Painting in the Dark
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#artonsteemit
I like to share a video with you. The topic is whether blind people can paint and if so how they do it. I was on the lookout for more information because of the illness of a friend. What I find interesting about the video is to hear how blind painters work (and the nonsense stories that were told which made me laugh so this video is not boring).
If you watched the video you know more about blind painters and how they work. There's a trick for everything and they use it. Among them, there is only one who never had vision.
A few weeks ago I spoke with Joan, the manager of the painter Eşref Armağan (1953). He is the only painter known to have been born blind. I asked her if it would be okay if I used his images and I received permission to do so.
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I like to share two paintings which appear in the book "Unseen" which is great but is never sold.
Eşref has his own style if it comes to painting and what his work looks like. I believe that anyone familiar with his work will recognise it. I find the light and colourful style striking, which can only cheer one up.
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What I find most intriguing is how Eşref knows what something looks like that he has never held in his hands. Perhaps after so many years he can remember the description of it or has slowly developed its appearance. What he certainly has is enough imagination to incorporate what he sees "in the dark" into his paintings in a colourful way.
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The book "Unseen" was copied by the person who put the video online and can be found at this link.
The book Painting in the dark has been published and is available as an audio book or printed edition (both are not available everywhere and it is a children's book).
If you want to see Eşref you can do so here
For other Info see Wikipedia. Because Joan is recovering from cancer, she is currently unable to update the information and work on the site that is planned.
9.12.24
@aminasafdar (a house for you), @tezzmax, @krucekoncept, @cicisaja
The idea of a blind painter is just so difficult to believe maybe it would have been so easier to believe when I concerns other aspects of art like Music and Theater Art. To some extent, one can practice those without the sense of sight but for painting, I believe the sense of sight is the principal need.
If there's truly a blind painter, he could have the ideas for the painting he or she wants to create but trust me, he or she is definitely going to need to much practical help in the studio in order to succeed.
He is the only painter born blind and taught himself how to paint. As I understand he works a lot with his fingers and in layers. So one colour an next he waits (a day?) till the paint is dry and continues. That is what intrigues me most because he has to remember what he did before. I don't believe he has help. His wife is blind since she's 15. What I do know he works in complete silence and you shouldn't disturb him. I can imagine why.
His work did improve since I've seen paintings where his bees have more in common with butterflies and not every painting looks detailed. It can be these are one of his first or he somehow managed to find a different style although I assume someone (Joan?) has to tell him what it looks like.
I tried to scribble with closed eyes. I believe I told you and it did look better than with my eyes open. LOL
BTT it's not uncommon to sketch without looking at the paper. Can you do that?
Well, many things occur that we don't believe in.
What an inspiring topic! Blind artists defy conventions, showcasing creativity and adaptability. I'd love to learn more about them and how they interpret the world around them. I believe this is yet another way for artist that are looking to breakout from the norms and rules blocking off their creativity.
Thank you for sharing, Eşref's artwork, with its vibrant style, is particularly intriguing.
Allah Allah, what a piece of beauty(video) you have shared with us.
Thank you for doing so, i liked Esref's paintings the most because of my love for everything turkish😉
I wonder if blind people also have colourful imagination in their dark vision or not.
I believe they are gifted people, they are special, they can see what we can't so they paint what we can't (with our eyes closed).
Thank you dear kitty for this cute house 💖
Thank you:)
Thanks for sharing the video and information about Esref too, I never know about him. @wakeupkitty. the video is entertaining for sure. I did laugh when watching the video, it's not about the painters, but the way the presenter expresses it. This is what remind me to "When God closes the door, God Opens the window. it depends on the person who wants to use it. and all the painters mentioned in the video are blessed with that gift.
Just like those who use braille, I believe there's always a way for person with disability to keep doing what they like to do and mastered it. there are also people with hearing disability can enjoy the music. it's just amazing.
I had a good lauch about the presenter as well. It makes it way more interesting and entertaining and good to watch it a few more times which I did.
I agree with you that "where a will is, is a way" which reminds me of the time I grew up. back then the foot and mouth painters were promoted a lot. During this time of the year primary school children sold cards and went from door to door together with what they called "children stamps". Strangely enough I never hear of foot painters since that time. I find it hard to believe there are any left.
I always found that a great skill. Imagine you can hold a pen or brush between your toes. You must be athletic and also have good eyas.
I found a video but most info is over 10 years old
https://x.com/wakeup_kitty/status/1866603281964994768
That's amazing what can be done by the muscle memory of touch alone. Thank you for sharing!