Workshop – Rethinking poor images

Written by

Video art and experimental film production workshop 

Taking place over the course of nearly one month the workshop in which participants met for 12 sessions six Egyptian artists explored video art production through a different perspective, with looking at the found footages and poor images. 

The workshop main subject was to discuss this current moment, where the internet is a massive part of our existence, and social media has influenced how we consume images and media. We see quick reactions to current events, with memes, short video snippets and quickly edited materials filling our timelines which are consumed and shared widely.

The workshop took on a practical and theoretical approach to examine images without intention. Personal archives, found footages, internet images no matter their quality come into play. Not aiming to the poor image itself as much as the experimental process with unintentional footage and consider what it was and what it could become. Due to the apparent impossibility of making images in public in Egypt, the workshop discussed the strategies for artistic creation that could work with only images that are available, During the workshop the participants managed to strive to collectively discover a language for these produced images from the workshop that can also go beyond the galleries and into the public sphere.

Participants

  • Hend Samir 
  • Hend Moaaz
  • Malak Yacout
  • Marguerite Farag
  • Marwa Benhalim
  • Samuel Nashaat

Workshop – Immigration and Borders 

Written by

Game Animation Film (Machinima) Workshop, Led by Artist Ahmed Elshaer
Two worlds, two spaces or cross-borders All those titles take us to the same concept of shifting between environments, and with that, many changes could happen, like changes in visuals, sounds, and time.
In this shifting, we will catch many visions that can change our thoughts visually and conceptually and through those elements that we will catch from the results of our shifting, we will build our Machinima projects.
We will create our scenes through the world of games. This world has kind of unlimited solutions for translation between concept and building an image of video with more fantasy to make our own video projects.

Dates has been modified

The workshop will take place at Medrar from Wednesday, August 10, 2016 till Wednesday, August 17, 2016.
6 sessions daily from 4 pm to 9 pm.

Program outline 

First Week:
Introduction – Watch Results of Previous Workshops and International Machinima Projects – Training MovieStorm Technique – Debate around the Ideas.

Second Week:
Work on the film production.
The expected results: 2 min For Each member.
Every member must have his own laptop pc or mac.

Workshop guests:  Filmmaker/ producer Mark Lotfy, and Researcher/ Architect  Mohamed Elshahed
Workshop fees : 500 LE, You have to pay them to Medrar before the workshop.
To apply, please fill in the form below and submit it before Sunday 7 August 2016. Only selected applicants will be notified by Thursday 8 August 2016. 

Open Call – Rethinking poor images workshop

Written by

 Video art and experimental film production workshop 
 led by Louis Henderson & Marouan Omara 

The workshop will take place from 25 July to 15 August 2016 at Medrar.

The workshop targets young filmmakers, video artists, and prior experience in video art making and previous works are not a prerequisite.

Five projects will be selected to be produced during the workshop

The workshop includes sessions, jointly led by Louis Hendersom and Marouan Omara, during which concepts will be discussed, developed and produced. And some of which will be technical on editing, cinematography, animation and production.

The poor image in a confrontation with canned image

In this current moment, where the internet is a massive part of our existence, and social media has influenced how we consume images and media. We see quick reactions to current events, with memes, short video snippets and quickly edited materials filling our timelines which are consumed and shared widely.


“Rethinking poor images” organised by Medrar for Contemporary Art will take on a practical and theoretical approach to examine images without intention. Personal archives, found footage, internet images no matter their quality come into play. Our time together will not fetishise the poor image but rather experiment with unintentional footage and consider what it is and what it can become. Due to the apparent impossibility of making images in public in Egypt, what strategies are there for artistic creation that can work with only images that are available? we will strive to collectively discover a language for these produced images from the workshop that can also go beyond the galleries and into the public sphere.

These thoughts are but some of the workshop’s concerns, and more will develop through the process as the methodology will be one of participation and openness – allowing for the conversation to develop according to the users’ inputs, aims and engagements.

Moderated by award winning filmmaker and author Marwan Oumara and London based filmmaker Louis Henderson, the four week workshop will start with focusing on reading Hito Steyerl’s text on the notion of the “poor image” and looking into archival and original material by the participants themselves. The second week will explore how collectives – such as The Black Audio Film Collective, Video for Example, Ceddo Film and Sankofa- used archival footage in documentary filmmaking. The third and fourth week of the workshop will focus on exploring mobile phone imagery and final production.

