Page 37 - BSAM 2016 Q3

For the purpose of this discussion it is quite im- portant to clearly distinguish between the concepts of form and style before we continue. Both the words form and style are used to describe the di erent shapes of bonsai and are mostly used as if they are synonyms. is can create some confusion and before one at- tempts to de ne an African style, the concepts of form and style must be de ned.
Form: (noun) can be de ned as shape; a mould; a species or kind; a pattern or type; a way of being; a manner of arrangement; order; regularity; a pre- scribed set of rules, course of action; a schedule to be lled in with details; a specimen object for imitation; structural unity in music, literature, painting, art in general (including bonsai); the inherent nature of an object.
Style: (noun) refers to the distinctive manner or mode of expressing artistic concepts in writing, poet- ry, painting, sculpture, music, architecture and bonsai. e unique way or manner of expression peculiar to an artist, era, place or concept:
• era or timeframe (classic, neoclassic or modern)
• artistic interpretation (expressionistic or
impressionistic)
• speci c locality (Shanghai, Taiwan, Yangzhou,
Indonesia, Africa)
• speci c artists (Pierneef, Van Gogh, Salvador Dali,
Kimura)
• futuristic interpretation (abstract)
• geographical interpretation (naturalistic or
regional)
Impressionistic Impressionistic
Naturalistic Naturalistic
Above; The form is a house. Right; The form is a church.
Both paintings clearly depict the style of the famous Vincent van Gogh.
SOME BONSAI STYLES Abstract
Expressionistic
Yangzhou
Expressionistic
Classic
Modern
July/August/September 2016 | BCI | 35