THE PROJECT

During the semester, my experience of research in this semester’s studio class was very different and more intense in terms of what areas we had to concentrate on in our work and how we would approach the situations and the information we were presented with. From our observations such as the “Art I Dislike” and the Bobst Exercise in the library, to our Museum visits of the MOMA and The Whitney, I had learnt how to carefully consider what I see and notice in my observations and in general about the world around me and the movement I observe. The certain exhibitions we have seen, along with our assignments has taught me how to look at pieces of artwork in different perspectives, and consider the possibilities of meaning in art and how that affects us in terms of the way we think and our emotions. Our experimentation with materials and investigating what works best with us was also a big part of what we did this semester, and I believe that played a large role in terms of expanding our creativity and our process when curating a certain assignment or project for the class. Our research would truly change my intentions with my work, and allow me to open up my mind and take risks with what I know and instead think outside the box for my work. It helped me navigate what I wanted to present in my work in the best form possible and express my creativity in ways that I have never done before.

For the influence between my Studio piece and my Seminar research paper, my paper was a large asset in my inspiration in what I wanted to do for my studio project. My seminar paper is •“How Arabic calligraphy evolved into a form of art in the Islamic world”, which lead me to thinking of other ways I could portray the beauty of Arabic calligraphy into a studio piece. After research and experimentation, I was able to create my final wooden piece for studio, which I am very proud of. I consider it a reflection of my identity and culture, as well as an artistic way to express that beauty in Islamic culture towards the audience.

Some steps of the process involved research of artists who have used the influence of Arabic calligraphy and infused it into their artwork, and experimenting with materials, what works and doesn’t, and how I could portray my piece in a creative and unique manner. These all contributed to the outcome, and I am very happy with the contribution of the process that took place in order to have made my final piece for studio, and hopefully I will continue using these methods in future tasks.

THE CACHÉ

For my first image from my semester cache, we have a photograph taken by the Moroccan artist Lalla Essaydi. From her photos, it inspired me to want to incorporate the use of calligraphy, as well as a sense of the Arab culture, whether it be people or objects, and incorporate that into either a 3D piece that completes into a whole image, or a large work that can portray a familiarity of my culture back home with a challenge to the viewers.

My second image, a contemporary image of Arabic calligraphy in a colorful work of art. This is an example of using the calligraphy in a more modern sense with brighter colors and a more designed aspect than writing. The way the letters were placed gave me inspiration, as well as the way it was more unique than traditional Arabic writing on paper. This was also useful for my paper, as I could talk about the way it is incorporated nowadays into modern art.

The last photograph is the old part of Jeddah, the city I am from in Saudi Arabia. My friend took a series of the town, and from these photographs they truly inspired the way I wanted to incorporate an ancient, traditional feel to my final piece, as well as include the calligraphy in an engraved form.

 

7 more items:

 

Modern Arabic calligraphy:

An example of a take of the uses of calligraphy nowadays in artwork.

 

Painting: My Dallah

A painting I did a few years back using calligraphy to form the shape of the traditional Dallas which is a common object in my culture.

 

Experimenting with Arabic letters

Trying out different formations of the letters that form my mother’s name, “Dina”, that is the main engraving in my final.

 

 

An observation at the Museum of Art and Design

A piece that reminded me of the arches and forms of doorways in Islamic architecture, that inspired my piece’s geometric shape.

 

Islamic geometric carpet

Designs and shapes that go well with the calligraphy.

 

Wooden lamp:

My first experiment with the engraved wood, when I made a lamp to test if it would look traditional for the final piece.

 

Mosque inspiration:

The Islamic architecture always inspired something in my paper and final piece, bringing out my culture and what is familiar to me.