AP 2-D ART AND DESIGN
Abdirizak Abdulle
NAME
Noble and Greenough School, Dedham, Massachusetts, USA
Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
Height: 20", Width: 30" | Idea(s): I convey feelings of both hyper-visibility and fragility in my black identity | Material(s): Archival Pigment Print | Process(es): Digital photography | Digital Tools used: Lightroom | Curatorial Note: Strong compositional choices and the contrast of bold lighting direct the viewer’s attention to the figure, encouraging reflection on identity and the relationship between the body and space.
STUDENT STATEMENT
Does your art connect to or take inspiration from any past or present art styles, techniques, or traditions? If yes, how?
Yes, my present work is inspired by previous use of light and shadow, in order to convey emotion through my images.
Which elements of art were most important in this artwork, and how did you use them to communicate your ideas?
The most important elements in this artwork are light, shadow, and contrast. I used light and shadow to highlight the emotion and reflection taking place in this image. The contrast expresses the tension between the feelings of not being seen and hyper-exposed.
Which principles of design guided your choices in this artwork, and why?
The asymmetrical lighting and angles it creates emphasizes the feeling of isolation while the balance between light and dark creates visual tension. These choices mirror my experience of existing between visibility and invisibility.
The ways in which moments of reflection, resistance, and connection shape my own understand of self and belonging
How did applying design skills (elements and principles) help you strengthen both the look (formal qualities) and the meaning (conceptual direction) of your portfolio?
Applying design principles helped me connect how my work looks to how it feels. Controlling light and shadow allowed me to build emotion into each image. It strengthens both the formal quality of my work and its overall deeper message of identity.
Can you give a specific example of how you revised an artwork to better apply a drawing and/or design skill?
I revised one piece by increasing contrast and shadows around the subject. This made the emotion stronger and the message clearer. The revision helped the light feel more intentional and symbolic rather than like just another virtual element.
Which drawing and/or design skills do you rely on most often in your work, and how do they support your artistic style or message?
I rely on lighting, composition, and contrast to communicate emotion and focus. The use of light and shadow helps my work express feelings of being seen, unseen, or misunderstood as a Black man in the many predominantly White spaces I am a part of. These skills also define both my artistic style and overall message.
In what ways did your confidence in art making grow during AP Art and Design?
My confidence grew as I learned to use the numerous artistic elements I mentioned earlier to purposely convey a deeper message. Furthermore, I became more comfortable sharing my personal experiences either in writing or through visual storytelling.
What kinds of critiques and feedback did you receive in AP Art and Design, and how did they help you strengthen your use of design and/or drawing skills?
Critiques taught me to push through the times when it feels difficult to produce work that feels meaningful. Throughout the year, there were times when I struggled with this, but critiques allowed me to find the areas of strength and weakness in my work. This gave me the motivation and confidence to keep taking photos—specifically, ones that are meaningful to me.
What advice would you share with future AP Art and Design students about building drawing and/or design skills?
I would advise future AP Art and Design students to use design choices that tell something real, and that every line or shadow can have meaning. I would also advise future students to not get too caught up in small details at first, and that every image cannot have some profound meaning. This takes time, and it’s something that I struggled with during my time in AP Art and Design.
Abdirizak Abdulle
