Working on the first project Manifesto for Change has been like a Newbie’s first time trying out white water rafting.

Before the journey, I fantasized about the beautiful scenes and how interesting it would be. Should I bring some drinks? Perhaps I could lie down and gently reach the end.

But the fact is that, IT WAS A CRAZY RAPIDS FULL OF ROCKS. I needed to keep paddling every second.

Initially, everything seemed to go smoothly, our team decided on the manifesto “No Escape”, I drew lots of ideas and finished 3 paintings of Persian Princesses. I was so happy to show them to my tutor Lee.

Maturity, Acrylic on Canvas, 2018.8.2. London

Growth, Acrylic on Canvas, 2018.8.1. London

Birth,Birth Acrylic on Canvas 2018.7. 31. LondonAcrylic on Canvas, 2018.7. 31. London

“Why are you repeating what you were painting before? Why can’t you break your limitations? ” Lee asked me.

The first rock made me fall out of the raft. I was down and confused, I didn’t know what to do and even doubted who I was without painting Persian Princesses.

It took me 1 week to come back to the flow, I changed medium and subject, and bought different kinds of mesh materials for experimentation.

When I overcame this rock, a new scene revealed itself, I opened my mindset to exploring art in different ways.

Then, I did my first performance art to express “We can’t escape”.

There is nowhere I can escape, performance art, Sheffield, 2018.8.11/12

There is nowhere I can escape, performance art, Sheffield, 2018.8.11/12

There is nowhere I can escape, performance art, Sheffield, 2018.8.11/12

There is nowhere I can escape, performance art, Sheffield, 2018.8.11/12

When I showed photos of the performance to Lee, again he questioned me and left me with a question “So, what’s next?”

This rock was easier to deal with, quickly I created new artworks combining my performance photos and mesh materials.

I can’t escape the world, so let’s face it, Mixed media on Canvas, 60cm X 90cm, 2018.8.14. London

I can’t escape life, so let’s enjoy the sunshine, Mixed media on Canvas,60cm X 90cm, 2018.8.15. London

I can’t escape my mind, so let’s have fun. Mixed media on canvas, 50X60cm, 2018.8.15. London

I was used to be taught “what/how to do” by teachers, but here it’s up to myself to decide what/how to do while tutors question me to rethink. It’s uncomfortable but I see how it has helped me think more independently.

It’s crazy, but a great adventure.
Now, am I ready to accept more challenges, to explore more and be more critical?

P.S. Project Process Records on sketchbook:

sketchbook 1

Mowen 

Royal College of Art
16th Aug 2018