Some criticise technology for squelching the essence of art; some extol it for offering an array of artistic options that enable expression of all they have in their soul.
But, regardless of the growing divergence of opinion, digital art has made its presence felt far and wide. And the best example of its distinction is Digital Harmony, an exhibition of digital art in Abu Dhabi.
Unveiling the talents of Emirati digital artists Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, Saeed Al Madani, Alia Al Suwaidi, Nouf Al Boushelaibi and Zainab Al Junaibi, the display is an epitome of the highly evolved digital art scene of the country.
“The UAE is a country that is based on technology,” says Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, a graphic designer and the organiser of Digital Harmony.
“It is, therefore, fitting for the digital artists to educate people about the versatility of [their] art, which is based on technology. The exhibition enlightens the harmony among all the digital methods of designing, manipulation, photography and digital painting.”
Sumayyah turns seemingly normal and boring photographs into masterpieces of emotion and sensuality by manipulating them. She adds her sensitivity to the exposures by endowing them with completely different atmospheres of her liking.
Altering a photograph using digital software such as Adobe Photoshop, Sumayyah says, is what is known as photo manipulation.
“In this process, photographs are completely changed. If a picture grabs my attention or gives me an idea of a painting, I manipulate it: sometimes by altering the subject’s get-up, modifying its features or changing the atmosphere by adding grass, stretching the oceans, extending the scenes and sometimes even elevating humans to the clouds.”
The ability of digital art to change and fit compositions into the changed circumstances sparked Sumayyah’s interest in photo manipulation. “It gives me an aura to create worlds of fairy tales in sheer lushness of bushy landscapes,” Sumayyah says.
“Through manipulation, I can express my feelings. I can go through my real life and portray my sense of self in the contours of soft, romantic characters … plush with stimulating hues of warm, friendly sensations and forlorn feelings.”
No mess associated
For mixed-media artist Saeed Al Madani, the numerous tools computer software offer help him create works — without the atelier’s mess.
His creations are intended to reflect ideas and emotions, and have stories to tell. Digital realm, he says, introduced a new dimension to his imagination and gave him freedom. “To me, being expressive in art in a digital form is worthwhile,” Saeed says.
“It is limitless and infinite. As a mixed media artist, my creativity doubles. I gain more technical skills that help me soar and produce work in my own distinctive style.”
Digital Harmony is the 21-year-old’s first exhibition and also a collaborative participation with other Emirati artists. And the highlight of his exhibits is the aesthetically pleasing piece Solitude.
“Solitude comprises three artworks that follow the concept of solitude, loneliness and anguish,” he explains. “Through them I [not only] express social isolation but also touch on emotional distress. I wanted to channel various emotions through the artwork, which can be noticed from [its] gloomy and dark representation.”
Defining her style using photography, Alia Al Suwaidi never limits her sense of concern. Her designs are substantial and their meaning readily apparent.
“I am intrigued by anything that is designed, be it fashion, interiors [or] art,” she says.
Through her aesthetic creations, Alia deals with the issues related to her country and culture. Her patterns are sometimes in photographic form and sometimes in layered text that relates to the work and create white spaces within the composition.
In her recent collection, she endeavours to take the notion of Arab identity a level higher by using the panels of details in the Arab culture.
She explains: “The country has become a melting pot of cultures and these days we manage to let our own identity slip by imitating others. The man in one digital work named Lost Identity expresses his concerns on our ‘misplaced’ identity. He is worried about distinctive socio-cultural values being neglected. The red colour signifies the colour commonly used in the ghutra — the national headdress of men."
“I integrate the idea of Arab identity with something that will result in more of my perspective and views. The message behind my work changes but the theme remains the same — culture. The audience is free to interpret the visual and visceral context according to their own opinions.”
Undiminishing value
Zainab Al Junaibi’s expertise, meanwhile, lies mainly in digital photography.
“Art is [about] bringing an idea or emotion into the world in a way that can be seen, heard or felt by others, rather than being just imagined by the artist,” Zainab says. “Whether related to nature or emotions, or whether you do it with a pencil, a brush, a camera or a mouse, its value as art remains the same.
"I feel art through computerised means is the most limpid and credible way that engages not only our sense of sight but also our sense of touch, even though we don’t touch it. It is different and should be recognised as different,” she adds.
Using typography, Zainab finds ways to intensify her inspiration. Describing her exhibits, named Layers Of Light, she says: “We can see the attractiveness of light from different angles. The work shows the different layers, shades and angles of [light] that can produce a visual sensation. Lamp light, sunlight and the light at night are the three forms of light depicted in these works.”
Artist Nouf Al Boushelaibi, also nurtures an equal enthusiasm for digital photography. “They say, ‘a picture is worth thousands words’. When I inferred the real meaning of this phrase, I began to explore the beautiful world of Photoshop and graphic designing ... I started taking photographs of my family and applied slight touches to enhance the pictures’ feelings.”
As an artist, Nouf says, she captures a moment rather than create it. “I strive to shoot such that the exposures provide the true meaning of my subject …. unveiling the beautiful creations that we all take for granted. Enhanced with slight adjustments, they are more than just plain photos. And so, expression remains my foremost source: expression of anything that has meaning and beauty,” she says.
Digital Harmony is on at the Ghaf Art Gallery, Abu Dhabi, until May 15.
