shemza.digital #15, 2023

Aphra Shemza, Stuart Batchelor and Peter Todd in collaboration with the public

Commissioned by Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

Materials: Film and digital printed window vinyl

Dimensions: 820 x 82cms

Image: shemza.digital #15 installed on MIMA's facade.

Presented at MIMA in February 2023, this participatory commission invited students from the School of Arts & Creative Industries at Teesside University and visitors to explore the abstract visual language of Anwar Jalal Shemza through a bespoke digital painting application. Inspired by his iconic square and circle, or 'squircle', motif, participants created individual digital tiles that were brought together to form a large-scale window vinyl installed on MIMA's Roof Terrace.

The project formed part of the ongoing shemza.digital series, developed in collaboration with computer artist Stuart Batchelor. Combining digital technology, participation and contemporary art, the series reimagines Anwar Jalal Shemza's visual language for new audiences through interactive experiences, light and public installations.

The commission also created a dialogue with Anwar Jalal Shemza's Magic Spiral (1970), which is held in the Middlesbrough Collection, connecting his work with new generations through collaborative digital making and public engagement.

Click HERE to read Aphra Shemza’s Hearing From Artists interview.

Image: Participant's digital painting in the workshop. Images courtesy of MIMA.