For the first day of the project, we were introduced to people from different art backgrounds to widen the students’ knowledge of the art industry. Prabhjot Kaur spoke about the importance of expressing emotion and art being a method of visual communication in art therapy, whereas Nipula Jasmine gave us insight into her own exhibition display and how her heritage impacts her artwork. This was extremely useful, as it gave all the students a sense of purpose in how they can stand out through their own work. The last exercise of the day was made up of the students trying weaving for the first time. This new experience demonstrated teamwork and showed us just how time-consuming art can be.
Further into the week, we attempted abstract photography and showing everyday objects in a new manner with a phone camera. For example, a group of students used yellow gloves and manipulated colour to create a sense of surrealism in their photos. Josephine Reichert, a Birmingham art gallery curator, who is also the leader of the workshop, explained that there are different ways of displaying ‘artwork’ – whether it’s digital, physical or interactive, there’s always a new and interesting process of exhibiting the art.
By the end of the week, the students gained the necessary information and got to know each other to start planning the final project, which was mainly going to surround the topic of mental health. We were given the materials to practice weaving on a bigger scale, which enhanced the students’ practical skills and this was also a great group activity for the lower years. Another photography exercise consisted of a list of 10 things to take pictures of (close-up, motion, shadows, water, lading lines, perspective, texture, colour harmony, food/drink and don't look) in a range of angles. This prepared the group to start designing what they would like to be made in the area available in the MFL quad. Nipula Jasmine then took these ideas and is currently in the process of creating the final piece.
Overall, this will leave a great mark on the school, as it’s important mental health is represented strongly in our community; this will definitely be something everyone in the school will appreciate, especially the ones dealing with mental heath issues themselves.