Collaborative Comprehensive-Materials Art Workshop
Myth Making: From Symbols to Stories
"Myth Making: From Symbols to Stories" is a workshop aimed at softening the landscape of the mind to be open to receiving narratives beyond our perceived imagination. By utilising various imaginative exercises, participants will learn how to breathe life into complex creative narratives and be empowered to create their own myths and legends. The workshop will use a wide variety of tools and materials inspired by the artist’s own practise to create their own narrative mythic artwork.
Event Schedule
14:30–15:00
Artist Demonstration: Materials & Techniques
15:00–16:00
Individual Painting & Group Co-Creation & Spontaneous Creative Imagination
16:00–16:30
Group Presentation & Story Sharing
Event Review | MythMaking: From Symbols to Stories -- Mixed Media Collaborative Art Workshop
On November 8th, Zayn Qahtani, an artist-in-residence of SIXI AiR program, drew on her own creative experience to lead a mixed media collaborative art workshop. Centered on the theme of mythology and using unconventional materials, the workshop took participants on a journey from simple symbolic collage to the creation of rich narratives.
Qahtani first shared her creative insights and experiences. In her view, myths are intergenerational tales that are constantly reshaped and reimagined as they pass through the time. Circulating worldwide, they are not only collective memories and experiences but also vessels for complex personal emotions. She therefore encouraged everyone to use mythology as a theme to capture their inner feelings and true selves.
Qahtani then introduced the materials she had prepared, the creative methods, and the principles of the workshop. Participants were divided into two collaborative groups, free to choose from a wealth of materials including Bahraini date palm paper, printed seashells, and mythical creature motifs. They cut, painted, and collaged these elements, swapping works with nearby group members every 15 minutes to continue the creation – expressing their intuitive thoughts and feelings as honestly and freely as possible.
Guided by Qahtani, imagination unleashed enormous potential through painting and collage. Participants completed collaborative works through mutual cooperation, lighting the spark for their own unique myths. At last, everyone discussed the creative processes and thought trails embedded in the various pieces – from monster-fighting worlds that blended mythology with games, to multi-dimensional universes where Chinese and Western mythical beasts meet.
SIXI AiR program hopes that through Qahtani’s workshop, participants have opened up their inner intuition and senses, used imagination to vividly weave myths, and connected with their truest selves through bold creation.
