I was feeling uninspired the other day and decided to pull out an underutilized paint color (purple) and some random found materials and then go for it. It was a very fluid process with little formal sketching or planning before hand.

It turned out a bit sinister and dark – no intention of mine – it was sort of what emerged from it all.

Enjoy!

I normally focus this blog on my own  personal art projects but, I wanted to introduce everyone to Kalimat magazine - a wonderful quarterly online magazine devoted to design, politics, film, fashion, literature and more within the Arab region and among the Arab diaspora.  The magazine wants to shift from being  solely an online magazine to also being available as a print version in select stores worldwide.

With as little as $5 you can  support their effort to become a print publication through this online campaign.

Launched in 2010, the magazine is a social, cultural and political quarterly committed to providing an outlet for open expression within the Arab region and its Diaspora. At the same time, it is a visual communication tool that serves to educate both those who read it and work to create it.

The magazine is an open outlet for expression and seeks to increase participation within the cultural/creative scene, providing a platform for Arab creatives to engage in thought and action around ideas, people and business, moving the world forward.

Through the value of design-focused thinking, data visualisation, education and conversations with influential Arab creatives, Kalimat transcends and redefines mainstream media, challenging the status quo.”

I hope you decide to support them, but even if not – it’s a great magazine. Be sure to check it out.

Thanks,

Adam

Margaret Thatcher, Digital Illustration

Last night I was  playing around on Illustrator and did a portrait of “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher!  I guess I was thinking of her because of the new movie with Meryl Streep.  I seem to have an odd penchant for sketching conservative icons like this one I made last year of Reagan that I really have no affinity for.  Oh well! Thought I’d post it anyways.

A Polka Dotted Vintage Woman...

A Gustav Klimt-esque Pattern

Repetition....

Just a few quick sketches. Sort of concepts for bookmarks, doodles, etc? All of them watercolor/ink roughly 9 in x 3 in. Enjoy!

Memory
84 inches x 36 inches x 2 inches
Keys,  Ribbon, Door, Recording, and Acrylic.
15.45 min

This piece is a bit unusual for me – a foray into installation/sculptural art.

The work integrates the visuals of a found door and antique
keys with audio of old family videos, layered with songs from my
childhood. The goal of this work is to explore the narrative of the
portraits of my “Of Refuge, Of Home” series in an alternative auditory, as well as, visual fashion.

Unfortunately, I don’t have fantastic photos of the installation. Next time, I think I might try to make a video of the work. I think it would more readily translate to blog that way.

Self Portrait
Acrylic & Ink on Canvas & Found Crate
33.5 x 33.5 x 4.5 inches

I wish I had something enlightening to say. This was a piece for the art show back in October that I never took the time to post on here.  I felt it important, as the show was full of family portraits – to include a self-portrait.

One small comment about the assembly. In person, it’s very much a three-dimensional piece. I attached strips of painted canvas to various portions where the wood slabs were missing.

Enjoy!

Adam

Here is a self portrait I did a while back

Thanks so much for the incredible review in the Washington Report about my show this past October at the Jerusalem Fund Gallery.You can read the article here  but please support the Washington Report through buying their magazine at newsstands or subscribing. They also have lovely holiday gifts at their store – www.middleeastbooks.com.

-Adam

PS I’ll be posting VERY soon tons of work – I’ve been very lazy about uploading!

“Of Refuge, Of Home” closes this Friday, November 4th at the Jerusalem Fund Gallery. It has been a fantastic experience with great feedback and support! Thanks for everyone who has made it out.

For those of you who haven’t been (but have meant to) – the Jerusalem Fund is open from 9-5 or after hours by appointment:

The Jerusalem Fund
2425 Virginia Ave, NW
Washington, DC  20037

Let me know if you are interested in seeing it before the show closes!

Thanks!

-Adam

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be taking part in a discussion at GW about Arab art along with:

Omar Ibrahim: a Rapper from the Middle East
Dahlia Nayeef: a  handcrafter from Baghdad
Danah Abdulla:Creative Director for Kalimat magazine

Please come and join if you are in the area or interested. It will be great!

Friday, October 28th
6:30 -> 8:30 PM
Marvin Center 404 (800 21st Street NW)

Thanks!

Adam

And an extra big THANK YOU to:

The Foggy Bottom Current – September 28th – Page 27 which featured a wonderful caption & photo about the event.

WAMU/NPR – Art’s Beat – October 3rd with a shout by Sean Rameswaram out Monday morning!

The Express newspaper who had a photo and caption of Diptych 1952 on Page E15

And, of course,  all the awesome shout outs by some great friends & family on Twitter & Facebook!

-A