Art &
Design: Charity adverting posters
As a part of our research, we looked at different posters that has been advertised the campaign to raise money for young children and also to raise an awareness of the issues. From these posters we as an audience learn a lot about what is happening in each poster. One common thing that each of theses posters have is the use of children. This can be due to the fact that everyone human being can feel what the children are going through and can read their minds with out them speaking physically. Therefore, they have used the children to grab the audience’s attention and make them aware of the issues that are taking place all around the world, even though we as individuals might not be going through it but there are so many other individuals that are living in fears. These posters will help us with the poster that we will be designing to make an awareness of all the laws that have been broken regarding Palestine and Israel.
Inspiration of the final outcome
Through my research, I have found this
clip that they have used currently to make an awareness of the conflict that is
related to Palestine and Israel. This clip has inspired me to come up with an
outcome of creating different posters based on international law of Israel that has been broken.
This is the ‘Most Shocking Second a Day’ Video’ of a young girl's life that has been traumatised. One moment she is a happy child that is celebrating her birthday with her family and then at the end she is in hospital celebrating her birthday with the hospital nurse. So what exactly happened that this tragic change has taken place in her life? Well, as you watch the video you will see that the young girl and her family go through a war that loads of individuals are going through in Palestine and Israel right at this moment. Therefore, the question is why as a human being we are sitting ideal and enjoying our lives while other humans are fighting for their lives in order to survive? Why is that we are not doing anything to those who is going through this tragic moment? Is it just because it is not happening to us personally or is it we have no humanity what so ever? ‘Just because it isn’t happening here, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening’ This is the tagline that they have used at the end of the video is to make people aware of tragic things that is taking place around the world, while they are to busy with their personal lives.
The clip has been put together by Save the Children UK, this campaign uses the popular ‘second per day video’ life logging concept to drive home an anti-war messages in the most simple and unsettling way, focusing on how war affects every humans especially young children’s.
The video begins and ends with a young child and it follows the life of a little girl from one birthday to the next birthday. The clip is been documented day-by-day impact of the horrors of war as her comfortable existence is shattered and she ends up homeless in a refugee camp without any family member or friends.
The video ends with the message, “Just because it isn't happening here doesn't mean it isn't happening." This is very clever way to encourage every viewer to relate to the terrible impact of what's going on across the world. The campaign marks an increasing trend by charities and focusing on making the plight of far off countries more tangible by creating situations those viewers can relate to.
Project 7: These are a few...
Introduction
The art of Henna can be found in many different cultures and societies. The most common use of henna is for body art and hair dying. The origins of Henna can be drawn back to the 14th century where one can find records of widespread use in Syria and Egypt. Henna is derived from leafs which come from a small shrub bush “grown to highest of about 3m (8 ½ feet)” (Sloss and Mirza page 189) high, generally in Africa and India. It is called Lawsonia Inermis. The shrub can also be found in many Middle Eastern countries and other hot and dry places across the world. Here on, I will be exploring the development of henna and henna patterns in a number of cultures and societies. The henna paste, which can be used on skin and hair as a colourant, consist of grounded henna leafs, strained lemon juice, ground coffee beans/tea leaves and eucalyptus oil. However this concoction varies according to different cultures. When you combine these ingredients, apply it to the skin usually in patterns and then leave it for a short amount of time and it dries and produces temporary reddish to brown stain. This old custom and early art can be found in past and present cultures, from Arabic to Indian, to ancient Roman and Aboriginals.
“Henna contains ingredients to be antibacterial,
anti-fungal, and anti-haemorrhagic. Henna is useful in healing athlete's foot,
fungal skin infections, and headaches, burning of the soles and palms, and
local inflammation. The leaves and seeds of the plant possess medicinal
properties. They both act as cooling agents for the head and body”. (Nomee
2007). Through this we can understand that Henna can be used for medical
purposes. The beautiful patterns on the other hand, are widespread in India
today. It hasn’t only just developed in recent centuries. The art of henna has
existed for many centuries, there is not an exact place of its origin known
because of the movement of people in different cultures through the lands and
taking their art forms with them and therefore sharing their art with everyone
along the way.
