A F R I C A N P R O V E R B
I L L U S T R A T I O N S
Project Description
I was tasked with developing and completing three digital illustrations after conducting extensive visual and conceptual study of a selection of three of these aphorisms. The three African proverbs are sequentially as followed...
A cow is slaughtered from one side.
- Xhosa proverb.
The weasel is at ease because the mamba has
gone out. - Zulu proverb.
The death of an elderly man is like a burning library.
‐ Ivorian proverb.
Each of these African aphorism illustrations were visualised and used to experiment with the following digital techniques: vector illustration, digital painting and raster image manipulation.
IDEATION, EXPLORATION & Process SCAMPS
what i learned through the design process...
For this project, I concentrated on the many modern methods of digital illustration introduced to us during class. In order to become more familiar with various digital tools and approaches related to the most recent developments in illustration software, I was led through a series of demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
A cow is slaughtered from one side.
- Xhosa proverb.
After undergoing firsthand research and starting the conversation with African Xhosa individuals, I discovered that this African proverb suggests that there is always more to what meets the eye, in other words, there are always two sides to a story... and a deeper meaning. One is presented to the world as whole, while the other is fragmented. I'll be focusing on texture, while balancing harmonised colour juxtaposed to bold lines, and bold contrasting colour incisions and fragmentation throughout.
The weasel is at ease because the mamba has
gone out. - Zulu proverb.
This can be translated as once the oppressor is absent, the subjugated will be free to do anything they desire. For this particular aphorism, I experimented with digital painting approaches, emphasising shape, line, and form. I experimented with the concept of polarities and flexibility. Playing about with cooling tones, stylisation, and balance. I crafted a digital art piece of a weasel being debilitated by the mamba. The mamba is modelled using cold blue hues as the aggressor, while the subjugated weasel is painted with warm brown tonalities.
The death of an elderly man is like a burning library.
‐ Ivorian proverb.
When an elderly man dies, a library burns down, so the Ivorian proverb goes... This being understood as past recollections, memories and experiences are not taken into account before an individuals past, is devastating. Old men, old women, and even younger adults and children have a lot to teach us about life and ourselves if we give them a place to share their insights and experiences. I further learned through this collage how to utilised Raster image manipulation for this proverb, as well as script memories, film photography, illustrations to portray old age with enlightenment, wisdom and deeper knowledge.
Furthermore regarding the technical aspects of the project I gained an essential basic understanding of Adobe Illustrator's vector illustration techniques as well as Photoshop's image editing and digital painting tools. I gained experience presenting various ideas and interpreting through each of my digital implementations as the conceptual driving force behind these technical hurdles. Overall this was a fantastic learning experience and I thoroughly enjoyed this brief. A special thank you to Wiehan for all his help and support through this term's work. Thank you!
// IL200-2 //
