Barah Albuhwailah
In this body of work, the theme I explored was ‘nature, man, and animal’, and within this theme, I explored five sub-themes connecting the three areas. I explored innocence, beauty, identity, wonder, and time. The reason those subthemes were chosen was due to their relevance to personal events and observations I’ve made in life of what is significant to me as an individual- what I ponder or reflect upon regularly. For example, beauty. When addressing this sub-theme we can focus on physical, spiritual, or ideological aspects in relation to nature, man, or animal, hence the connection of the observation of beauty in relation to my personal experiences and previous reflections.
Through the sub-themes explored, I hope that I am able to encourage the viewer to reflect on the aspects of innocence, beauty, identity, wonder, and the passing of time within their own lives. My artworks communicate my ideas and observations, such as the passing of time within nature being a great example of change in a circular pattern. To represent this sub-theme, I created an artwork that explores the journey of a maple tree in 12 months. Similar to the process used to represent the sub-theme of the passing of time, I hope that this body of work will give insight into my general process of thinking and how I input and analyze the world. I was inspired to create this representation of this sub-theme through the simple observation of nature around me, which slowly led me to realize just how obvious, yet overlooked such observations may be. In relation to the passing of time, through using this impersonal example to the viewer, I hope to have created a reason for them to reflect on their circular journey within life, what have been their full circle moments. So, my goal within my body of work is to explore common ideas from a personal lens; however, leaving space for the viewer to apply the explored concepts to their own ideas.
When reflecting on the intention of this exhibition, I chose to group the pieces based on their sub-themes to help demonstrate how I explored the various concepts from different perspectives. Placing them near each other allows for the contrast and similarities of the exploration of each sub-theme to be explored.
When observing this body of work, one of the first things that may be noted is the chosen style within the artworks. I tend to focus on the object or concept within each work and dislike creating artworks that display very busy or detail-oriented backgrounds. The ideas that are explored are universal; however, the ways in which they are approached are personalized.
The artworks created are meant to convey the sub-themes chosen; however, it is important to realize that similarly to the majority of art created, the interpretation of the viewer can add value and depth to the artwork, perhaps unknown or unrealized by the artist. To support this, my straightforward composition and variety in style leave room for the substituting in and interpretation of the concepts explored by the viewer.
My inspiration for the artworks often stemmed from my observations of the world around me. When exploring innocence, for example, I reflected on the items or experiences which reminded me most of this concept and tried to reflect them in a manner that, although maintaining its personal connections to me, also provides enough relevance to the viewers’ lives and experiences, hence making it relevant and easily accessible for them to interpret.
Orbs
Digital: Clip Studio Paint
27.94 x 35.56 Cm
Following the theme of nature, man, and animal, this artwork explores the sub-theme of beauty. Through the use of pastel colors glowing against a dark background, my intent was to encourage the viewer to observe and realize the simplicity of beauty present around us by looking at a creature in nature whose existence holds plentiful beauty on its own, and yet it is a natural part of this planet. The work was titled "orbs" due to the orb-like tentacles present, which add a touch of imagination.
Eye of Nature
Digital: Clip Studio Paint
20.32 X 20.32 cm
Within the theme of nature, man, and animal, this artwork explores the sub-theme of beauty. I sought to represent the phrase, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” For the iris, I drew a sunflower, which often represents positivity and strength. For the eyebrows and eyelashes, I incorporated yarrows which represent everlasting love and healing. Integrating the idea of mother nature and her view of the world, I aimed to bring light to all beauty around us which we must observe and appreciate.
A Dose of Nectar
Acrylic on canvas
20.32 x 25.4 Cm
Within the theme of nature, man, and animal, this artwork explores the sub-theme of innocence. This artwork aims to describe a symbiotic relationship between the flower and bee. However this relationship differs from reality. Where the bee receives the nectar, the flower, in return, is presented with a dose of positivity of this friendly daily visit. I hoped to communicate innocence through the cartoonish, child-like style chosen along with an idea inspired by children's fiction.
Silver, Night, Gray, and Blondie.
Sculpey oven-bake clay and acrylic paint
Bunnies: 5-6 cm x 1-2 cm
Teacups: 3-5 cm x 4-6 cm
Plates: 5-7 cm x 1-2 cm
Following the theme of nature, man, and animal, this artwork explores the sub-theme of beauty. Growing up, some of my most vivid memories are around the age of 3 involving a set of teacups that I used to play with. Memories with similar characteristics of innocence and joy in recent years involve my bunnies and the joy they bring. My goal with this work is to intersect the past and present by sharing a personal representation of innocence in relation to man and animal.
Sugar Maple
Watercolor on watercolor paper
10.16 x 15.24 cm each
This work follows the theme of ‘nature, man, and animal’ with a focus on the display of the sub-theme of the passing of time in nature. One of the few constant things in life is the passing of time and the presence of change, and it seems that change can represent the passing of time in mesmerizing ways. Change in nature seems to follow a cycle. In this work, I hoped to communicate this presence of a pattern in the passing of time by observing a twelve-month cycle of a sugar maple tree.
Moonchild
Acrylic on Canvas
20.32 X 25.4 cm
Following the theme of nature, man, and animal, this artwork explores the sub-theme of wonder. Moon spirits and moon deities exist in various mythologies and cultures. This painting’s aim is to explore this idea of the supernatural and humans’ obsession with depicting the unknown in forms resembling us, humans. To present this idea, I utilized contrast and texture to first bring focus to the hair, then the face, and then the overall picture, displaying a slightly supernatural person.
Moonlets
Acrylic on canvas
12.7 x 17.78 Cm
Within the theme of nature, man, and animal, this artwork explores the sub-theme of wonder. This piece aims to portray the wonder in finding serenity in the calmness of the night. Creating this scene of a night sky and landscape using a composition that breaks up the view into little sections helps it flow gradually and slowly, forcing the viewer to move from one section to another while fully observing the details. The full picture is noticed after examining the individual pieces.
Self Portrait
Digital: Clip Studio Paint
27.94 x 35.56 Cm
Following the theme of nature, man, and animal, this artwork explores the sub-theme of identity. When exploring one’s identity, we come to realize that our characteristics adapt to our environment. In this piece, I wanted to simplify this concept to its most basic form: how we and others physically present and observe ourselves. Attempting a photorealistic style allowed for better communication of this sub-theme. Saturated colors also allow for both emphasis and movement throughout the piece.
