Living on Earth Cesar Coellar
Living on Earth What you’ll see is a sense of who I am and what I do as an artist.
Cesar Coellar Obsessive creator. Passionate, motivated & proud perfectionist. An eye for detail and a love for symmetry. Creative, colorful and clean aesthetics.
Published in 2018 by Cesar Coellar cesarcoellar@gmail.com www.ben.net/cesarcoellar Book design copyright Š 2018 Cesar Coellar Designed for the course: GR 330: Typography 3: Complex Hierarchy Instructed by William Culpepper Spring Semester 2018 Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photo-copying, recording, or otherwise with-out the express written permission of the publisher. Typeset in Orkney & Didot Photographs by Cesar Coellar
To the most humble, caring, and loyal person in my life. My travel buddy and best friend
Artur.
Table of Contents TRAVEL Cartagena Macau El Cajas New York City Chi Lin Nunnery Montevideo Rice Terraces Faro Limpio Cerro San Antonio Guayaquil Lake Bratan
11
ARCHITECTURE 39 The Oculus Na Tcha Temple Casapueblo Design Institute Macau Empire State Building Pavilion
NATURE
55
El Hombre Acostado Sacred Monkey Forest Potted Plants Vilcabamba
ART MAC ECAL Graphic Design Whitney Museum
69
Exploring the world gives me the opportunity to experience and understand other cultures. Traveling opens my eyes and mind to new experiences and gives me the chance of meeting wonderful and interesting people around the world. During the last few years I had the opportunity to travel and visit many places I didn’t even know existed, and that changed my life. Here are eleven reasons why I love to travel.
TRAVEL
Places I’ve been
Living on Earth
Travel
12 / 13
14 / 15 Travel Living on Earth
Cartagena, Colombia Cartagena de Indias is a fairy-tale city of romance, legends and superbly preserved beauty lying within an impressive thirteen kilometers of centuries-old colonial stone walls. Cartagena’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s worth a visit. I wanted to capture the essence of one of the Caribbean’s most active tourist destination without the huge amount of people on the streets. I found the perfect spot while walking by the massive stone walls that encloses the city. The yellow house from the picture is actually Shakira’s favorite restaurant, La Vitrola. There’s not even a cloud in the sky.
STAY Casa Arte Hotel Boutique by HMC EAT La Mulata SEE Old Town
Calle Baloco 2018
Living on Earth
Travel
16 / 17
Macau 2017
culture resides ‘‘ Ain nation’s the hearts and in the souls of its people.” Mahatma Gandhi
Macau, China Best known globally as the “Vegas of China,”Macau is indeed a mecca of gambling and glitz. But the city is so much more than that, a Portuguese colony for more than three hundred years, it is a city of blended cultures. Ancient Chinese temples sit on streets paved with traditional Portuguese tiles. Easy to get lost between the large amounts of people, the city of Macau has its own way to make you feel alive and I couldn’t have represented this in any other way than with what makes this city so unique, diverse and interesting, its people.
STAY Hotel Lisboa EAT Koi Kei Bakery SEE Ruins of the Church of St Paul
18 / 19 Travel Living on Earth
El Cajas, Ecuador The Cajas National Park is a UNESCO-protected site with a high-altitude area just about 30 minutes away from the city of Cuenca. It’s known for its trails, hundred of lagoons and it’s home to rich wildlife including Andean condors and llamas. Laguna Toreadora is the most visited place in the park. Within a short walk down the hill you’ll find an incredible view of the lagoon and enchanting bright gentian flowers locally called tulips. Being 4,167m above sea level your heart will be pounding easily due to the elevation change. Always use sunscreen, even on cloudy days, as ultraviolet light goes easily through the clouds.