Participation 
Participant must commit to attending all the sessions daily from 5 to 9pm.
Participation fee: 100LE
To apply, please fill in the form below and submit it before 20 July 2016. Only selected applicants will be notified by 21 July 2016.

(The application form has been closed, we would like to thank all applicants, and we will notify you by email soon)

THE MESH – VIDEO ART & EXPERIMENTAL FILMS (Production WORKSHOP)

Written by

Taking place over the course of more than one month the workshop in which participants met for sixteen sessions nine Egyptian artists explored video art production, aesthetics and sound. 

The instructors, Egyptian filmmaker Mark Lotfy and Swiss artist Peter Aerschmann, started the workshop with a series of lectures about the history of video art and its development, conception of works; and some filming techniques. Every participant had a chance to re-think their preconceived notions of image and sound to discover their own approach to audiovisual as a language. In this part of the workshop – the more theoretical – the participants were encouraged to question the now blurred  line between cinema and visual art. Narrative, storytelling and messages were explored. There were also practical assignments such as producing one minute videos and discussing them.

Each participant pitched their project to the team and had a chance to gain conceptual feedback. This was also a chance for the participants to discuss production limits and opportunities. Finally the participants went into the production and implementation of their films, and now are finalising their sound and mixing with only one film in editing.

Participants

  • Abdelrahman Dnewar
  • Ahmed Sabry
  • Shady Kodsi
  • Sabah Naim
  • Muhammad Taymour
  • Irene Bartolome
  • Mai Al Shazly
  • Ahmed Shawky
  • Ahmed Mohsen
  • Kirollos Yousef

Workshop – You don’t talk about Fight Club

Written by

“[The] … sense of futility that comes from doing anything merely to prove to yourself that you can do it: having a child, climbing a mountain, making some sexual conquest, committing suicide.

The marathon is a form of demonstrative suicide, suicide as advertising: it is running to show you are capable of getting every last drop of energy out of yourself, to prove it… to prove what? That you are capable of finishing. Graffiti carry the same message. They simply say: I’m so-and-so and I exist! They are free publicity for existence.

Do we continually have to prove to ourselves that we exist? A strange sign of weakness, harbinger of a new fanaticism for a faceless performance, endlessly self-evident.”

― Jean Baudrillard, America

Aiming at radically stimulating one’s creative side through mental games and tactics, overcoming the difficulties of working as a collective, challenging the egocentric mind, and unveiling the adventurous side of the creative approach, this workshop is fully experiential and we are not expecting any definitive forms or results (just like life).

The workshop is an attempt at redefining/breaking and reshuffling the classic/academic norms and definitions of art, beauty, aesthetics, and approach, and discovering what’s beyond through intensive exercises, readings and reversed psychology based schemes.

The workshop will take place at Medrar from Sunday 17 April 2016 till Sunday 8 May 2016.

7 sessions .. Sunday and Thursday every week from 5 pm to 9 pm.

After the workshop, it will be an exhibition for 3 days.

Program outline:

– Weekly artist talks with different artists and musicians discussing their practice and creative process, in addition to movies/videos screenings and discussions (1st day of each week, the names of the artists and the movie titles will be announced every week).

– Theoretical scenarios, tactics and games (2nd day of each week)

Workshop fees : 500 LE, You have to pay them to Medrar before the workshop.

To apply, please fill in the form below and submit it before Wednesday 13 April 2016. Only selected applicants will be notified by Thursday 14 April 2016.

Workshop – Origami (paper folding)

Written by

Workshop run by ORWA team

This workshop provides an introduction to the art of origami and how to use it as a medium in other arts practices or media. The trainers work with the artists to explore the language of origami through simple and practical exercises. The team will also work on implementing the artists’ project proposals, which could be sculptural works or installations, photography, animated films, fashion, architectural designs, and interactive artworks. etc.

This workshop targets visual artists, including photographers and sculptors, as well as designers, directors, animation filmmakers, architects, fashion designers, etc.

Origami: It is a Japanese art that relies on folding paper to create creative designs and ideas and contribute to providing innovative solutions in all aspects of life.

The workshop will be held in Medrar from Saturday, April 30, 2016 to Tuesday, May 24, 2016

8 lectures, Saturday and Tuesday every week from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Followed by a three-day exhibition of the workshop’s products.

the program:

The first three lectures to learn the principles, basics and rules of origami.
The next five lectures are divided equally to work on trainees’ projects.
Workshop fees: 700 pounds, including materials, to be paid at the Medrar headquarters before the start of the workshop.

