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Reflections: Art-Making Workshop (Portraits)
July 21 to September 8, 2023
MCASD La Jolla, Prebys Education Center
Per session: $60 non-members, $50 members; Series of 8: $250 non-members, $200 members
Reserve your spotReflections is an art-making workshop series designed to serve adults 55 and older.
In this series, participants will dissect the many facets of portraiture and the contrast between internal and external representations of the self while touring artworks from MCASD's collection.
Whether viewing artworks that are figurative or abstract, metaphorical or literal, humorous or severe, each exploration will examine the compositional and storytelling qualities of portraits and their power to communicate a message.
In the art-making portion of the session, participants will put lessons into practice by creating portraits of many subjects, such as:
- A beloved,
- Someone admired,
- A group of friends,
- Family members,
- Co-workers, and
- The self.
Each workshop will include an investigation of contemporary art-making techniques and materials. No prior art experience is required. Transportation will be provided, if required. Participants may join one session (two days) or the full series (four sessions; eight days).
Session Dates
Workshop dates in this series are:
- Workshop 1: Friday, July 21 and Friday, July 28
- Workshop 2: Friday, August 4 and Friday, August 11
- Workshop 3: Friday, August 18 and Friday, August 25
- Workshop 4: Friday, September 1 and Friday, September 15
Weekly Program
Session 1: July 21 & July 28
Explore portraiture through fabric and create a multimedia artwork of someone you admire.
We will draw inspiration from Tschabalala Self's multimedia portrait Evening (2019), which offers counterpoints to the often reductive representations of the black female body. We will also look at and Mely Barragan's highly layered assemblage work Black Light (2017), which sees the body as a metaphor.
Please bring an image (digital or printed) of someone you admire on July 21.
Session 2: August 4 & August 11
In this session, we will take an uncommon approach to portraiture and guide you through creating a group portrait of your friends, co-workers, or family.
Taking inspiration from Synecdoche (1994) by Byron Kim, use formalist strategies of abstract painting to create your own group portrait made up of monochromatic canvases. We will also explore repetition and conceptualism, as seen in Mildred Howard’s To Madame Walker (1993), and examine her approaches to community and personal narratives.
Please bring a color image (digital or printed) of a group of friends, co-workers, or family with you on August 4.
Session 3: August 18 & August 25
Enter into an uncanny world in La Marcha de las Langostas (1998) by Daniela Gallois and take inspiration from her whimsical, dreamlike creatures to create a transformative a portrait of a loved one.
We will also consider issues of identity and self-awareness as we contemplate Wallpaper (2015) by Gillian Wearing and take inspiration from her approach to constructing, revealing, and concealing the self. Then, utilize tracing methods as a tool for proportions and use colored pencils to add color to our dynamic portraits.
Please bring an image (digital or printed) of someone you love with you on August 18.
Session 4: September 1 & September 15
In our final session, contemplate what constitutes a person’s identity as we closely consider Untitled Figure (2000) by Salomón Huerta, which challenges the traditions of portraiture standards by denying the viewer access to many of the sitter’s features. Taking inspiration from Huerta’s artwork, we will create a self-portrait viewed from behind.
We will then look at Liliana Porter’s artwork, To See Gold (2004), which has formal similarities, but differs in conceptual ideas of memory, vanity, and time. Then, utilize photography, tracing, and mixed media to complete our self-portraits.
Daily Program
10AM: Gallery Discussion
The conversations around the artworks in MCASD’s collection will offer stimulating input and prompts for participants as they think about creating their own artworks.
10:30AM: Coffee and Mingle
Refreshments and time for social interaction will take place in Museum venues that take full advantage of the beautiful oceanside location and views.
11AM: Art-Making Activity
The hands-on workshop will provide a forum for self-expression and developing new interpersonal connections.
Funders
Reflections is generously supported by E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
Top: Photo: Stacy Keck