Henna

The leaves of the henna plant are the source of a red-brown dye widely used for body art, known as mendhi in South Asia. First used in the Near East and South Asia, henna art is now popular around the world. Henna body art is made by applying henna paste to the skin: the lawsone in the paste migrates into the outermost layer of the skin and makes a red-brown stain.

Some of the floral Islamic patterns and designs I found while researching reminded me of the traditional Henna designs that are used for weddings and different special occasions in many cultures. I think the intricacy and delicacy in these designs make them elegant and I believe they would make beautiful prints for a garment.

Islamic Designs, part 2

As I have spent a large part of my life living in Qatar I have always been interested in Islamic designs found in that part of the world, such as the geometric shapes used in Islamic architecture and the beautiful, elongated shapes of Islamic and Arabic calligraphy. For this reason, I continued my research and collected images of different Islamic designs showing the many geometric shapes that can be observed in most architecture found in the Middle East. I think these beautiful designs provide a building with great characteristics of culture and tradition. Below are some of the images from my book of research.

Islamic Design, part 1

Geometric motifs were popular with Islamic artists and designers in many parts of the world, for decorating nearly every surface, whether it was walls or floors, pots or lamps, book covers or textiles. As Islam spread from nation to nation and region to region, Islamic artists combined their penchant for geometry with existing traditions, creating a new and distinctive Islamic art.

Psychedelic Patterns

Colour Palette

I chose my colour palette from the image shown above as I think these colours are bright and eye-catching. I have always wanted to create many prints in black and white with splashes of colour for my final collection; therefore my colour palette will be mainly black and white with hints of these chosen colours splashed in different places in my prints.

Optical Art

Optical Art is a method of painting relating to the interaction between illusion and picture plane, between understanding and seeing. Op art works are abstract, with many of the more popular pieces made in only black and white. When they are looked at by the veiwer, the impression is given of movement, hidden images, flashing and vibration, patterns, or alternatively, of swelling or warping.

For part of my research I am looking at Optical Art and different Optical Illusions. I love the effect optical illusions create and how the simple use of black and white lines can produce many different illusions. Shown below are some of the images I collected whilst researching this topic.

Cover from Vogue, Vol. 145, No.10, June 1965, featuring the article: "Pow! Op goes the Art, Op goes the fashion. Now, Op goes the makeup".

Photograph of woman wearing a Positive Negative dress by Getulio Alviani at an exhibition of his work. Blaze 3, Bridget Riley

Photograph of The Who wearing an Optical Illusion printed T-shirt.

Pop Art featuring Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol

Pop Art is an art movement and style that had its origins in England in the 1950s and made its way to the United States during the 1960s. Pop artists have focused attention upon familiar images of the popular culture such as billboards, comic strips, magazine advertisements, and supermarket products.

I have decided to research Pop Art as I think it is bold in it's use of colour and form. I am hoping that my own prints will have the same effect. I have gained inspiration from the clean lines and bold colours used in Pop Art.

Detail of Still Life with Lobster, 1974, Roy Lichtenstein
Still Life with Red Jar, 1994, Roy Lichtenstein
Interior with African Mask, Roy Lichtenstein
Blue Marilyn, 1962, Andy Warhol
Pepper Pot, Cambell's Soup 1, 1968, Andy Warhol