Ecological Influence on the Works of Contemporary Printmaking Artists

Pengaruh Ekologi Terhadap Karya Artis Seni Cetak Kontemporari

Abstract

The influence of ecology in the formation of ideas and the production of contemporary artworks has potential in the artistic practice of print artists. Printmaking is one of the media that conveys current issues in a personal context globally. Ecology also reflects awareness of the dynamic relationship between humans and the surrounding ecosystem. However, there is a lack of in-depth critical studies on the influence of ecology on the creative process of producing artworks. Therefore, this study aims to understand the influence of ecology on the selection of materials, techniques, and themes, as well as its impact on printmaking artworks. The qualitative research methodology involves visual analysis of printmaking artworks from two selected artists, namely Haafiz Shahimi and Fadli Mokhtar. The semi-structured interview method and observation of the artist’s process of producing artworks were conducted within the framework of Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theoretical framework. The analysis was assessed based on the complex relationship between the artist and the micro, meso, ecosystem, and macro environments that influence the artist’s thinking and processing of ideas through their work. The study findings show that contemporary printmaking artists utilize printmaking materials and techniques to convey personal narrative messages. Nature-based motifs and symbolism, such as flora and fauna, are employed to enliven narratives that highlight the harmonious relationship between humans and their surrounding environment. In conclusion, the integration of ecology in contemporary printmaking not only enriches the visual narrative but also contributes to a deeper artistic discourse while raising awareness of global issues. Further research is recommended to examine the comparison between ecological approaches through printmaking in various cultural contexts as a contribution to the field of printmaking in Malaysia.

Abstrak
Pengaruh ekologi dalam pembentukan idea dan penghasilan karya seni kontemporari memiliki potensi dalam amalan seni artis seni cetak. Seni cetak menjadi salah satu medium menyampaikan isu-isu semasa dalam konteks peribadi secara global. Hal ini sekaligus mencerminkan kesedaran terhadap hubungan dinamik antara manusia dengan ekosistem sekitarnya. Namun, terdapat kekurangan kajian kritikal yang mendalam tentang pengaruh ekologi terhadap proses kreatif penghasilan karya. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk memahami pengaruh ekologi melalui pemilihan bahan, teknik dan tema serta impaknya terhadap karya seni cetak. Metodologi kajian kualitatif melibatkan analisis visual terhadap karya seni cetak daripada dua artis terpilih, iaitu Haafiz Shahimi dan Fadli Mokhtar. Kaedah temu bual separa struktur dan pemerhatian terhadap proses penghasilan karya dijalankan berpandukan kerangka teori ekologi oleh Urie Bronfenbrenner. Analisis dinilai berdasarkan hubungan kompleks antara artis dengan persekitaran mikro, meso, eksosistem dan makro yang mempengaruhi pemikiran dan pengolahan idea melalui pengkaryaan artis. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa artis seni cetak kontemporari memanfaatkan bahan dan teknik cetakan untuk menyampaikan mesej bersifat naratif peribadi. Motif dan simbolisme berasaskan alam seperti flora dan fauna digunakan untuk menghidupkan naratif yang menekankan hubungan harmoni antara manusia dan alam sekitarnya. Kesimpulannya, integrasi ekologi dalam seni cetak kontemporari bukan sahaja memperkayakan naratif visual tetapi juga menyumbang kepada wacana seni yang lebih mendalam di samping meningkatkan kesedaran terhadap isu global. Kajian lanjutan disarankan untuk meneliti perbandingan antara pendekatan ekologi melalui karya seni cetak di pelbagai konteks budaya sebagai sumbangan kepada bidang seni cetak di Malaysia.