Reflecting on my presentation feedback

After presenting my last exploration and sharing my idea for the panels I was given some useful feedback.

It was suggested that I focus on having just one person instead of a collection. My lecturer and classmates felt this approach would be much more effective, as it would simplify the composition. They thought my project was becoming too complicated and visually busy, and that restricting it to a single portrait would create a stronger impact. However, I still need to ensure that my portrait incorporates the who, what, where, and what from the project brief, so Ill need to rethink my approach and conduct a bit more research.

One of the key suggestions for my research was to look further into quadriptychs. This led me to consider the gold detailing often found in traditional polyptychs and how it could be incorporated into my stained glass piece. I think a gold border could enhance the overall design and tie it back to historical references. However, representing gold digitally can be quite challenging, so I may need to experiment with different techniques and do additional research to find the best way to achieve the effect.

Traditional church stained glass

Stained glass has traditionally been more than just decorative it is a medium that has been used to express religious stories for centuries, particularly throughout the Medieval and Renaissance periods. The church used stained glass as a way to teach the beliefs of Christianity, especially in Gothic cathedrals, where windows were filled with narrative scenes, almost like a glass storybook.

One of the most common themes depicted was the Nativity, as seen in the middle image below. I find it fascinating that stained glass is not just an art form but also a storytelling device, conveying messages and histories through light and color. This idea of stained glass as more than just a visual piece, but as a way to tell a story, is something I want to explore further in my own work.

Stained glass further Reaserch on Kehinde Wiley