Amara Jenkins
BA fine art with creative computing
Central Saint Martins UAL
Specialisms: Storytelling / Graphic Design / Design for Social Good
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Amara Jenkins
First Name: Amara
Last Name: Jenkins
Specialisms: Storytelling / Graphic Design / Design for Social Good
Sectors:
My Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
University / College: Central Saint Martins UAL
Course / Program Title: BA fine art with creative computing
About
My artistic practice is rooted in research, exploring the intersection of linguistics and visual art, with a focus on the evolution of English and Arabic scripts. Growing up in a less culturally diverse town, my move to cities like Bristol and London exposed me to a broader spectrum of cultures, enriching my understanding and appreciation of different linguistic and artistic traditions.
My work critically examines how Arabic, a language deeply intertwined with Islamic tradition, is often misrepresented in Western discourse. Influenced by Edward Said’s ‘Orientalism,’ I challenge these portrayals, aiming to present Arabic as a vibrant, modern language through visually dynamic compositions that respect its traditional context.
Recently, my research expanded to the political dynamics of the MENA region, exploring the impact of historical events like the Sykes-Picot Agreement and the etymology of ‘California,’ linking it to the Arabic word ‘Khalifa.’ This investigation into the politics of language has enriched my understanding of the interplay between language and geopolitics.
My transition to graphic design emerged from a fascination with letterforms, exploring how Arabic and English can coexist and inform each other within the same visual space. My approach challenges viewers, particularly Western audiences, to see Arabic beyond its stereotypical portrayals.
Historically, Islamic art often eschews figurative imagery, using Arabic script to convey spiritual messages. My work respects these traditions while presenting Arabic script as a medium of modern expression, drawing inspiration from the Hurufiyya movement and Western Lettrism.
Additionally, my creative process incorporates elements of games and decoding, reflecting my childhood engagement with puzzles and my passion for interactive learning. Inspired by Alighiero Boetti, I aim to create work that is both educational and transformative, ensuring cultural integrity through ongoing dialogue with individuals from the MENA region.
"Borrowed Words" is an innovative, bidirectional book that bridges the linguistic and cultural gap between Arabic and English. This piece challenges the media's portrayal of Arabic as the "other" by highlighting the deep, often ignored connections between these languages. This book visually transforms borrowed words from one language to the other, creating a powerful narrative that is both educational and impactful. More than an art piece, "Borrowed Words" is a tool for social good, fostering understanding and appreciation for Arabic as a modern language, while aiming to reframe cultural barriers through shared linguistic heritage.
Competitions
Global Creative Graduate Showcase 2024
"Order Synthesis" is an art piece that explores the intersection of Arabic and English alphabets, creating a visual and conceptual midpoint between the two. This work highlights the overlooked connections between these languages by examining how these alphabets are ordered, English by sound and Arabic by form. The use of red in the piece is a subtle nod to the shared colour found in many flags of predominantly Arabic-speaking and English-speaking countries. Through this design, "Order Synthesis" challenges the perception of Arabic as solely a religious language, promoting it as a modern, dynamic language