Studio+Project+8

INDEPENDENT PROJECT 4

Description
This is a rough painting, using a semi-abstract style, whereby shapes are simplified and/or distorted. It is intended to show a scene of Tahrir square, which was the scene of the 25th of January Egyptian revolution.

What were the artistic and/or cultural influences for this project? Who/what influenced either the composition and/or the style.7
There are many influences in the painting, by modern, and especially cubism style painters, such as Seif Wanly and Georges Bahgory, but I can also see influence from other artists such as Mohamed Abla, who did several paintings of Tahrir square.

What materials/media/processes did you use and or experiment with, and how?
I used oil painting on canvas, I had experimented with oil painting before, but not in this rough style before. The canvas I used was also reasonably small, while I felt that such a painting would best be displayed on a large canvas.

How do you think you have responded to advice and criticism during this project (and during the term), both from fellow students and the teacher. Did you actively seek advice? If so, was it useful?
I did respond to a lot of criticism, primarily incorporating the rule-of-thirds, so that the sky occupied more space, and also making some of the figures slightly more detailed, so that the painting was more obvious. I did make the figures shapes in the front distinctly smaller than the ones in the back.

weaknesses/areas for improvement in the piece
The main weakness I see in the painting, is that it is not detailed enough. This has resulted in it being unrecognizable to most people, even though I felt that the scene was instantly recognizable.

strengths of the piece
It is good practice in developing my technique for modern painting. I tried something I hadn't done before.

What could you take through to the next project and develop further? This could be anything, from a technique to an idea, not necessarily just the theme?
The idea of revolutionary themed artwork is very interesting, the subject of Tahrir square is also interesting, and worth exploring.