Mary Bateman-Wang

mixed media on cartridge paper, banana paper, rice paper
61cm x 161cm
Title: Ying & Yang: Ways of Seeing

The work illustrates a personal perspective of the interconnection of British and Chinese culture. It incorporates story telling aspects of both individuals and peoples’ commonality to illustrate the overall integrity in holding together that which unites - tradition, cultural influence, human interaction with the outside physical ‘being’ and senses, elements of nature. The work is partly inspired by Cornish artist Jessica Cooper, whose minimalist clarity of style influenced the ‘objective’ thinking for presentation of the work:

‘I’m continually exploring, dissecting and diluting everything that is going on around me, seeking to find simplicity in the chaos of everyday life’ – Jessica Cooper

Ying & Yang: Ways of Seeing works thematically – with family narrative depicted, personalised by addition of photographs. The importance of knowing oneself and our own unique journey reflects individuality, which is important to retain/develop in the melting pot of world-wide cultural fusion or admix life today, rather than becoming a bland homogenous humanity.

“The spectrum of topics covered in the course provides a springboard for future development of skills in both ‘detail’ & ‘abstraction’ of work - which appeals, together with enjoyment/freedom of 3D clay and ‘outdoor connectivity’ sculptural forms”

STUDENT SHOWS

Mary Bateman-Wang