Origins from Egypt/Arabic
An example of known early examples of henna design being used as an art form can be drawn back to Ancient Egypt, as henna art alongside calligraphy and hieroglyphics was one of the earliest art forms in Egypt. This is obvious as it’s been recorded and archaeologists and historians displaying the use of henna on the hands of Pharaohs and Egyptian Nobels during the early Egyptian period have found objects. Furthermore henna was used to stain the fingers and toes of Pharaohs prior to mummification. The mummification processes took many days and as the Egyptians were diligent in planning their rebirth after their death- a religious belief. It is uncertain if they became quite dedicated in the preservation process, going to great lengths and extremes in order to preserve the bodies of Egyptian elites. This was done alongside henna decoration of the body as the Egyptians believed that body art ensured their recognition into the afterlife; thus using henna to identify them. Additionally, during the Ancient Egyptian period henna was commonly used as a cosmetic hair dye for as long as 6000 years. This is a common use nowadays too. Most famously, both queen Pharaohs Nerefititi and Cleopatra have been noted to use henna for this purpose.
Spread to the East through Islamic Culture
Moreover, “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used it to colour his hair as well as, more traditionally, his beard. He also liked his wives to colour their nails with it”. (Sloss and Mirza). Therefore it has directed Muslim communities to consider this practice as "sunnah," something positive and rewarding, which reflects the worthy actions of the Prophet. This is often found in the Middle East women with stained nails and stained hands with henna patterns, this was encouraged as it helped differentiate hands of men and women (due to their long covering clothing) henna art work is considered to be feminine. However, it is important to remember that Islam is the world’s fastest growing religion about1.3 billion people of a number of backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures. The encouragement of henna use under Islam has therefore encouraged people of an array of different cultures to use henna for beautification and hair dyeing.
Historically speaking, the broadcasters of the spread of henna art towards the east were the Mughals. The Mughal Empire was created in India by the conquest and expansion of Babur and his ruthless army. The Mughal Empire introduced to India the use of henna when adorning the body during 12th century AD. During this time the royals and the elite used henna to adorn their bodies, particularly on special occasions, mostly to celebrate weddings or any other celebrations. The patterns were complicatedly made by henna artists or beauticians. However those lower in the caste system and hierarchy soon explored also into the art of henna, adorning themselves and others.
Indian weddings in today’s society and in generations before are noted as being incomplete without the henna celebration prior to Indian weddings. Bridal 'Mehendi' has been something almost compulsory in contemporary southern Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. These communities in parts of the west, including the UK and the States have been successful in continuing this tradition, endorsing the attractiveness of bridal Henna. “The ritual of henna ceremony is followed in every part of the country where the hands of the bride are decorated with the lovely red/brown colour of the henna. On these celebratory or wedding occasions most traditional Indian designs are made on the hands of the bride. (Ananda Mela, 2011)
Henna patterns in different cultures
Henna patterns have four different styles. Firstly, the Middle Eastern style is mostly made up of floral patterns, which are similar to the Arabic paintings. “In the Middle East it is said that Arabs will not apply henna on their hands if they are not speaking the truth” (Henna History) to add it is often brides who apply this type of henna. Henna is also known to be rewarding, as mentioned earlier, in Islamic nations including Turkey, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It is reasonable to conclude that Henna patterns echoing other art forms, allow it to be recognized as an art form in its own right.
The Middle Eastern style of henna application is using same techniques and style in different ways. This henna pattern has been created from the corner of the wrist and can be seen ending up on the second and third fingers.
The North African henna design style follows the shape of the hands and feet using floral patterns. It is noticeable how the pattern follows the design style of the henna from the wrist to the end of the fingers. On the models wrist the designer has drawn the patterns in detail and has created the look of a bracelet or a bangle on the models wrist. We can notice there are several mango shaped designs, which turn into a curvy style and are filled up in detail with many spirals designs. There are also many dots, which finish the edges in a stylish manner to make the design look more complicated and interesting.
The henna design style from the south Asian techniques, are lined patterns and teardrops. It is interesting the way in which the designer kept the consistency of the henna pattern design as in that way it makes the design looks perfect and even. The designer must have thought before he/she drew the henna patterns as we can notice there has been a great deal of attention paid to the back of the hand which has larger patterns and detail whilst the fingers appear to have smaller and even more detailed intricate designs the back of the hand of palm.
The henna design style in Indian and south Asian cultures includes many teardrops on the edge in order to complete the patterns. The henna design has many designs which are printed yet still is following the patterns in shape and the size as well as once it gets to the fingers. The designs on the fingers are beautiful though remaining very simplistic at the same time. The more simplistic the more elegant the design is believed to appear. To make the design complete the designer has added teardrops at the edge to make the pattern look strong and bold.
