The artist’s initial intention for studio was to continue using similar mediums with emphasis on the use of the texture and movement of different types of fabric as a continuation from last year including summer project. The first artworks, two approximately A4 sized mix media (fabric, cardboard and oil pastels) pieces are regarding the ideas of transparency and translation which is somewhat related to the artist’s focus on fragility from last year. Nonetheless, there is less subjective connection of the artist to this work emotionally despite this piece’s strong connection to emotion being unable or difficult to express in regards to mental health, Autistic Spectrum Disorder specifically. Both qualities included in the title are shown using different mediums and types of fabric as well as using fabric as ‘the translator’ of words written on the fabric onto the cardboard. Two levels of transparency are being shown to represent both the difficulty of translating emotion into words and the direct manner of speaking the truth which is common for those within the autistic spectrum. Another artwork, present in the next post on the blog depicts the ideas of transparency using a previously used seascape theme.

Afterwards, the artist tested both primer and fabric stiffeners and found that emanel paint creates an interesting texture on grey card and PVA glue to be an effective fabric stiffener. The size and theme of paintings have not changed – B1 size and seascape photographs as my rough reference were used for the landscape expressive painting. Having started with firstly staining the fabric layers with thinned oil paint, added texture and expressive marks were added. Due to somewhat expected curved card (prior to previous test with primers) and faulty stretching of the fabric, additional texture was created by the folds in the fabric. This gave the artist the chance to play with the movement of the fabric and so, to capture that using two layers of thinned PVA glue which also added a ‘washed down’ feature to the experimental painting. The two layers of fabric resulted in being separate but also connected in the process. The top layer of the painting was separated and applied flat onto another B1 grey card. Preferred display of the paintings is presented in the photo at the top of the page. Post consultation, further work was done on the painting with the curved card as the medium by adding more abstract and bold in colour elements and paint mixed with PVA glue to produce some kind of idea of distinguishing layers and emphasizing the dimension of the painting.  

At the beginning, the artist used references to art using language and Adam Pendleton can be used as a reference as he uses language in a raw and rough way onto the canvas. This is relevant because the mix media artworks strongly focus on the way of communicating emotions and lack of ability to express feelings – raw emotion. Consequent seascape transparent piece uses mark making and emphasis on texture which is also prominent in Oscar Murillo’s paintings. The ongoing B1 experimental painting process, which in conclusion resulted in two paintings, has developed reference points and meaning in the process. The PVA glue covered painting (top layer of the main process) shifted from being seen only as an expressive landscape onto potential environmentalist artwork. This is because of what could be interpreted as ironic and intended use of non-environment friendly materials trying to capture nature. Moreover, the use of PVA glue created a layer which reminds the artist of the washing down of the sea but also adds an almost a garbage like and unhealthy look to the landscape. This can be interpreted as environmental confrontation. Nonetheless, speaking of technique and the paintings itself, works of Helen Frankenthaler can be used to make a reference to the staining of the fabric and the abstract painting of the two. Texture is an important characteristic the artist focuses on and the work of Dušan Šimánek in their exhibition entitled Ticho II (Silence II) emphasises the same element of textiles. Lastly, the work of Yukari Kaihori can also be found applicable due to their exploration of material and technique of capturing textures and patterns.

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There was an informal “Welcome Back” exhibition of works of students who just came back from Study Abroad and those who have joined our studio from the Erasmus+ programme. It is aimed to show a variety of things Studio 2i students got to do when studying abroad in different institutions.