Critical Evaluation:
Observations:
The final term has been quite productive in the developmental stages of my art practice. The ideas and concepts were turned into reality. As I have been compelled to reflect systematically on my practice, I shifted my interest from automatic drawings to ‘autographic’ drawings. My previous work was based mostly on the surrealists’ subconscious 'mind drawings,' and it was more random in nature. My current work has been based on planned visual interpretations from my personal life experiences. My research has led me to the idea of ‘Autographic Prayers’ that I narrowed down from a variety of possibilities. My final work, 'The Autographic Prayers' is an outcome of this term. Originally, I planned to draw it by using the psychological phenomenon of Pareidolia. But the seminar presentation and recent developments have made my query more intriguing with the possibility of looking into the notion of ritualised praying and its visual metaphors. I am glad I was guided in the right direction, as I feel 'reflective practice methodology' was part of my learning curve as an art practitioner. It already had an impact on my practice in comparison to my previous body of work of automatic drawings. I have managed to find a path that I have redefined as ‘Autography’ in drawing. This can be developed more as an established art practice in my opinion. The final term has also improved my pedagogical skills at the local drawing classes where I interact with mixed-aged adult groups. With my new knowledge, I feel well prepared and confident. Although there is not much scope for an advance drawing practice, I am still trying to contribute through my learnt concepts and skills about drawing. By introducing the contemporary drawing practices and sharing multiple meanings of 'drawing' and its furthest possibilities to construct new meanings in a contemporary art scene, I have hopefully helped my students. Feedback from my students and engaging in robust class discussions have helped me determine these out comes. From a personal point of view I would find sharing my learning at an advanced level very satisfying and want to expand this.
Evaluation:
In this module, I was more focussed upon the idea of 'ritualised prayer,' rather than just spotting images in existing patterns. In fact, I learned how to channel my focus in my art practice in general by eliminating random ideas through self-criticism and questioning. The weakest point has been the time constraint, as it would be in any work of this kind. My drawings require detailed and intricate work, and need patience and time. Although I have managed to achieve my own target for the final show, there were some other relevant practice ideas, which I have been noting down, and some of these will work as preliminary concepts for my next body of work. I have intentionally restricted myself as far as the practice medium was concerned; in fact, it was one of my aims to find a path through my drawing skills, and it helped me in focussing on the subject matter. I am planning to make an expansion of these ideas in my own time. The strongest point has been my learning curve in resolving complex issues through critical thinking by myself. I have discovered how certain concepts can be recontextualised through the conventional medium of drawing. The whole experience has catalysed my attention on the importance of self-critical reflection in creative practice. Now I feel that I have better tools to develop my research autonomously on a conceptual level. These achievements are already having a beneficial impact on personal pedagogy. It has been a privilege to be at the school of art and to learn from the brilliant mentors of BCU. This has been an unique opportunity, which has supported me in developing new strands in my art practice.
