GHAZ
RE-IMAGINING A CULTURAL OBJECT
Taking something unique to the Amman landscape and casting it in a contemporary light, this project explores the propane cylinder (GHAZ - in informal Arabic) as an art and design object. It draws inspiration from the artistic commodification of consumer goods in the 80s, popularized by Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup pop art series. GHAZ is an exploration of the propane cylinder as an art and design object, imposing various aesthetics and design interpretations onto it, from the Amman household to the streetscape.
The Ghaz cylinder was chosen as the subject because it is a common object prevalent in our public and intimate landscapes in Amman. It is ever necessary within households and places in Amman but also ever-present, not only visually in spaces but also sonically, with the propane Ghaz trucks driving around Amman, creating a muffled and overplayed cacophony that makes those who live and visit immediately aware of its presence.
I aimed to cast this usually beat-up, rusted cylinder under an artistic lens that both utilizes its formal design aspects and repurposes its main use. The artistic contexts through which it has been channeled include print, 2D animation, 3D animation, and photo manipulation collages.
for reference, on the cultural reference here.. please take a moment to listen and visually behold the phenomenon:
PART ONE: CONTEMPORARY TEXTURES
First visualizations of 3d modelled ghaz cylinder inspired by Apple textures and colors.
Apple Textures
32 cm x 39 cm
Digital Media Printed on semi-gloss heavyweight paper with a 1/8" cardstock frame 2019
PART TWO: CONTEMPORARY FINISH + RE-PURPOSED SILHOUETTE
Imagining this cultural object to be repurposed into other functional design objects
Re-purposed Cylinder
32 cm x 39 cm
Digital Media Printed on semi-gloss heavyweight paper with a 1/8" cardstock frame
2019
PART THREE: ANIMATIONS
RE-PURPOSED PLANTER
A combination of frame by frame hand drawn animation, 3d modelling and render and photo composite collage, illustrating the repurposing of a ghaz cylinder
VANITY
The Ghaz cylinder reimagined as a piece of furniture and an organizational design element. The media used includes frame-by-frame hand-drawn animation, 3D modeling and rendering, and post-production video editing. The interior and aesthetic inspiration originate from the early lockdown days in my apartment. Additionally, I draw from elements of the home where I grew up and the sense of escapism fueled by my Pinterest board.
GhaZi
A digital composition that combines the sonic element possessed by the Ghaz cylinder in a speaker representation, where the visual and sonic associations merge seamlessly. Coming full circle to the initial response in 'Apple Colors,' the video showcases the speaker playing the melody it's associated with, in an Apple keynote presentation manner. Song: 'Rendezvous' by Amr Ismail
PART FOUR: STYLISTIC ARTSTIC IMMERSION
Exploration of current (2020-2021) trending aesthetics
PINK WASH
Mixed digital media
29.7 cm x 21.0 cm
2021
SCANNED INK
Mixed digital media
29.7 cm x 21.0 cm
2021
GHAZ LUNAR WAVE
Mixed digital media
34 cm x 30 cm
2021
ELECTRIC HYBRID
Mixed digital media
32 cm x 40 cm
2019
GHAZ WAVE
Mixed digital media
25 cm x 25 cm
2021
*The dimensions indicated are the artwork's print dimensions with passepartout.
Some artworks are available as limited edition collectibles*
GHAZ IN STILL LIFE
Thinking of still life drawings and paintings, and the different ways I have been drawing and the tools that were used. A meta-mishmash digital and mixed-media composition of the flower arrangement still life 'Flowers in a Glass Vase, with a Cricket in a Niche' by Rachel Ruysch (1700), the most well-known female artist of the Dutch Golden Age, and the various interpretations of the Ghaz cylinder.
GHAZ IN STILL LIFE
50 cm x 50 cm
Digital Media
Printed on semi-gloss heavyweight paper with a 1/8" cardstock frame
2020
STUCK ON GHAZ
GHAZ on View
It all started with the initial apple-textured renditions. I introduced stickers that sparked humorous discussions within the local Amman community. These conversations revolved around our shared understanding of the propane truck, the unexpected inspiration it provided, and the unconventional decision to turn it into stickers. Surprisingly, these discussions evolved into lively exchanges, constructive critiques, and even further inspiration.