STAY Hotel Dos Chorreras EAT Restaurante Dos Chorreras SEE Mirador Tres Cruces
Living on Earth
Travel
22 / 23
New York chapter in would neve finish writ New York City, NY Epicenter of the arts, dining and shopping capital. New York City is home to over 200 nationalities. You can start by having a steaming noodle soup in the crowded Chinatown, then walk to Nolita for enticing boutiques and coffee-tasting. Every neighborhood offers a different experience. The best way to see the city is to walk its streets. MoMA, The Whitney Museum, Guggenheim, and The Met are just a few of the many art-world icons. There are also the galleries in Chelsea and the Lower East Side dedicated to current and contemporary art. Astoria and Brooklyn are not just trendy places to visit but is actually home to some of NYC’s most interesting diverse neighborhoods with fantastic restaurants, bars and entertainment options. Oh and some of the best river views in New York City. I chose to call New York City home almost nine years ago. I have traveled to many countries and experienced different cultures but there’s no place quite like it in the world. Its diversity, people, culture, architecture and love for art motivates me every day. I took this photograph during one of my bike adventures from Queens to Brooklyn. The best views of Manhattan are from outside the city and places like Long Island City, Astoria and Williamsburg are my top choices. Best places to catch sunsets in NYC!
STAY Astoria EAT Seva SEE Long Island Sign
City is the only ner myever book I want to ting.
24 / 25 Travel Living on Earth
Chi Lin Nunnery, HK An oasis of calm in a busy city. It’s my favorite place in Hong Kong, is one of the most beautiful environments I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy. This Buddhist complex was rebuilt completely of intricately interlocking sections of wood joined without a single nail intended to demonstrate the harmony of humans and nature. I could easily spend an entire day relaxing around the garden. The peace and tranquility that this place evokes is unique. Photos inside the Temple are prohibited but the statues made from gold, clay, wood and stone will leave you speechless. Entrance is free and there’s a vegetarian restaurant you must try before you leave. Don’t forget your camera!
STAY Airbnb EAT Din Tai Fung SEE Golden Buddhas
Montevideo, Uruguay The capital of Uruguay and home to nearly half of the country’s population is a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life. Because of the headquarters of Mercosur which is South America’s leading trading bloc, the city is filled with strong international flavor. From elegant older theaters and little tango bars to modern beachfront clubs and restaurants. A picture at the Montevideo sign overlooking the beach is not only a popular “Instagram photograph,” but what makes this place a must, is what hides behind. This incredible view of the city.
STAY Hilton Garden Inn EAT Café en el Teatro Solis SEE Plaza Independencia
28 / 29 Travel Living on Earth
Rice Terraces, Bali Ubu’s popularity continues to grow even more after the film Eat, Pray, Love which represented this island as a place of healing and a sacred place where people often find answers to questions that they have been asking and learn more about themselves. This is probably not everybody’s experience but is worth a try. Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Ubud is famous for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies involving the subak (traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system), which according to history, was passed down by a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the eight century. For a better picture opportunity go early in the morning since its a very popular place and will get packed with tourists fast. Souvenir shopping abound along the roadsides you’ll find the best deals in Bali. There are no fixed prices, so have those bargaining skills at hand. Rent a Scooter for about 3 dollars a day and get to the Rice Terraces from Ubud in about 40 minutes, just put on a lot of sunscreen and wear a light jacket to cover yourself from the sun.
STAY Sayan Terrace Resort EAT Clear Cafe SEE I Love Bali sign
“”
You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control. Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
Tagallalang Rice Terrace 2017
Living on Earth
Travel
30 / 31
Map of the town by The José Ignacio Website
Faro Limpio, José Ignacio This beachside town is only 30km east of Punta del Este. Well known for its pretty lighthouse and top class restaurants. The views from the balcony of the tower are dazzling. The small but charm town on one side and the endless ocean on the other makes the almost 150 very narrow steps worth it. There are many tours offered from Punta del Este and other cities to José Ignacio but in my opinion renting a car is the best option. There are many beautiful towns and interesting shops on the road and you might want to stop by and check them out.
