NSC Visual Arts Presentation: The F Lotus plays on the word Fl

Question

The F Lotus plays on the word Float. F is a reoccurring and provocative motive in Ai Weiwei's work based on the Chinese Internet meme 'grass mud horse' of which the pronunciation is very close to the Chinese equivalent of 'F**k'. The meme is used to underscore the essential absurdity of the Chinese systemic censorship.

Would the meaning of the artwork change if exhibited indoors? Substantiate your answer
The artwork has been exhibited on water for a reason. The water is a metaphor for the journey the migrants/refugees took across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. If the installation was placed indoors there would be no water and the concept would change. Outdoors can be visited by more people without having to pay to enter the museum.

Is the use of the flower significant? Does it have anything in common with the refugees?
A lotus flower floats on water, as does the refugee who floats on water or on a boat. The flower has been used as a symbol of life for the lotus flower. The lotus flower symbolizes longevity as the boat that transports the migrants to the land but still has rafting to it. The artist has also used life vests as a metaphor for the refugee. Flotus represents movement, the artist, a Chinese activist/artist, addresses socio-political issues in our present society.

Is the use of the letter 'F' significant in any way?
The letter F is portrayed as playful. Capillary lettering is delicate and can reflect how delicate the flowers and the refugees are. 'F' could also symbolize the feeling of being displaced and the struggle between freedom and captivity, as the ‘F’ can symbolize personal freedom/float. The 'F' font looks beautiful, however, the artist wanted to portray a provocative artwork by using the 'F' word which literally means 'F**k'.

Why has the artist made use of the life jackets in this work?
Ai Weiwei used life jackets (symbolic of life) to create the form of a lotus flower. He then used these flowers to create the shape of 'F', placing it in a pond. The life vests are used to prevent a person from drowning. He creates an analogy between the lotus flowers and the life-jackets. The life jackets symbolize all the refugees that have crossed the ocean. They will possibly have a better life.

What role does colour play in this work?
The artist uses coloured life jackets/vests in his artwork; however, they are faded due to the journey across the vast blue sea. The bright colours reflect a happy mood/atmosphere which could be representative of the migrants finding a new home with new opportunities. They are leaving the sadness and hurt behind for a new life. The colour in the 'F' form appears a lot brighter than the close-up view.
The colour can be spiritual which represents new life.

The F Lotus plays on the word Float - NSC Visual Arts - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The F Lotus plays on the word Float - NSC Visual Arts - Question 5 - 2017 - Paper 1

Would the meaning of the artwork change if the art work had been exhibited indoors? Substantiate your answer

Is the use of the flower significant? Does it have anything in common with the refugees?

Is the use of the letter 'F' significant in any way?

Why has the artist made use of the life jackets in this work?

What role does colour play in this work?

Explain how this work helps to increase awareness of the refugee crisis.

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