2014, Mixed medium, 20 x 20 x 20 cm
By TAN KAH KEONG, Bukit Panjang Primary School, Art Teacher
The spiral is one of several interesting shapes commonly found in nature. Since ancient times, spira mirabilis (or marvellous spirals) have been a fascinating topic for mankind. In fact, the first symbols drawn on the planet were spirals thought to represent the sun and eternity.
Whenever one associates spirals with nature, univalve seashells invariably come to mind. The growth of seashells yields an elegant structure, which is the result of golden ratio proportions in their successive spirals.
As the title here suggests, this is the product of an exploration, which combines visual arts and mathematics in expressing the logarithm behind spiral shells.
Lesson Ideas for logARiThm (2014) by Tan Kah Keong
This lesson is suitable for students in: Primary Six
Artwork title: Visible – View
Name of artist: Tan Kah Keong
School: Bukit Panjang Primary School
Possible Guiding Questions
1. What object do you see in this artwork?
2. Why do you think the object was chosen by the artist?
3. What do you think the artist’s intention was?
4. Think about and discuss how the objects are assembled. You may choose to draw them out.
5. What would you consider if you are recreating this art piece?
aedge 