To apply to participate, please fill out the subscription form below and submit it before Wednesday, April 27, 2016. Only selected participants will be notified no later than Thursday, April 28, 2016.

Workshop drawing and painting – Diamond Time

Written by

Diamond Time – Drawing and painting Workshop facilitated by artist Ahmed Sabri

This workshop is designed for beginners and art students who are interested in learning how to research different ways of thinking, rather than specific painting techniques.

The workshop will take place in Medrar from Sunday, May 8, 2016 to Sunday, May 22, 2016. There will be a total of 7 lectures offered on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays each week at 4 PM. After the workshop, there will be a three-day exhibition to showcase the work produced during the workshop.

The Program

  • First lecture: Still life – exercises (5 hours)
  • The second lecture: A lecture with a guest artist for the workshop about drafting, reformulating, and the relationship of technique to the concept (3 hours)
  • Lecture Three: Collecting materials to create improvised paintings (5 hours)
  • Fourth lecture: Determine a topic for work and discussion (5 hours)
  • Fifth lecture: An open lecture to a group of artists about quoting, theft, imitation, paraphrasing, and how to write about the artistic project with more than one concept (3 hours)
  • Sixth lecture: Preparing a plan for a personal project and working on developing it
  • Seventh lecture: Project implementation

Workshop fee: 500 EGP, paid at Medrar’s office before the workshop begins. To apply, please fill in the application form below and send it before Sunday 22nd April 2016. Only selected participants will be notified no later than Thursday 28th April 2016.

The application form has been closed, thank you to all applicants

Workshop

Exhibition

Open Call- The Mesh – Video art & Experimental films workshop

Written by

Video Art and Experimental Film Production workshop 
Led by artists Peter Aerschmann & Mark Lotfy

We are thrilled to resume the activities of Cairo Video Festival 7 by announcing a call for applications for a production workshop for video art and experimental films.

The workshop will take place from 16 March until 16 April at Medrar.

The workshop targets visual artists; and prior experience in video art making and previous works are not a prerequisite.

Five projects will be selected to be produced during the workshop, with up to 1,000 USD as production budget per piece, to be produced under the supervision of both trainers.

The workshop includes 12 sessions, jointly led by Peter Aerschmann and Mark Lotfy, during which concepts will be discussed, developed, and produced. And some of which will be technical on editing, cinematography, animation, and production.

We encourage applicants from outside Cairo to apply; Medrar is able to provide accommodation for one participant from outside Cairo during the month of the workshop.

Terms & Conditions:
Participant must commit to attending all the sessions on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays, from 6pm until 9pm.
Participant must bring a laptop during the sessions. It is preferable to have a DSLR camera too.
Pay workshop fees: 200LE

To apply, please fill in the form below and submit it before 10 March 2016. Only selected applicants will be notified by 14 March 2016.

(The application form has been closed, we would like to thank all applicants, and we will notify you by email soon)

Naema’s Office is Bleeding 2 – Painting & Collage workshop  

Written by

Medrar for Contemporary Art announces a call for applications for an advanced workshop on painting and collage techniques by artist Hany Rashed from 10 February until 7 March 2016.

The workshop is intended for artists with previous experience/ background in painting and collage. It aims to introduce participants to different practices and techniques in painting and collage and to train them on different approaches to conception of artworks and projects. The training is applied on topics related to media and internet as open sources of creativity.

Workshop is moderated by artist Hany Rashed, with the participation of distinguished guest artists who will share their personal and professional experience, as well as add to the historical and artistic content of the workshop.

A group exhibition comprising the output of the workshop, curated by the workshop moderator, will be held at the end of the program from 10 to 21 March 2016.

Conditions for participation 

  • Submit the online application below
  • Availability on workshop days: Monday – Wednesday, from 5 to 9pm during the month
  • Pay workshop fees at Medrar, after receiving acceptance email maximum 10 February (500 EGP including materials)
  • Workshop fees are non refundable after the beginning of the workshop.
  • Selection of works to be exhibited will be made by the organizers.

Deadline to submit application: 8 February 2016, selected participants will be notified on 9 February

WORKSHOP – CREATIVE CODING 101

Written by

Creative Coding 101 

This workshop is for artists
This workshop is for designers
This workshop is for programmers

But…
You need to have No fear of writing code, Nor of making art.