STAY Conrad Punta del Este EAT Restaurante Lucy SEE José Ignacio town
32 / 33 Travel Living on Earth
Cerro San Antonio, Uruguay Located in Piriรกpolis, a Mediterranean beach town that exudes a certain old-school and coastal-resort charm. It was developed for tourism in the 20th century by Uruguayan entrepreneur Francisco Piria, who is popular in the country. You can ascend this hill on foot or by car to have an up-close look at the terracotta statue of San Antonio and for scenic views of the harbor and the city center to the west, the surrounding mountains and forested hills to the north, and a rocky inlet to the east. On a clear day you can see Punta del Este. This picture was taken from the inside of the small chapel where people leave notes next to the statue of San Antonio asking him for different things. According to popular belief one must come back to thank him after those things come true.
STAY Argentino Hotel Casino & Resort EAT Picasso Restaurante SEE The statue of Maris Stella Virgin
Piriรกpolis 2017
Parque Histórico de Guayaquil, Ecuador Parque Histórico de Guayaquil is a theme park of 8 hectares with educational, cultural, recreational and tourist purposes. It exhibits the history and culture of the old province of Guayaquil. There is an exhibition of several buildings of the city that was rebuilt after being assailed by the great fire of 1896, which almost destroyed it. This is one of my top places to visit in Ecuador. There’s no admission fee and you can easily spend an entire day here between the wildlife area and the beautiful colonial houses. In the tour through the cocoa farm you’ll learn everything about the production of chocolate and the era known as “Pepa de Oro,” when the city enjoyed an economic boom thanks to the exportation of cocoa.
STAY Sheraton Guayaquil Hotel EAT Segundo Muelle SEE Parque Histórico
one-point perspective
36 / 37 Travel Living on Earth
Lake Bratan, Bali Located in south Bali, you gradually leave the rice terraces behind and ascend into the cool, often misty mountain country around Danau Bratan. One of the most popular temples of Bali, Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is located in the area. I highly recommend taking a walk around the lake where you’ll avoid hundred of tourists who are usually just by the temple. It is the second largest lake in Bali and about 300 meters from the Bedugul Botanical Garden, which is also worth a visit. Not taking the obvious path or following the crowd it’s the best way to explore a new country. Also, a better chance for a great photograph.
STAY Villa Nest EAT Locavore SEE Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple 2017
Architecture is interesting and fun. One can learn so much from a country just by looking at its buildings and houses. The art and science of designing structures is very well appreciated in photography and is one of my main sources of inspiration.
ARCHITECTURE
Living on Earth
Architecture
40 / 41
was a wish to get something ‘‘ There exceptional, I also wanted to deliver something technically unique.” Santiago Calatrava
The Oculus, NY The styles of modern architecture which emerged in the first half of the 20th century reflects the diversity of New York City’s architecture. The buildings in this picture connect to each other, almost like a perfect tetris game. The Oculus which is the world’s most expensive train station was designed by Santiago Calatrava who wanted to design a train station so simple his mother could navigate it.
CAMERA New York City 2018
Canon EOS 80D 18-135mm LENS
42 / 43 Architecture Living on Earth
Na Tcha Temple, Macau Beyond the popular casinos and the endless nights of party are some of the most beautiful Chinese temples. The Na Tcha Ancient Temple is dedicated to the worship of the deity Na Tcha, who is the child of the god of war. It is believed that it was built to put an end to the plague ravaging the region in the 19th Century. In 2005, the temple became one of the designated sites of the Historic Centre of Macau enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Na Tcha Temple is located behind the Ruins of St. Paul’s, remains of a principal Jesuit cathedral in the region, serving as one of the best examples of Macau’s multicultural identity. It seems hard sometimes to scape the over-crowded streets of the city of Macau but then just around the corner I found this temple with beautiful details on its architecture. Each side looks almost identical to the other which creates symmetry and balance.
