Today the University welcomed internationally renowned graffiti artist eL Seed to join students in the Art & Design Department in an intensive 3 hour graffiti workshop. It was absolutely fantastic!
The workshop took place in front of the Main Courtyard between 12 and 3 pm.
eL Seed began by demonstrating techniques for using the spray can as an artistic tool and described the process as “starting with a point” in the same way that traditional Arabic calligraphy begins.
The workshop continued with students grabbing the spray cans and beginning their own collaborative Arabic graffiti.
el Seed worked with students to instill feelings of artistic agency and pride in creating a large scale artwork in a group environment.
The students loved the workshop and even spray painted a portrait of eL Seed to thank him.
eL Seed is also participating in a group exhibition Hurouf AL Noor (Letters of Light) with four other artists originating from diverse cultures across the Arab world at Tashkeel (http://www.tashkeel.org) in Nad Al Sheba from September 27 to October 27th. I’ll be taking my Type 2 course to explore the exhibition and see eL Seed’s gorgeous work in person. I can’t wait!
Check out some of his work below:
If you’re interested in learning more about Arabic graffiti you can also buy the beautiful new book titled Arabic Graffiti.
