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Ethnic Art by Shalini Patel

Printmaking, Junior

Ethnic Art by Shalini PatelThis work is a reaction to the simplicity and fragility of the palm leaf accordion, and the materials that signify what we consider an 'ancient' era. Patel is motivated by an interest in the discourse of 'otherness' that often surrounds artwork that is either older or considered 'primitive' in origin. This book uses manufactured materials but touches on the aesthetic of scripture and spirituality. Industrial copper plates are intertwined with the prints they produce on decorative paper, drawing attention to the constructions of modern, primitive, and ethnic art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This work was inspired by the palm leaf accordion folded manuscript.

Palm Leaf Accordion

Woven palm leaves folded into an accordion structure.


Shalini Patel is currently pursuing her BFA in printmaking in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. She is interested in the history of information systems through art, literature, and technology. Her work frequently touches upon post- colonialism through identity and constructions of East and West. Currently, she is working on merging her work in new media with fine art printmaking.