Medrar for Contemporary Art announces a call for applications for the Creative Coding workshop by Youssef Faltas, scheduled to be held between 7 September and 1 October 2015.
Creative Coding 101 targets artists, designers and programmers alike; it is designed for artists who seek to explore code as a medium, for designers who seek to create interactive user experiences, and for programmers who want to build creative applications.

You will learn to:

  • develop your practical programming skills
  • use algorithms to make animated gifs
  • build interactive websites
  • explore glitch art
  • perform face tracking on a live webcam
  • turn data into sound
  • create your own music visualizer

The output of the workshop will be showcased in a one day event at Medrar in the beginning of October (exact dates TBA)

Workshop Fees: 500 L.E.

To apply:

  • Workshop fees to be paid at Medrar, after receiving acceptance email, no later than Sunday 6 September
  • Fees are non refundable after the workshop starts and attending sessions.
  • Deadline to apply: 28 August; selected applicants will be notified on 1 September.

If you have any questions or enquiries, please direct them to youssef.faltas@gmail.com

Workshop – VIDEO WITH DSLR 101

Written by

Medrar for Contemporary Art announces a call for applications for a technical workshop on video making using DSLR cameras, the first course of

Medrar Video School. The workshop will be held from 21 May until 3 June 2015 at Medrar. 

The workshop is intended for visual artists who seek to learn the techniques of video making, using DSLR cameras.

The workshop is instructed by cinematographer Mohamed Helmy, with the participation of filmmakers and producers who will share their experiences in video making and production.

 Conditions for participation 

  • Availability on workshop days: Sunday – Tuesday – Thursday, from 5pm to 9pm. (7 sessions)
  • Participants should have a DSLR camera and laptop
  • Pay workshop fees at Medrar, after receiving acceptance email (700 EGP)
  • Workshop fees are non refundable after the beginning of the workshop.

Deadline to submit application: 16 May, selected applicants will be notified on 19 May.

Workshop sessions 

Thursday 21 May

0- introduction

1- Basics

1.1- Understanding the camera

1.2- video camera types (focusing on DSLR pros, cons)

Sunday 24 May

2- video settings

2.1-(resolution, frame rates, shutter, Aperture, ISO, WB, color profile)

2.2- lenses, sensor size

Tuesday 26 May

3- still image vs video

3.1- support (monopod, tripod, car mount)

3.2- motion (framing, focus)>>> video head vs photo head, slider, steadicam, shoulder rig…etc.

3.3- timelapse

Guest Speaker: Mostafa Youssef

Thursday 28 May

4- general video tips

4.1- Shot types

4.2- camera angles

4.3- rules (180ْ rule in interview)

4.4- sequences

Guest speaker: Emad Maher

Sunday 31 May

5- Sound

5.1- in camera mics

5.2- mic types

5.3- double system

6- Lighting

Guest Speaker: Ahmed Khaled

Tuesday 2 June

Practical session (outdoors)

Thursday 4 June

Review of practical work

PAINTING & COLLAGE WORKSHOP

Written by

Medrar for Contemporary Art announces a call for applications for an advanced workshop on painting and collage techniques by artist Hany Rashed from 19 until 30 April 2015.

The workshop is intended for artists with previous experience/ background in painting and collage. It aims to introduce participants to different practices and techniques in painting and collage and to train them on different approaches to a conception of artworks and projects. The training is applied on topics related to media and internet as open sources of creativity.

The Workshop is moderated by artist Hany Rashed, with the participation of distinguished guest artists who will share their personal and professional experience, as well as add to the historical and artistic content of the workshop.     

A group exhibition comprising the output of the workshop, curated by the workshop moderator, will be held at the end of the program.

Conditions for participation:

  • Submit application below.
  • In case you will upload more than one file, Send them in rar. or zip. form (file size maximum 3 MB) and don’t forget to rename the file with your name, Ex: AhmedAli.zip or AhmedAli.rar.
  • Availability on workshop days: Sunday – Tuesday – Thursday, from 5 to 9pm.
  • Pay workshop fees at Medrar, after receiving acceptance email maximum 16 April (500 EGP including materials)
  • Workshop fees are non-refundable after the beginning of the workshop.
  • Selection of works to be exhibited will be made by the organizers.

(The application form has been closed, we would like to thank  all applicants, and we will communicate with you via email soon)