The Use of Media in Non-Realistic Painting by 2017 Students of the Fine Arts Education Program, Faculty of Art and Design, Makassar State University

Abstract

Background

Non-realist painting (mixed media) is a unique and bold medium of visual expression through the combination of various traditional materials and environmental objects; however, its application among students often faces challenges in conceptual understanding and mastery of various techniques.

Aims

This study aims to obtain accurate, clear, and valid data regarding the types of media utilized and the difficulties faced by the 2017 cohort of the Fine Arts Education Program, Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Makassar, in expressing non-realistic painting works.

Methods

The research method employed is Content Analysis with an art criticism approach, encompassing three stages: description, formal analysis, and interpretation. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling by selecting 10 student works as samples, while data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation.

Results

The results of the study indicate that, in terms of media types, students have not yet fully developed collage techniques, and only a small number utilize materials such as rice, mirrors (glass), and burlap sacks; conversely, the majority of students are more proficient in wet techniques through the use of a mixture of oil and acrylic paints. In terms of difficulty, students were found to have a limited understanding of the concepts they intended to express and faced challenges in integrating physical materials to align with the theme or concept of the designed painting.

Conclusion

Based on the study’s findings, it is concluded that the majority of the 2017 cohort of art students tended to prefer color play using paint over mixed media due to limited ability to link physical materials with conceptual ideas, which subsequently became the primary factor in the delay of their artwork preparation.