We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art stands and recognise the creative contribution First Australians make to the art and culture of this country.
Abdul's Tutorials
Portraits and Symbols
Abdul Abdullah
Australia b.1986
the lies we tell ourselves to help us sleep (from ‘Coming to terms’ series) 2015
C type photograph
100 x 100cm
Private collection
© and Courtesy: Abdul Abdullah
1. Gather images of symbols from your own context.
2. Bring the symbols into a relationship with a portrait of someone you know. Explore different combinations and consider how the visual connection between the person and the symbol can change the way that your portrait is understood.
3. Choose one symbol and integrate this into your portrait. This could be an item of clothing, jewellery, a tattoo, or even a floating object.
Objects and Meaning
Abdul Abdullah
Australia b.1986
Groom I (Zofloya) (from ‘Coming to terms’ series) 2015
C type photograph
100 x 100cm
Collection: QAGOMA
© Abdul Abdullah
1. Research objects used for protection.
2. Discuss the different meanings these objects can have. Balaclavas, for example, are used to protect the face against extreme cold; however, for some people they are also associated with criminality.
3. Choose one object and incorporate this into an artwork with the aim of communicating something unexpected or challenging someone’s assumptions about the purpose of your chosen object.