The Best Project
A Graphic Art Project Commissioned by SHARJAH BIENNIAL 9

Graphic design is mostly employed by the corporate world as a tool to advertise or publicize a product. A popular perception puts the functionality of design at the forefront. Conversely, Graphic artists are mostly concerned with the aesthetics of design. They seek a practice where the result of the design process is perceived as a product in itself.

The Best project aims to explore potential links between the commercial and aesthetic spheres of the design process. The starting point was to identify two commonplace visual elements from Sharjah – a construction site fence. While the construction site fence is branded with the company’s name, “Best”. Both objects had much in common, including strong visual elements. “Best” fence, both elements were able to grasp the attention of a passerby.

Using the “Exquisite Corpse” technique, the project brought together two groups of graphic designers who worked collectively.

The “Best” project involves 6 professional graphic designers who live and practice in the UAE. Using the same Exquisite Corpse technique, the 6 designers collectively produced 12 artworks to be exhibited during the Biennial period. The designs were displayed on “Best” construction site fences across Sharjah, using its sharp color contrast as an eye-catcher.

“Best”
Participant Artists:

1 Brownmonkeys – Philippines
– Josef Domer (Suavecito)
– Joseph Manata (Pinkblot)
– Lewis De Mesa (Artlifeflip)
– Rollan Rodriguez (Dogboy)
– Victoria Viray (Prettymonkey)
2 Kholoud Sharafi – UAE
3 Manabu Ozawa – Japan
4 Reem Al-Ghaith – UAE
5 Salem Al-Qassimi – UAE
6 Vivek Blech – India

Project Curator: Ahmed Foula
Project coordinator: Khalid Mezaina

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