Lastly, the Indonesian and Southern Asian styles were a mix of Middle Eastern and Indian designs using blocks of colour on the very tips of their toes/fingers. The designs are quite similar to the other cultures but are placed more in the centre of the hand. Moreover, they use completely different pattern on the hands and the tips are coloured and leaving temporary dark stains, which are more bold and dramatic.
Evaluation
Overall, I think that henna designs and patterns have changed a lot throughout the centuries. Before there were a lot of simple design but throughout the centuries it has changed dramatically, nowadays the patterns are more complicated and very detailed, therefore it takes a lot of time for people to learn how to do professionally. I think the development of henna is admirable because the designs have evolved and developed; become modern. Also nowadays people have started using henna as a temporary tattoo, westernizing this art form allowing different ethnicities to start using it. “Many used tattoos for medicinal reasons, such as the Ojibwa, who tattooed the cheeks and forehead of those suffering chronic toothache or headache”. (Sloss and Mirza pg 98). Also this development of henna and patterns from different cultures has inspired me and I have always been interested in henna at a young age.
However, using henna can lead to various bad things. For example, you can get allergic reaction if you have really sensitive skin so therefore you have to be very strict when it comes to using henna on part of your body or for dying your hair. Henna is made out of different ingredients and sometimes it has chemicals, which can affect your skin badly. Therefore, you have to ensure that you’ve tested it first before directly applying it on to the skin.
Henna design is not only used to decorate obvious part of the body but it also been used to decorate the heads of women that suffer with the cancer “Using a hairless head as a canvas, 'the designs are customized and one-off works of art,' Ms Darwin told Today, who wants to empower cancer sufferers to feel beautiful again”. (Fleming 2012). Henna can be seen as part of beauty, if you have/had cancer and you’re losing your hair then you can use henna as means of beautification; to adorn your head. Many affected people do this, as they still want to be a part of the society without being judged or embarrassed.
Henna has developed so much that now people use henna to decorate the candles, jewellery boxes, photo frames, invitation cards, wedding cards, etc. for example, many Asian weddings that I have been to, tables have been designed with reservation cards with patterns of henna design. In the middle of the table, there are different sizes candles, which have been decorated by using henna patterns including their names and
dates of marriage. By decorating with Henna, the wedding look elegant and more traditional.
References
Flemings, O. (2012) ‘The stunning ‘henna crowns’ helping cancer victims come to terms with their hair-loss’ in ‘The Daily Mail’. May 25th. [Online] Available at:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2149916/The-stunning-henna-crowns-helping-cancer-victims-come-terms-hair-loss.html#ixzz2DzgmBTnQ [Accessed: 17rd March 2014]
‘Henna History’ [Online] Available at:
http://www.bodydeco.co.uk/history.htm
[Accessed: 17th March 2014]
Nomee (2007) ‘Henna and Islam’ August 3rd. [Online] Available at:
http://ashraf786.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=sib&action=print&thread=4216 [Accessed: 19th March 2014]
Sloss A. and Mirza Z. (2008) ‘The Tattoo Sourcebook’ Page 189 [Accessed: 19th March 2014]
Sloss A. and Mirza Z. (2008) ‘The Tattoo Sourcebook’ Page 190 [Accessed: 19th March 2014]
Sloss A. and Mirza Z. (2008) ‘The Tattoo Sourcebook’ Page 8 [Accessed, 19th March 2014]
‘Ananda Mela’ [Online] Available at:
http://www.anandamela.org/index.php/experience/136-art?&lang=en_us&output=json&session-id=5654080a2fb7c0831b7f6d9771e07618 [Accessed: 21st March 2014]
‘My Big Day’ Monday, July 9th, 2012 [Online] Available at:
http://torontoweddingplanner.mybigday.ca/category/south-asian-wedding/page/2/ [Accessed: 22nd March 2014]
Celtic art
Through my research, henna patterns are spread out from hair to body and from there to arms. At the same time it has spread dramatically, as now days people are using henna as a tattoo and this has become so popular, that it has lead to another form called Celtic Knot designs. Celtic knots are many different types of knots and styled graphical images of knots that are used for the decoration, which is used widely in the Celtic style. All these different knots are mostly known for they adaptation for the use in the ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts.
The knot patterns has first appeared in the third and forth centuries (AD) and it can be seen in Roman floor at the time. In the development in the artistic use of interlaced knot patterns are now founded in Byzantine architecture and book illumination, Coptic art, Celtic art, Islamic art, Medieval Russian book illumination, Ethiopian art, and European architecture and book illumination.
