Mid-Point Review 2013-2014

June

2013

Ala’a Beseiso

My project proposal is about aesthetic values in art. I believe that nature is the source of all aesthetic experiences in art. I am exploring aesthetics of nature and my work is an investigation of aesthetics of natural effects in nature and man-made objects, and how these visual experiences are reflected by different media. The content of my artworks is important too, therefore I want my audience to experience the complexity of nature explored with paint yet enjoy a journey within the simplicity of the content.

I started with the theoretical aspect, I did some research and did some reading about aesthetics throughout history, resulting in enriching my knowledge.

(Islamic Aesthetics) http://alaabeseiso.wordpress.com/2013/02/12/islamic-austhetics/

(A Critique of Art and Aesthetics) http://alaabeseiso.wordpress.com/2012/11/13/analysis-on-a-critique-of-rt-and-aesthetics/analysis/

(Symmetry)http://alaabeseiso.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/symmetry/ (Aesthetics of Arabic Calligraphy)http://alaabeseiso.wordpress.com/2013/02/02/aesthetics-of-arabic-calligraphy/

Artists who inspired me:- Ismael Shammout: in terms of complexity and detailed work, along with richness of emotions and transparency of intent.

• - Victor Wang: outstanding technique and depth of content.

• - Khaled Shahin: Arabic calligraphy painting (forms and composition)

• - Leonid Afremov’s: brilliancy of colour and the high • contrast level

Secondly, I wanted to enrich my digital knowledge by using a variety of soft wares. This way I was capable to integrate the theoretical aspect with the practical one, so I uploaded three different photo editing soft wares on my mobile along with Photoshop, and took one on one Photoshop tutorials for beginners, documenting every step I learned and applying it into my work. I must say that using digital technology to manipulate my work has been an extremely enjoyable experience, which has allowed me to go beyond any limitations, experiencing unlimited creative options.

Primary digital manipulations on some of my artworks using Photoshop

Furthermore, I wanted to incorporate Islamic art and Arabic calligraphy into my new work because I am fascinated by its beauty

I learned about Islamic art, Arabic calligraphy, Islamic aesthetics

I practiced writing with different scripts, and I realized that it is not as easy as I thought at all!

Reflections, Mixed media on paper,50x40cm

‘Blessed is He in Whose hand is the Sovereignty, and, He is Able to do all things’ Al Mulk, The Holy Quran

Tile mosaic on wood board, 120x100cm Tile mosaic on wood board, 30x25cm

This was a turning point in which we had to update our project proposal and become more focused I decided to integrate Islamic art and

Arabic calligraphy with aesthetics of nature weather its natural environment or natural effects on man-made objects.

We Will Return One Day, acrylic on canvas, 100x75cm

Digitally modified pieces.

I took a picture of a rock that has an appeling beauty

I primed some areas with sand in order to develop natural effects

An inspirational verse was added Digital manipulations were also done for

all my pieces, but few were the ones I was 100% pleased with their result.

Original photo 2013 Acrylic on canvas, 80x80cm

Digitally modified pieces.

Oil on canvas,40x40cm

Digitally modified pieces.

Inspirational photos from the web

Oil on canvas,40x40cm. “And Give Good Tidings to the Patients” The Holy Quran.

Digitally modified pieces.

Inspirational photo from the web

Digitally modified pieces.

Moreover, I found pleasure in finding the power of inverted colors, were I realized that there beauty comes from their existence in nature:

Watercolor on paper, 45x30cm “If you have a contempt heart, you are equalized with the person who possess the world” Al Shafei

I added different effects to the picture then invert its colors

Related photos from the web

Acrylic on canvas, 50x40cm, Our festival is our return

Digitally modified pieces