and defined structures. Inspired by these qualities, I decided to incorporate a Solomon Island tribal wall carving into the background to capture the graphic spirit of the artwork. The colors used emphasize strong contrast, reflecting the spiritual strength of these carvings.