Last Chance to View our Exhibition “Understanding the Human Form”

We are proud of the success of our first of many concept exhibitions at the centre, which focusses on diverse artist’s interpretations of the human figure. This is also the first time we have displayed work from RDAC’s private collection. Luckily, you have not missed out quite yet: the last day of the exhibition will be this Sunday, the 26th of January.

Exhibition philosophy:

The human body is defined by the physical structure of a human being, composed of living cells and organized into tissues, organs, and systems. According to biological anatomy, we are nothing more than a bag of bones and flesh held together by a skin casing.

To artists, however, the human physique in its natural state is one of the most complex objects to master. It has posed as a thing of intrigue, frustration and exhilaration to centuries of artists, who have experimented with sculpture, figure drawing and portraiture to express this irregular 3D shape. As no two figures are the same, capturing them on canvas requires mastery of contouring, shading, perspective and proportion. A marriage of the artist’s soul and the spirit of his subject, the finished product is a fascinating feat.

‘Man is so created as to receive the impressions and stirrings which the world must evoke in him through that body which is the visible part of his being, and the material of which serves not only to impress on the invisible soul that dwells in it the first notions of external objects, but also to recall and connect them interioriorly, in short [that body] is indispensable for thinking.’

– Immanuel Kant, Universal Natural History

Perhaps, understanding the human form is simply about acknowledging the beauty of human individuality and diversity. In this exhibition, we can study the reactions of different artists towards appearance and the human figure, its outline, shape and silhouette. This display of signature styles reminds us of how a single object can be interpreted in so many different ways, determined by the artist’s emotions, environment and unique observation.

‘Human originality does not mean creating something out of nothing, as such a claim is well beyond the capability of mankind. Originality, in my opinion, means to be able to create the new out of what is already there in existence. One simply makes a new addition, a sort of new idea, a fresh leaf atop that same old tree of creation.’

– Ibrahim El Salahi (Khartoum School)

Artist Profile: Dar Al Naim

Dar Al Naim Mubarak is a Spanish-Sudanese artist who works between Europe and North Sudan. The daughter of internationally successful painter Rashid Diab, she is an artist in her own right and possesses a distinctly different personality and artistic style. So far, her work has been exhibited in London, Berlin, New York and Khartoum. We spoke about her current work, influences and her recent return to Sudan, where she has assumed role of General Director at the Rashid Diab Arts Centre.

What mediums are you using in your current work?

I’m working with mix media: mixing acrylic, chalk, ink, pens, gouache etc. The only medium I don’t use much is oil, as I find I don’t have the patience to wait for it to dry.

What do you think have been the major influences on your artwork?

There are plenty! Everything is an influence, from music to other visual artists or even film. Ibrahim El Salahi, has been a huge inspiration to me throughout the years. A lot of my stimulation also comes from nature and its never ending wonders.

What did you learn during your time at art school in England?

Art school was an adventure! I hated it for a long time as I felt like the African outcast, whose work could only be compared to other Africans or ‘ethnic’ people of colour. I learned to tolerate different types of art, artists and thought processes, which are all of equal importance when building a personal critic for art.

Why did you decide to come back to Sudan?

Sudan is where my heart is, where I grew up and where I think my skills can actually help! After being away for 7 years, I feel I needed to reconnect. With the country’s many challenges and difficulties, Sudan will help me cultivate a more diverse aesthetic for my work.

You have recently taken on the post of Managing Director at the Rashid Diab Arts Centre. What are your hopes for this project?

The Rashid Diab Arts Centre is a diamond in the rough! It is an incredible place that has been running for almost 8 years now. My aim is to expose this jewel and create artistic relationships between Sudan and the rest of the world.

As Rashid Diab’s daughter, is it ever difficult to distinguish your individuality as an artist?

I do feel like I am under my father’s shadow, but this is a cultural thing mainly; in Sudan you are who your father is. I need to give people time and the chance to see how different I am. I also want to remind people that my mother is also an artist! So I haven’t just based my knowledge on art from my father; in fact it was my mother who taught me how to shade in, understand light, sculpt with clay, etc. I took tips from both and created a new style that I can call my own.

www.daralnaimart.com

www.facebook.com/daralnaimart