SOCIAL COMMENTARY INFLUENCE IN PRINTMAKING ARTWORKS UNDER BARJEEL ART FOUNDATION

Abstract

Social commentary plays a crucial role in the field of art. In Western societies, this has been prevalent for a long time, with social commentary having a strong connection to printmaking. However, in Arab societies, social commentary art has not been as widely recognized or studied. Although there are artworks in Arab countries that carry powerful messages, it is unclear how social commentaries relate to Arab printmaking as kind of art. This study aims to explore social commentary influence in Arab printmaking artworks, with a specific focus on the collection of Barjeel Art Foundation. A convergent parallel design method to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. The study begins by categorizing printmaking artworks under Barjeel Art Foundation through thematic analysis of relevant manuscripts related to the artists and their artworks. Initial themes are then established and tested. In the second phase, a questionnaire is administered to Arab art experts, seeking their judgments on the artworks. The third phase involves conducting questionnaires and focus group discussions to gauge the level of acceptance and understanding of social commentary art among the public. The significance of this research lies in compiling a comprehensive collection of Arab social commentary printmaking artworks, and offering insights into the influence of social commentary as an approach in Arab artists' works. It broadens readers' perspectives on artworks by Arab artists who express their views on various issues through the lens of social commentary art in printmaking.