THE CREATIVE RESEARCH ON THE SERIES OF PAINTING “BLOSSOMING TO PASS AWAY”

Abstract

This creative research aimed to investigate the conceptual frameworks regarding "flowers of death" as a basis for artistic creation, to produce a series of paintings titled "Blooms for Departure" based on the researcher’s creative vision, and to develop a creative activity module centered on the same series.

This research represents an interdisciplinary integration of cultural folklore and semiotic theory to explore the dimensions of death and separation through floral symbolism. The primary objective was to analyze and communicate the philosophical concepts of impermanence and the cycle of life through the medium of painting. The researcher conducted a comprehensive study of the forms and myths associated with flowers of death—such as lilies, chrysanthemums, and marigolds—across both Western and Eastern cultural contexts, in order to establish a foundation for symbolic interpretation.

In terms of technique, the researcher employed a mixed-media approach, combining charcoal and watercolor to create a dynamic interplay of visual elements. The density and darkness of the charcoal serve as a metaphor for death and despair, while the vibrancy and translucency of the watercolor act as a "signifier" for the fragile beauty of life. The compositions emphasize strong value contrasts between the radiant floral subjects and blurred backgrounds to accentuate the "signified," representing the spiritual state of liberation from worldly bonds.

The research findings indicate that the nine paintings in this series effectively communicate the emotional poignancy and complexity of loss with considerable artistic and conceptual depth. Furthermore, the researcher extended the creative output into an "Active Learning" activity within an art education context, designed to enhance semiotic application skills among university students. Expert evaluation of this activity module resulted in an "excellent" quality rating of 4.90, demonstrating its efficacy in cultivating a deeper understanding of semiotics and emotional expression among learners.