Employing Embroidery and Digital Printing Skills in the Production of Contemporary Artistic Paintings Inspired by Heritage

Abstract

We currently live in the era of globalization, where advanced modern technology is widespread, which has negatively affected Arab values and legacies. This has resulted in the replacement of Arab doctrine with foreign ones, which do not match our Arab personality and values. For this reason, there is much emphasis on reviving our heritage and producing sophisticated and aesthetical works of art using this technology. From this starting point, the researcher found that it is possible to combine digital printing and manual embroidery skills, by directing students to produce artistic paintings inspired by designs from our heritage, as well as contemporary modern trends. This approach can introduce new techniques for application, some of which have been taught to students during their years in university, linking them to society, encouraging innovation and creativity, and taking advantage of the skills they have acquired during their undergraduate years. Manual embroidery and digital printing are among the most important methods for decorating clothes and furnishings with different materials and techniques. Thus, combining these two methods can be an important form of artistic expression. This study aims to guide third-year students in the Fashion Design Department, at the Faculty of Arts and Design, Pharos University in Alexandria, to employ their embroidery and printing skills in a new and innovative manner, with the purpose of producing pieces of art with a distinguished aspect to revive our heritage. The produced paintings were evaluated by art specialists and artists for their aesthetic, functional, and innovative aspects. Furthermore, questionnaire results of the jury were statistically analyzed. Statistically significant differences were found between the produced artworks in achieving the desired aesthetic, functional, and creative aspects, according to the opinions of the judging specialists and artists. Correlations were also found between the opinions of the jury regarding the produced artwork in their ability to combine between the skills of manual embroidery and digital printing, to revive heritage and also fit contemporary trends.