Tech and Art Making - Skype duel Portraits with Katherine Bull

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On Tuesday, March 26, 2013, I had the remarkable opportunity to participate in an innovative art session with Katherine Bull, a fellow artist based in Cape Town. What made this session particularly extraordinary was that we created portraits of each other using Skype, a software application that enables voice calls over the Internet. Skype facilitated real-time communication and collaboration between us, despite being physically apart.

This intersection of art and technology allowed us to transcend geographical boundaries and explore new possibilities in artistic expression. Through the use of digital tools and platforms, we were able to engage in a unique artistic exchange, capturing each other's likenesses and interpreting them through our individual artistic lenses.

The session yielded fascinating results, showcasing the dynamic synergy between traditional artistry and modern technology. Our portraits, born out of this unconventional collaboration, served as visual representations of our connection through the digital realm.

This creative endeavor underscores the evolving relationship between art and technology, highlighting the potential for innovation and exploration in the digital age. As artists continue to embrace new technologies and mediums, the boundaries of artistic practice are continually being pushed, opening up exciting avenues for experimentation and collaboration.

Below are the results of the session.

Richard Mudariki by Katherine Bull via Skype, oil on cotton paper (image courtesy of Katherine Bull, 2013)



I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Katherine for her invaluable contribution to this truly enjoyable and innovative artistic session. Our collaboration, facilitated by the use of Skype and the internet, introduced a fascinating third medium into our creative process, expanding the boundaries of traditional artistic practice.

The integration of technology into our artistic endeavor added an exciting dimension to our work, allowing us to explore new possibilities and push the limits of artistic expression. Together, we embraced the digital realm as a platform for creativity, harnessing its potential to connect and inspire.

Katherine, your enthusiasm, talent, and willingness to explore unconventional avenues of artistic collaboration made this session truly memorable. I am grateful for the opportunity to create alongside you and look forward to future artistic adventures together.

Thank you for a wonderful and enriching experience.

Katherine Bull by Richard Mudariki via Skype, charcoal and pastel on paper (image courtesy of the artist)





Location: Cape Town, South Africa

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