SACHA JAFRI

This month, one of Britain's most exciting young artists Sacha Jafri unveils his ten-year retrospective in Dubai.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/512716-designer-insight-sacha-jafri

What is your response to his work?

My only ambition is to become an important artist of this century - one that is remembered in 200 years... someone who is a Picasso, a Kandinsky, a Van Gogh. And anything less than that is just not good enough.

...and his attitude?

The 40 greatest magazine covers of the last 40 years

Photographic portraits are often found on the front cover of magazines............check out this website and comment on the blogg on the covers included, then have a go at creating your own cover in your book which may be seen as controversial at this time/in this culture. (Be respectful in your choice of words and imagery.) Remember to explain what and why.

http://www.magazine.org/asme/top_40_covers/

Mikala Dwyer-workshop response

Whether the workshop matched your expectations or not I am sure all of you got something out of the experience yesterday. Mikalya was very impressed with you-It was a credit to you all that she commented on your positive attitude and enthusiasm, the sophistication in some of the work being producing and the ideas you came up with. She thought you were polite, receptive and forthcoming, and apparently a contrast to several other situations she had experienced during her time doing workshops in Qatar and the Emirates. In fact to quote her….”I’m so glad I made this the last visit of my trip as it’s been the highlight”.

So you know what she thought, now share your own thoughts by stating what positive points you will take away from what you HEARD, SAW, EXPERIENCED, FELT/THOUGHT during the experinece......

MIKALA DWYER-visiting artist

We have a visiting Australian artist called  Mikala Dwyer coming to do a workshop with you on Monday. Google her and make yourself familiar with her art and background before her visit. Take time to give your initial response to what you find out on this blogg. You will also be asked to comment again after her visit.

David Hockney

The photo collages are extremely amazing. The idea of putting the collages is very creative. I think that all his collages are beautiful because the focus of the object are shown in a different angel in each picture and thats what caught my attention the most. I also like the shape of the picture, because it looks very unusual and in the same way creative. This gave it an amazing and attractive effect. 

DAVID HOCKNEY

We've been looking at cubism- a group of artsit's response to photography.
Now go to http://www.hockneypictures.com/illust_chronology/illust_chrono_01.php
make yourself familiar with the artist, his transition through differnt styles and media and comment on Hockney's photographic response to cubism.

VCU EXHIBITION-SEPT 08

So you've seen the exhibition, now state 3 words that best describe it and give your personal response remembering to say 'why' you feel the way you do.

Interesting that even though to date 4 people have managed to become possible authors of this blogg, no comments have been posted........this does not bode well for future 'artistic' discussions! This is at present a closed discussion group and is your chance to express yourself and get credit for doing so, especially if doing the same in class still seems a bit daunting at present.

If you are struggling with the initial task then try this one out for size....

....what are your views of the artist of the day? 

Respond with your initial reaction and then reflect on the why, where, how, who, when questions and make an informed comment.

Has your response changed now you know more about it? Does it make a difference to your interpretation once you know the artist's intent?

Starting off...

What unites you initially is being grouped together in this class, but what will bond you and ensure your success is the qualities you bring with you as you start this new course. Take a moment to share what you believe your strengths and weaknesses to be and what you wish to achieve in Visual Arts over the next two years.

I'll start...I'm organized especially when deadlines are due but often get sidetracked in the process. I'm enthusiastic and dedicated to getting the best out of my students but can be hot tempered (be prepared). My aim is to bring out the best in all of you and help you to develop not only your artistic skills and values but also your independence and self belief. Welcome to a great year of ART!