The Celtic art styles are mainly influences from non-Celtic sources either through trade or of themselves. In the early Christian manuscripts, these spirals, step patterns and key patterns were found, before the Christian influence on the Celts, which began around 450 A.D. This style is mostly associated with the Celtic lands, which has largely spread in England and then Irish spread it once again to Europe. There are eight elementary knots that have been identified by J. Romilly Allen which form the basis of all the interlaced patterns Celtic design art.
Early Celtic
Early Celtic art refers to the Hallstatt period, before the 5th century BC. Art historians begin to talk about Celtic art only from the La Tène period. The Early Medieval art of Britain and Ireland produced the Book of Kells and other masterpieces. In the art of history Celtic art is also know as insular art. Insular art is considered the golden period of the Celtic art.
Typically, Celtic art is attractive; it is often involving complex symbolism avoiding straight lines and only using symmetry. Celtic art uses variety of different styles and has shown large influences from other cultures.
Celtic art is the visual art of the Celtic Revival from the 18th century to the modern era. This has made an aware of the efforts by Modern Celts. Which are mostly in the British Isles and Ireland, in order to become more popular beyond the Celtic nations. This style is influenced more from the Insular than the Iron Age.
http://celtic-art.deviantart.com/journal/Brief-history-of-Celtic-art-Ages-368606647
Brooches and other accessories have been a part of celtic tradition since ancient times. The brooches were first found in Ireland because of the trade during the Greek era. According to Richard Hattatt, "During the early Celtic period the Greek Herodotus was spending half his life making extensive journeys abroad and writing his history. And incidentally, while the Celts from the Continent were invading our shores, and a woman or man was proudly flaunting brooch- there was a small independent local farming community way down in central Italy which called itself Roma." This description captures the sense that brooches were not unique to Celtic countries, and began from trade with the European world.
Referenced Book: Celtic art by Ian Finlay
Early Celtic or La Tène art
Early Celtic art is the popular name that is given to the decorative styles of Europe, from Ireland to Romania. In the nineteenth century many objects with this style of decoration were found in Switzerland. It is inspired by formal motifs imported from Greece and Italy. European metalworkers rapidly progressed their own abstract flowing patterns. Although in the European tradition, metalwork produced in the British Isles between the sixth century BC and AD 100 has its own distinctive style.
Islamic art is often vibrant and distinctive, unlike Christian art. Islamic art is not limited to religious work, although it does include all the artistic traditions in Muslim culture. It is a strongly appealing, as well as differences in language and culture. Due to common features in all the Islamic art, which gives a remarkable consistency, nevertheless of the country or the time in which it was created. However, there are strong regional characteristic and influences from other cultures that are also noticeable.
The essentials of Islamic art includes all the Muslim art, not just religious art, it seeks to portray the meaning of things rather than their physical form. The crafts and decorative arts are seen as having full art status and painting and sculpture are the noblest forms of art. However, the Calligraphy is a major art form in Islamic art. It consist of calligraphy has high status in Islam as well as a significant decoration for buildings and objects.
In addition, geometry and patterns are very vital in Islamic art. One of the common features of Islamic art, the surfaces is covered with geometric patterns. The use of the geometry is to reflect the language of the universe and help the believers to reflect on life and the greatness of creation. Geometry is seen to be spiritual, as circles have no end they are endless, therefore, they remind Muslims that Allah is infinite. The complex geometric designs create the impression of unending repetition that helps an individual to get an idea of the endless nature of Allah. This use of the pattern is the part of a way that Islamic art represents nature by their spiritual qualities, not the material qualities or even physical qualities.
Through this research I have noticed that there is a similarity between the main topics that I have analysed which are Henna Patterns, Celtic Art, William Morris and Islamic Art. As these four combines the same patterns such as little designs inside big designs that makes it look like a henna patterns. Therefore, it can be stated that henna patterns are developed a lot throughout the century and worldwide.
Project 8: Mirrors
This project requires me to produce a visual description of my Home.
Home in India, this is where I spent the first 12 years of my life here, so basically my childhood was spent here.
I spent most of time childhood at my grandparents, as she lived just few minutes away from me, which was the best thing.
Going back to my home in India, it is the one where I spent my childhood till the age of 12, and it is where I lived with 2 sisters, a brother and my mother. At the time, my father was in Kenya. Soon, my mother left my siblings and me and went to UK to provide a better life for us. Just after a year, my siblings, Dad and I moved to UK and live as a whole family in a family home. This was one of the difficult times where I had to go through, as I had to leave my grandparents and move to anther country. This meant that I would not see them for a long period of time.