CAMERA
Canon EOS 80D 18-135mm LENS
Punta Ballena 2017
Living on Earth
Architecture
44 / 45
‘‘
Casapueblo is like a living sculpture hanging off the cliffs.” Peter Mason
Casapueblo, Uruguay Carlos Paez Vilaro spent 30 years developing his home which is now a hotel, museum and a studio. As in his paintings, there are no straight lines in this cliff-hugging structure. Over the years he added segments, stretching it along the hillside, up towards the sky, and down towards the sea. He compares it to an oven-bird’s nest. His son, Carlos, was one of the 16 passengers who survived the crash of a plane at 11,800ft up in the Andes. The tale of the crash and its aftermath became the basis of the 1993 feature film Alive. The peace and tranquility of Casapueblo during sunset is what makes this place so special. They play a well-known poem by the artist that will fill your heart with happiness. A visit to Casapueblo is not just a magnificent holidaying pleasure but a moving insight into his colorful life.
CAMERA
iPhone 7
48 / 49 Architecture
Design Institute, Hong Kong
Living on Earth
This state-of-the-art campus was designed to provide an open and dynamic environment conducive to creative learning and innovation exploration. Its open concept of teaching spaces encourage interaction with ideas of the community and the outside world. This minimalist photograph tricks the eye into a geometrical environment. The primary colors against white and dark contrast well guiding the viewer’s eye between all the elements of this image.
CAMERA
*
Canon EOS 80D 18-135mm LENS
While Hong Kong is one of the world’s most popular destination, Macau is the sixth visitor source market of Hong Kong.
Macau, China A Portuguese colony for more than 300 years. The Iberian influence is everywhere from the pastelcolored houses and buildings to the street signs in Portuguese. It only takes one hour from Hong Kong to Macau in ferry and it feels like taking a vacation from the tall buildings and crowded city of Hong Kong. I’m not saying Macau’s streets are not filled with people from one side to the other but it feels more relaxed and less chaotic. The mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures and religious traditions left Macau with a big collection of holidays and festivals. The Lunar Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival. While walking through the streets I found this very particularly alley with colorful colonial houses that caught my attention right away. It felt like being immediately transported to another country.
CAMERA
Canon EOS 80D 18-135mm LENS
Empire State Building, NY The Empire State building is the heart and soul of this city. No city’s skyline is quite as iconic and beautiful as New York City’s. There may be taller buildings, or more innovative ones, but this Art Deco beauty is perhaps New York City’s most beloved building. It’s a pop-culture icon, having appeared in movies and TV shows like King Kong, Doctor Who and Friends. Its mark on the skyline is unique. I took this image from Herald Square. The minimalist style of this photograph invites the viewer to see such an iconic building in a more calm way that the chaos that is actually happening underneath.
CAMERA
Canon EOS 80D 18-135mm LENS
52 / 53 Architecture Living on Earth
structural principles of Chinese * The architecture have remained unchanged
over the years, the main changes being only the decorative details.
Pavilion of Absolute Perfection, HK This octagonal pavilion stands in the middle of the octagonal lotus-shaped pond at the Nan Lian Garden, a symbol of absolute perfection and fulfillment in all aspects of life, and blessings to all visitors. It’s situated at Diamond Hill of Kowloon, in the middle of busy highways, high-rise buildings, and a backdrop of mountains. The Pavilion’s architecture and landscaping are reminiscent of nature and conducive towards a sense of serenity and tranquility, reflecting on the profound richness of classical Chinese culture.
CAMERA
Canon EOS 80D 18-135mm LENS
Nature creates different patterns like symmetries, spirals, waves, foams stripes and they come in endless colors making this type of photography detailed and unique.
NATURE
56 / 57 Nature Living on Earth
One More Thing On June 15, 1989, a girl called Patricia Talbot reported having received the visit of the Holy Mary. She signaled with a ray of light from Heaven, a very special location high in the Andes Mountains called “El Cajas” which the Virgin Mary called “Her little piece of Heaven.”
El Hombre Acostado, El Cajas These craggy mountain peaks are found everywhere in the park. This group caught my attention because it forms the shape of a man laying down. The peaceful green tone of the trees contrast with the grey sky making the focal point of this photograph the man with the pointy nose.
