Human Environment

Human Environment

One’s environment can create a substantial impact. Artists express their own reactions to their own personal environments through their art. An environment may affect them physically, spiritually, culturally, or socially. Through art, artists are able to exemplify intended messages to an audience about the influence of a specific environment. Lin Onus and Arthur Boyd are two artists who have responded to their own individual situations through their artwork. Onus, has politically and culturally responded to his environment by expressing a concept of reconciliation. Boyd’s purpose is to express his surroundings in social commentary manner on personal experiences. Although these two artists have similar reactions and interpretations on their directly affected environments, their approaches are quite different.

A pioneer in the aboriginal art movement in urban Australia – Onus, (1948 -1996) took quite a different approach in response to his cultural environment. (1) Onus expresses the emergence of the political voice of Aboriginal people on land rights and equal opportunity. (2) The artist’s subjection to both cultural traditions of his Scottish mother and Aboriginal father – dramatically influenced his reactions and interpretations of his surroundings. Onus’ incorporation of Western art techniques and the traditional aboriginal storytelling culture entails the artist to create his own story, whilst ‘arresting and subliminally challenging his audience.’ (2) This approach allowed the artist to effectively address and incorporate both the white and indigenous Australian audiences. Onus shares a vision to his audience. A vision of a united nation that allows the right for all people to pursue lifestyles and cult...

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...nting through the use of polymer paint. Boyd on the other hand, used an expressionist style of painting through oil paints. Both artists were able to successfully depict their own environment through the use of art.

Both artists – Onus and Boyd react to their environment in different manners. Onus’ incorporation of various painting techniques allowed the artist to reach out to a diverse audience, captivating his message of reconciliation. His astonishing talent is able to express emotions and cultural heritage with striking beauty. (8) Boyd’s remarkable series are described as occupying a powerful place in history of art and wildly acclaimed as a profound parable on the human condition through the brilliant use of colour. (9) Onus and Boyd have both exceptionally well expressed the influence of their environment and expressing a message to inform their audience.