ABSTRACT
This study An Exploration of the female facial form in painting through Automatism Technique sought exploration of ways by which different shapes can be employed with the view to transform human female facial form beyond representational renditions. The exploration is based on dynamics of lines into shapes suitable for reinterpretation of the human female facial form. This study looks into possible alternate ways of finding a unique individual style to express self in painting through the use of automatism: a technique under the early 20th century art movement called surrealism. The aim of the research is to create conceptual paintings by manipulation of geometric shapes in rendition of female facial forms. The specific objectives are to: Transform the human female facial form using automatism. Portray the human female facial form into segments of organic and geometric shapes. Explore the human female facial forms into positive and negative spaces via juxtapositions and overlapping of shapes. The research looks at the works of artists who have explored the dynamics of shape, as related to the human facial forms in their own way. This led to an evaluation of their work, as their perspective was examined to bear upon the researcher?s quest to explore female facial forms using automatism. However, the review indicates the artist?s concerted efforts in a systematic study of the dynamics of shapes on facial form. The methodology used for this research was studio practice based. The researcher made use of photographs of model. Different shapes were sourced from entropic imaging from the subconscious mind. The research design of the study is descriptive, as it interprets by transformation with use of geometric shapes in automatism. The instrument used in the collection of data is basically observational method. Data collected were analysed, hence forming basis for progression of the three stages of research. These research findings established that shape based creation, using automatism as technique stimulates conceptual, radical transformation in visual art creation. The interaction of geometric shapes, engaging other elements results in harmonious relationship; hence, balance as art principle is achieved. Perceptual encounter with subject matter establishes visual relationship and dialogue that stems from accessing subconscious archetypal symbols in artistic creation. The researcher recommends that aspiring artists and researchers who intends to examine this creative context of shape based creation, should make further incisive study regarding geometric shapes and subconscious mind creation; and the blending of both geometric and organic shapes in hybrid creation of forms; And lastly, the focus on use of overlapping and juxtapositions can be superlatively modified to engender development of experimental procedures in artistic creation.