MCP Class Schedule
Continuing This Month
Jila Nikpay
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Course #2007 + The Evocative Portrait:
A Journey to Self
September 13 to October 25, 2007
Thursdays, 6 - 8 p.m. (7 sessions)
Instructor: Jila Nikpay
Fee: $238.50 MCP members, $265 non-members
Deadline to Enroll: September 7
Class Limit: 12
Location: MCP off-site studio in NE
To sign-up contact Jes Schrom, Gallery and Education Coordinator, at jes@mncp.org or call her at 612.824.5500
Course Description
Evocative portraiture uncovers a hidden aspect of the subject's character. It also has the overwhelming ability to reveal the personality of the maker: the definer is defined.
This course is an opportunity to concentrate and reflect upon what makes an artistic portrait. Jila Nikpay presents slide lectures on the history of portraiture including the outstanding work of contemporary artists. Exercises in lighting and creativity assist the participants in understanding the intuitive aspects of the art of portrait that results in evocative images. This approach allows participants to explore the art of portraiture from the inside out, as a mirror of the self. Students are encouraged to work on a project that they can carry out after the class. Instruction on lighting covers natural light, hot lights, and portable flash. There will be group critique every week.
Requirements
Participants are expected to bring their own camera and have an intimate knowledge of its controls. The camera should have an appropriate lens for portrait work (105mm, telephoto, etc.), manual exposure control, and a light meter (an external light meter is preferred to in-camera). Digital or 35mm film cameras are acceptable.
Participants will be expected to produce their own prints for review, through a digital service bureau, MCP's Digital Lab, or through access to MCP's Darkroom. Students enrolled in this class receive a discount on Darkroom and Digital Lab fees for the duration of the class, for class related work only.
Instructor
Jila Nikpay is a filmmaker and photographer. Central to her work is the theme of identity. The characters in her staged photography and lyrical films are archetypal and her work is deeply connected to the traditions of Persian poetry and Islamic mysticism. A recipient of numerous awards from the Minnesota State Arts Board as well as the Jerome and McKnight foundations, she has exhibited at the Walker Art Center, Tehran contemporary Museum, and other venues nationally and internationally. When Nikpay is not working on films or photo projects, she teaches the expressive art of lighting as well as portraiture, and is a consultant to aspiring photographers and filmmakers through Independent Film Project (IFP). She recently published her first book of portraits and poetry as part of her Heroines Project. Her latest film, Rhythm of Tides, premiered at the Walker Art Center and Arizona Film Festival this year. Nikpay's upcoming film is titled, in waiting, for which she was awarded a 2007 Jerome Foundation Media Grant.
web links
www.jilanikpay.com
www.heroinesproject.com
