Art explained in TWICE’s subunit - MISAMO
(Photo via TWICE under JYPE)
Netizens and K-pop fans alike we in awe of TWICE’s subunit which consisted of the 3 Japanese members- Mina, Sana, and Momo (MISAMO). Their MV ‘Do Not Touch’ explored the theme of art and consent. Throughout the music video there are obvious homages to famous art pieces like Monet’s Water Lilies, Boticelli’s The Birth of Venus to name a few. The curtain is pulled in the beginning as we see the members posing magnificently like art pieces. The lyrics mention how consent must be received in order for anyone to touch them as they are like art pieces, beautiful to look at, but not allowed to touch. In this article we will be exploring a few of the most renowned art pieces that you might recognise, but not know the story behind.
(Source: The Wallace Collection)
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Les Hasards Heureux de L’Escarpolette (“The Swing”), 1767
While at the first glance this painting might seem lovely and romantic, what hides behind is a scandalous, raunchy piece of art. Our attention is instantly pulled to the centre of the piece-the girl in bubblegum pink that contrasts with the dim green background. The light shines from above further highlighting her. She playfully swings through the air and lifts her left leg high exposing her ankle. How scandalous! How erotic! While it’s true that at the time such exposure could have been regarded as inappropriate, look beneath her. There seems to a man staring excitedly up her skirt. Well this painting doesn’t seem to be that much innocent anymore now does it.
That is not all though. That man who commissioned this painting is her lover but not her husband. Look behind her, that’s her husband. The husband looks up at his wife lovingly, unaware of the man looking up her skirt. Now let’s think of the metaphorical aspect. A swing goes back and fourth, much like how the women went back and fourth between the two men. A closer look could make us speculate that the ropes of marriage are coming loose, evident by the frayed ropes on the swing. Cunningly, the painter included a statue of cupid holding it’s hand up to it’s lips. It is as if saying whatever happens in the garden, stays in the garden.
(Source: Museum of Applied Arts)
Gustav Klimt, The Tree of Life. (1905–1909)
Klimt is more famously known for his piece, The Kiss of Life but this does not falter in terms of recognition. It was created during his golden period where he used oil painting techniques with gold paint in order to create luxurious art pieces. The Tree Of Life represents how everything, including heaven, hell, earth, life, and death, is interconnected. The tree branches that reach to the sky along with the tree roots symbolise Heaven and Earth. The swirly branches add a fantastical aspect along with the dreamy use of silver and golds.
Contrary to straight tree branches we see in reality, Klimt’s branches twist, swirl, and turn, creating a complex structure that reflects the winding and complex paths of life that we humans take. As with trees, the roots are embedded in the earth beneath, showing the connection of life and earth. We are born from the soil of earth and from there on we grow, and when death into dust we become. We are reminded of death are our eyes latch onto the black bird near the centre. In many cultures, it is seen as a symbol of death, telling us what has a beginning also has an end.
(Source: Google Arts & Culture, Uffizi Gallery)
Sandro Botticelli, The Birth of Venus (c. 1484 – 1486)
This piece is very romantic and reminiscent of spring as Venus -the symbol of love and beauty emerges. She poses modestly, with her hands and long, flowing hair covering her nakedness. On the right, Hora of Spring hurriedly covers her with a cloak that dons floral patterns. On the left there is Zephyrus, the god of wind that brings about the fluttering petals, typically associated with the beginnings of spring with a gentle breeze.
Here, Venus is the symbol of perfection with her milky, porcelain skin and golden long hair. The hairstyle she wears was reportedly famous during women of Boticelli’s time. The duller, earthy tones of the sea and grass directly contrast with Venus’s light skin tone which was seen as more attractive back then. A closer look at Venus shows us her abnormally elongated limbs and impossible posture, leaning so far left would cause one to be imbalanced. However, her disproportionate figure and unnatural stance just adds to her otherworldliness as a goddess.
While the stories behind the art mentioned in MISAMO’s MV seem to no connection to the members themselves, it is always interesting to learn something fascinating about art you always see but never know. Hopefully, this article piqued more of your curiosity and insight into art.
