AUS hosts workshops from Design Days Dubai artists

The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) hosted workshops for its students led by artists Fay McCaul and Rita Parniczky on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. McCaul and Parniczky were part of a group of UK-based contemporary makers brought to Design Days Dubai by the Crafts Council (UK).

Fay McCaul held a workshop entitled "Reflection in Textiles." For the workshop she experimented with the idea of geometric pattern and reflection in textiles. "The task was to create a geometric pattern by printing through stencils with foil adhesive onto cotton tote bags. Once this adhesive dried, metallic and iridescent foil were ironed on for a permanent holographic effect," said McCaul.

Rita Parniczky's workshop "Light and Shadow" was a design development project working with paper and plastic cut outs, and sunlight for light and shadow projections. "The workshop enabled students to see creatively what is possible with a simple material such as paper, how designs can be built up and what ways we can present them to bring more out of them to create an exciting showcase," she said.

"I encourage students to work on a single sheet of paper as well as several sheets to create multiply layer pieces. Using multiply layers of paper of even similar thicknesses enable them to experience the possibilities of creating a design or image across different sheets of paper that appears as a full image/story when light passes through the work," added Parniczky.

The workshops were organized by Kevin Badni, Head of the Department of Art and Design, and Riem Ibrahim, Visiting Assistant Professor in Design.

"CAAD is constantly seeking collaborations with local, regional and international artists and designers of all disciplines through visiting lectures and workshops," said Ibrahim. "It is a crucial element of the students' education to engage in various design activities, even ones that are seemingly not related to their coursework, but could potentially open their eyes to new possibilities that they could channel into their work."

According to its website, Design Days Dubai is the leading fair in the Middle East and South Asia dedicated to collectible and limited edition furniture and design objects. The fair presents design from leading international designers and galleries alongside up and coming design from across the world.