The Fascinating Art of Ebru - Test 2

B2 First · Multiple Matching · Cambridge B2 First 4, Cambridge University Press

You are going to read a magazine article about a form of art called Ebru. For questions 1–10, choose from the sections (A-E). The sections may be chosen more than once.

The art of Ebru can produce stunning results. It involves painting on the surface of water, then transferring the moving image to paper or fabric. The results are spectacular – strikingly contemporary, yet rooted in the tradition of a centuries-old art form. There are two key ingredients: tragacanth, a soft gum which makes the water more dense, and ox gall. The ox gall has two essential properties: first, it allows colours to float and spread on the surface of the water; second, it prevents the colour from merging or simply dissolving.

An Ebru artist, Hayrettin Koçanoğlu, demonstrates by dipping a brush into pots of vivid colours arranged around a shallow rectangular tray of water, then sprinkling paint onto the surface. 'I can drop on green, then blue on top, then add yellow, and the colours stay completely separate,' he says. He takes a small comb and swirls it across the surface. Instead of the colours merging into a muddy mess, as would happen with oil or acrylic paint, the tray fills with swirling curly designs of the kind seen inside the front and back covers of old hardback books. Finally, Koçanoğlu places a piece of paper onto the tray, carefully presses it flat without submerging it, then deftly slides it out. The pattern he created in the tray has been transferred to the sheet with absolute precision.

Prior to arriving in Europe in the 17th century, a similar art form to Ebru had developed across Asia. A 13th-century Chinese book mentions 'drifting sand notepaper' made by dragging paper through a fermented flour paste stoked with colours, while suminagashi, or 'floating ink', was known in 12th-century Japan. By the 15th century, India and countries across central Asia had their own indigenous versions. The current Turkish tradition of Ebru dates to the mid-19th century and the work of several masters, who passed on their skills to apprentices.

Ebru artists are renowned for intricate depictions of flowers, as well as abstract patterns. Koçanoğlu explains that the technique is evolving: 'Before the 20th century, it was only about flowers. As more people are learning about Ebru, interesting experiments are happening. Artists are creating landscapes and even portraits – although it takes many years of practice to reach that level.' The beauty of Ebru is that you can create attractive and complex works of art quickly and easily. Ebru has the potential to surprise us because the water and paint permit new and exciting things to happen.

Koçanoğlu recognises the therapeutic value of Ebru in helping people with emotional problems. 'To make Ebru art, you need to concentrate, to be calm and patient. Also, the colours you choose can be a reflection of your personality, your mood and your circumstances. Water is the source of life and I believe it holds memories. That's why the way in which people make the connection between the water and the paint is important.' It's an art form that gives pleasure to the many people who practise it – and also recognition of the power of water in helping to create a more colourful and inspiring world.

The fascinating art of Ebru

say that the final design is exactly the same as the one created on the water?

claim that Ebru is a combination of ancient and modern art?

suggest that the results of using the Ebru technique can be unpredictable?

identify the mental attitude an artist should have when working on Ebru?

explain ways in which one substance is vital to Ebru?

mention that Ebru is expanding into new genres of painting?

reveal how knowledge of the Ebru technique has been kept alive?

claim there is a link between colour and feelings?

mention what the original subject of Ebru painting was?

give an example of the way different shades of paint can be used in Ebru?

In which section does the writer

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