WEATHER av. of 55° F ALTITUDE 4,450m WHEN All year
60 / 61 Nature Living on Earth
One More Thing The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is not just a tourist attraction or important component in the spiritual and economic life of the local community, but also an important spot for research and conservation programs.
“
The least I can do is speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Jane Goodall
Sacred Monkey Forest, Bali This cool and dense swath of jungle, officially called Mandala Wisata Wana is the home to over seven hundred grey-haired Balinese macaques who are nothing like the innocent-looking monkeys we see on adds or the internet. At the forest you can also see 115 species of trees in 12.5 hectares of protected forest. That’s a lot of fresh air! Some of these trees are considered holy and are used in various Balinese spiritual practices and cremation ceremonies. These monkeys keep a keen eye on passing tourists in hope of handouts. During the time I was there, I saw a lady getting her sunglasses stolen and a fight between a monkey and a guy who wished he never visited the park. Just avoid eye contact or showing your teeth and you will be fine!
WEATHER av. of 73° F ALTITUDE 600m WHEN May to September
62 / 63 Nature Living on Earth
‘‘
A bad word whispered will echo a hundred miles.” Chinese Proverb
Potted Plants, Hong Kong The Hong Kong Market in Mongkok is a little oasis with rows upon rows of stalls, flower shops and stands brimming with fragrant blooms, bonsai trees, fresh cut flowers, exotic plants, and an abundance of foliage and color that is truly a treat to the senses. These eye-catching and colorful plants that I found in an alley almost like hiding from the chaos of the city are symbol of abundance and happiness for the Chinese New Year Celebration.
WEATHER av. of 65° F ALTITUDE 0m WHEN October to December
Hong Kong Flower Market 2017
Living on Earth
Nature
64 / 65
Vilcabamba, Ecuador Known as the Valley of Longevity, this community of about four thousand people located in southern Ecuador is today one of the hottest destinations for outsiders seeking their own little piece. The hills are dotted with big new houses and hosterias, and the town with great businesses like little organic markets and vegetarian restaurants. The panoramic Hosteria Izhcayluma offers a unique view over the sacred Incan Valley. Well known as a Yoga and Meditation retreat is perhaps the best hotel in the area because of its relaxed and easy-going environment. They have free of charge Yoga practices every morning!
WEATHER av. of 68° F ALTITUDE 1,500m WHEN June to September
And then there is the most dangerous risk of all – the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.� Randy Komiser
How museums exhibit a piece of art is of the same importance than the actual artwork itself, and this is where I find the opportunity to take good photographs.
ART
Living on Earth
Art
70 / 71
MAC, Montreal The Musee d’art Contemporain de Montreal located in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles offers a great variety of exhibitions. For more than fifty years, this vibrant museum has brought together local and international artists, their work and ever growing public. It is a place of discovery, offering visitors experiences that are continually changing and new, and often unexpected and stirring. Besides the artwork I like looking for a good photograph opportunity that is not too obvious or predictable. This image creates a mood of curiosity that leaves the viewer wanting to see more.
Review I like to go to the MAC to be entertained. Most of their exhibits are of high quality; however, do your research because the museum splurges a lot of their budget on one to two amazing exhibits per year (go to see these without hesitation). Their permanent collection is small but has amazing pieces by Riopell and a few striking Quebecois works of 1950s minimalism and primitivism that I love. Jason Behrmann
72 / 73 Art Living on Earth
ECAL Graphic Design, HK The “Best Emerging Designers from Switzerland” exhibition which took place at the Hong Kong Design Institute allowed design students to demonstrate their mastery of elegance and subtlely. I was inspired by more than 70 ECAL student projects originating from the Bachelor of Graphic Design and Master Art Direction programmes in a celebration of creative exchange between the two institutes. The colors and the elements of this photograph combined with the plain background creates good contrast and guides the viewer’s eye from one focal point to the other keeping the viewer entertained.
i
Paula Scher
k
‘‘ It’s through mistak es that you actually can grow. You have to get bad in order to get good.”
