LLED 361 921 Tony Wu June 01, 2015 Assignment 3: MOA Field Tri

LLED 361 921 Tony Wu June 01, 2015 Assignment 3: MOA Field Trip Writing Assignment SKETCHBOOK ASSIGNMENT: MASKS ACROSS DIFFERENT STYLES In this sketchbook assignment, we will be looking at how the Ancient Japanese used masks known as Noh, to personify different supernatural beings from their traditional mythologies to compliment ways of storytelling. As we have discussed, mythologies are stories that are passed down from generation to generation. As times change, it is evident that the designs of the masks also change slightly due to the reinterpretation of the artist. In addition to this, as artists begin to be influenced by different art movements, their style of art can also potentially be seen through their final product. In your sketchbooks, you will be exploring the concept of bringing in different styles of art to help reinterpret a traditional Noh mask of your choosing. First, you will be first designing in your sketchbook, a Noh mask using a style that fall under a specific style of your choosing (comic, realism, cubism... etc). When doing so, be sure to keep some prominent elements of the original mask still evident. When you are done, explain what kind of Noh mask you drew reference from (you may need to research specific names), what you think this type of mask symbolizes, what kind of style you chose to use to help redesign the mask, and why the style compliments the traditional Japanese designs. (150 words min) SAMPLE ANSWER:
The Noh mask I chose to reference from was called an Oni Hannya. It is apparently one of my more well known types of Noh masks. I think this type of mask symbolizes physical strength through anger and terror because the Japanese Oni or devils are often portrayed with bright red colorations as well as bulky muscular physical features. I was inspired to use a tattoo art style to help reinterpret my sketch because the variety of line weight and the faded overall colors really plays to the emphasis to the Oni's red face. I also thought that this type of art style would help compliment the symbolic elements as stated earlier because if this sketch were a tattoo it would still retain an intimidating feel and mood, much like traditional Hannya tattoos that yakuza members were known to wear as a symbol of belonging to a gang in Japan.