A SYSTEMATIC ANALYTICAL EXPLORATION AND ADAPTATION OF THE SPIDER FORM IN PAINTING
A SYSTEMATIC ANALYTICAL EXPLORATION AND ADAPTATION OF THE SPIDER FORM IN PAINTING
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Date
2015-10
Authors
ADIWU, TALATU ONKALA
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Abstract
This thesis entitled “A SYSTEMATIC ANALYTICAL EXPLORATION AND
ADAPTATION OF THE SPIDER FORM IN PAINTING” is a research in studio practice
with the aim of producing a body of paintings that draw from the creative and aesthetic
expression of patterns observed within the spider. The reoccurring mode of creative
interpretation of the spider, spider web and cobweb, has been its representation in a naturalistic
or semi-naturalistic manner. This means that majority of the artists who have worked with the
spider or the spider web, strive no matter how subtly, to maintain its identity or some of its
physical characteristics within their works. These visual expressions, aim at using the originality
and ingenuity of the spider‘s design, without much or any alteration, this study however, sought
to re-examine the subject matter in an analytical manner. The aim of this study is to produce
paintings analytically, that draw from the creative and aesthetic patterns within the spider, its
webs and cobweb. The objectives of the study are to; draw inspiration from the design elements
that exist within the spider web for explorationand to infuse the inherent patterns with a vibrant
palette with a view to enhancing the physical and aesthetic patterns of the spider, spider web and
cobweb amongst others.A review of literature was conducted to show and appreciate the
contributions of other artist‘s activities as they relate to the completion of this study. A variety of
methodologies were adapted in collecting needed information for the research. The qualitative as
well as the practice led methodologies were adapted for the research design because of their
suitability in providing an acceptable vocabulary for the articulation of subjective meanings that
accompany the works produced within the course of the research. Information gathered served as
the basis for the systematic approach used within the course of the studio practice. Works
produced are categorized under seven groups with the following titles: Spiders, Spider webs,
Spiders in spider webs, Designs from spider webs, Cobwebs, Designs from cobwebs and
Synthesis. The objectives of this study were sparsely captured in categories one to six but were
specifically addressed in category seven titled “Synthesis”. Conventional media for painting and
drawings were used in the production of the visual images which are presented in plates and also
form a significant part of the catalogue. Findings within the course of this study show that the
systematic manipulations and synthesis of the spider, its web and cobweb can give birth to
aesthetically pleasing designs worthy of public display and are open to a variety of
interpretations. Finally the research recommends that further research be undertaken using the
subject matter in other fields of artistic practices such as Sculpture, Ceramics and Textiles.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
NIGERIA
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DONTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
DEGREE IN PAINTING
DEPARTMENT OF FINE ARTS FACULTY OF ENVIROMENTAL DESIGN AHMADU
BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA NIGERIA
Keywords
SYSTEMATIC ANALYTICAL EXPLORATION,, ADAPTATION,, SPIDER,, PAINTING,