74 / 75 Art Living on Earth
Review Delightful experience, contemporary images that depict the timeline of our societies present issues. Very powerful and overall enjoyed every single floor’s unique exhibition. The museum has a coat check room on the basement floor, so you can walk around without personal bags or coats to enjoy your visit. The rooftop is always a great place to go to as you can observe the high line from outside. Irakenia Cuapio
Whitney Museum, NYC The Whitney Museum of American Art focuses on art created by living artist. Like this piece called Line Up by Gary Simmons. The Whitney was designed by architect Renzo Piano. When visiting NYC is a must go. The view from the terrace is unique. Manhattan in one side and the Hudson River on the other.
76 / 77 Chart Living on Earth
What kind of photography inspires me the most.
Travel
50%
I find so much inspiration when traveling. There’s something about all these new places, cultures and people that keeps me motivated. Showing the world from a different perspective has always been my main objective.
Architecture
15% 25%
Being inspired by architecture my whole life by having my father and brother working in this field gave me the opportunity to appreciate this form of art. I find symmetry so satisfying and architecture represents this element on a very specific way.
Nature There’s something about the shape of plants, flowers and that green tone color that attracts me. It brings peace and evokes tranquility.
Art
10%
Visiting contemporary art museums is always a top priority when traveling. I’m constantly looking for inspiration and these kind of museums never fail. Exploring the environment in which these works of art are being shown is where I get most of my photograph ideas.
Index
Academy of Art University, 4
Colombia, 14
Airbnb, 24
Conrad Punta del Este, 31
Architecture, 39
Design Institute, 48
Argentino Resort, 32
Din Tai Fung, 24
Art, 69
Dos Chorreras, 18
Artur, 6
Eat, Pray, Love, 28
Astoria, 23
ECAL, 72
Bali, 28, 37, 61
Ecuador, 18, 35, 65
Café Brasilero, 2
El Cajas, 18, 56
Café en el Teatro Solis, 26
El Hombre Acostado, 56
Cartagena, 14
Elizabeth Gilbert, 28
Calle Baloco, 15
Empire State Building, 51
Casa Pueblo, 45
Faro Limpio, 31
Casa Arte, 14
Golden Buddhas, 24
Cesar Coellar, 3
Guayaquil, 35
Cerro San Antonio, 32
Hilton Garden Inn, 26
Chart, 76
Hong Kong, 24, 48, 52, 62, 72
Chi Lin Nunnery, 24
I love Bali sign, 28
China, 17, 43, 49
José Ignacio, 31
Chinese Proverb, 63
Koi Kei Bakery, 17
Church of St. Paul, 17
Locavore, 37
Clear Café, 28
Long Island Sign, 23
Lake Bratan, 37
Potted Plants, 62
La Mulata, 14
Punta Ballena, 44
MAC, 71
Restaurante Lucy, 31
Macau, 17, 42, 49
Rice Terraces, 28
Mahatma Gandhi, 17
Sacred Monkey Forest, 61
Map, 12
Sayan Terrace Resort, 28
Maris Stella Virgin, 32
Segundo Muelle, 35
Mirador Tres Cruces, 18
Seva, 23
Mong Kok, 63
Sheraton, 35
Montevideo, 26
Table of Contents, 8
Montreal, 71
Tagallalang Rice Terrace, 29
Nature, 55
The Oculus, 41
Na Tcha Temple, 42
Travel, 11
New York City, 22, 41, 51, 75
Typefaces, 4
Old Town, 14
Ulun Danu Temple, 37
Paula Scher, 72
Uruguay, 26, 32, 45
Parque Histรณrico, 35
Vilcabamba, 65
Pavilion of Absolute Perfection, 52
Villa Nest, 37
Photographs, 4
Whitney Museum, 75
Picasso Restaurante, 32
William Culpepper, 4
Piriapolis, 33 Plaza Independencia, 26
Living on Earth Photography has always been my passion and exploring the world my main source of inspiration. To combine both in a single piece of work is a dream come true and I’m happy to share it with you. Cesar Coellar