After coming to UK, I lived at 7 Conway Road, where had to endure a big move from India to UK away from my grandparents who I spent my whole childhood with and the leave all my childhood friends behind. This hit me really hard and I suffered homesickness now and then for a long period of time as I was missing everyone back home. I lived in Plumstead for only 6 months with two big family’s, which was very difficult as living with two big family’s under the same roof, but I knew that I had to live here until my father could find a house for our family. These 6 moths were the most difficult part of my life as every weekend I had to do house chores and hardly had time to concentrate on my studies, as well as having the difficulties at school due to not being able to speak or understand English. Due to this, I was bullied at school and I could not ask for anyone’s help, as I could not speak English. These terrifying events made me less confidence and made me question myself ‘Why did my parents decided to move to UK?’
2nd house from right
However, everything changed after 6 months, when me and the rest of the my family moved to 132 Bloomfield Road, as I didn’t have to listen to anyone else, I could have my own privacy and for just once live as a whole family in our family home in Woolwich. I am currently, living with my mother, father, 2 sisters and a brother whom I love the most. As now, I hardly ever have to do any house chores; I can concentrate more on my education and be free. Also, everything was near to my home, the shopping centre, train stations and temple that I go to which is only 10 minutes away. This was great for me, as I can go whenever I want to and going there makes me forget about everything and the atmosphere is really calm and peaceful. However, while living in this house I started to get worried for my safety as the riots took place just 5 minutes away from my home and a British soldier got stabbed too. Slowly, living in this house was getting dangerous for my family and me.
2nd from left with the brown door
This project relates to the last project (7), that I have done based on Family and Friends. I prefer my house as my family home; this is where I belong, and where I have spent my life with my whole family for many years. I’ve got so used to this that I feel homesick if I am living somewhere else by myself. I have experienced this, when I went to Barcelona during my Easter holiday (April 2014), as on my first day at arriving in Barcelona I was really upset, as I’ve never been away from home by myself. Therefor this was quite unusual event for me although, after couple of days, I started to enjoy Barcelona as one of my close friend stayed with me during my holiday.
For the final project, I have decided to make a booklet using quotes of what I consider my home. This reflects back to project 7; one of my personal favourite things that was typography/text/stencil, as I have used different types of typography within quotes that relates to family, friends and home. To make project 8 stand out well, I have decided to use an essay of the description of my home and layer the typography on the top of the essay in order to make it look as if is been created by stencil spray. The quotes that I have used are relates to how I consider my home to be. Overall, project 7 and 8 reflect each other just like Mirrors (project 8). Due to everything being related to my personal life.
In my bedroom, there is a big working table, however, I do not use this for any of my work, as I like to do my work on the floor in large free area. Whereas, working on a table is not comfortable and there is not enough space to do all my work. However, I still use the table to put all my working equipment’s and other things that relates to my studies.
Just above the working table, I have a little notice boar, where I keep all my notes, any deadlines dates and any important details that I will be needed.
I have a little cupboard just above my dressing table, where I keep all of my everyday essentials such as make-up, face & body products, hair products and lastly one of my favourite things, which is my collection of perfumes. Which links back to the project 7 that I have previously done.
In addition, I use the kitchen worktop to do work such as cutting out things, or even taking pictures of my work to update it on to my blog. However, I only use for a short period of time.
Nevertheless, I use my living-room, to spend some quality time with my whole family, or even for a family dinner, then in the evening I use it to do my work as it’s really big, so it is easy for me to do any work that has quite a lot of paperwork as it won’t be crowded.
I have a collection of fridge magnets on my fridge, where I different fridge magnets that I have collected from various places. For example, from holidays or even museums and some of them are from my other family members and friends that have been on holidays. Also my family use it to stick any important notices for the rest of the family member to see.
Lastly, an image shown below is a shed and a garden that is been built recently. The reason for this is that since everything is so near to us such as temple, Woolwich shopping centre, Train stations and Railway, which will be out soon so everything is just local to us, and my whole family just got used to it living in this house. Therefore we decided that we all want to re-build this house. So far the garden and the shed is done and the rest of the house is still in process. In addition, the main reason we decided to re-build the shed is to keep all my artwork, any of the equipment’s and the materials that I use on daily basis. This will be our Family home where we treat our Friends like Family and our Family like Friends!
