The Making Of: Experiments and Workshops

In April 2015, “The Making Of” Experiments and Workshops took place at The Lab at Darat al Funun and Studio 8 in Amman, Jordan. This unique series of experimental workshops aimed to explore the deep connections between movement, bodily memory, and self-expression through art. Each event was a journey into the origins of movement and how it intertwines with our identities, using various creative mediums to express and understand these connections.

Exploring Identity and Expression through Art

The workshops in “The Making Of” series were designed to reflect on the different ways art can serve as a powerful tool for expressing identity and experiences. Participants were encouraged to delve into their personal stories and memories, using art as a means to articulate and share their inner worlds. These workshops were not just about creating art but also about understanding the role of art in self-expression and identity formation.

A Collaborative Effort

“The Making Of” was brought to life through the collaboration of talented artists including Abdul Hadi Nahleh, Anas Nahleh, and Ren Shallman from Studio 8. Together, they guided participants through a variety of artistic practices, helping them explore new ways of thinking about and engaging with their bodies and stories.

The Events

1. Creative Writing Workshop: This workshop focused on the art of storytelling, encouraging participants to narrate their personal experiences. These narratives could serve as the foundation for future artistic projects, such as dances, written pieces, or applications for grants.

2. Dance Poetry Workshop: Participants explored the concept of writing with their bodies. This workshop introduced new ways of conceptualizing poetry and dance, bringing linguistic ideas, patterns, and shapes to life through movement.

3. Multimedia Storytelling Workshop: This session highlighted the use of animation, kinetic art, and projection as tools for performing artists to express their histories, adventures, and personal stories.

4. Dance and Space Workshop: Focused on the relationship between dance and architecture, this workshop expanded participants’ vision of how space is created and interpreted by the body, exploring the linkage between these two disciplines.

5. Live Music Workshop: This workshop combined improvisational techniques from theatre, dance, and Middle Eastern music to create expressive theatrical performances.

6. Dance Drawing Workshop: An experiment in kinetic drawing, this session sought ways to translate movement directly onto paper, blending the physicality of dance with the visual art of drawing.

A Transformative Experience

“The Making Of” series was a transformative experience for all involved, offering a space where participants could explore the depths of their identities and express them through various forms of art. By initiating this journey from the origins of movement to the embodiment of memories, these workshops provided invaluable insights into the role of art in self-expression and identity.