ABU DHABI – Ana Golovic, a painter and multimedia artist from Abu Dhabi Art Hub, visited Zayed University in 2024. She gave a talk in the media and cultural criticism course and held a workshop in the multimedia production course. Golovic’s visit was organized by Danica Piper, assistant professor in the College of Communication and Media Sciences. Here is what Golovic told us about the connection between art and media, and what might be the future of art.
Q: During workshops with ZU students, you discussed the relationship between movies and painting. Could you explain the connection to our readers?
A: The connection between movies and painting is always a fascinating aspect of visual culture that highlights the interplay between two distinct yet inherently linked art forms. Despite their apparent differences, painting and filmmaking share common elements and techniques that create a vivid bond.
Firstly, both movies and paintings rely on visual composition to convey meaning and emotion. In painting, artists use colors, forms and spaces to create compositions that evoke a mood or narrative. Likewise, filmmakers employ cinematography, lighting and framing to compose shots that capture the viewer’s attention and send the intended message. This careful arrangement of elements within the frame, whether on canvas or screen, allows artists to guide the viewer’s gaze and evoke a deep response.
Secondly, movies and paintings share a narrative dimension in different forms. Paintings often depict a single moment frozen in time but can also suggest a wider portrayal or evoke storytelling through symbolism and metaphors. On the other hand, movies unfold over time, presenting a sequence of images and sounds that show an integrated narrative story. Both mediums engage the viewer’s imagination and invite them to interpret the story, whether through a series of still images or a moving chain of scenes.
Similarly, painters can be influenced by cinematic imagery or cinematic techniques to enhance their artistic practice, as I have. To get into this dynamic connection, I developed a series of paintings inspired by Bernardo Bertolucci’s films, which became a part of my master’s thesis.
Q: What are your thoughts about AI progression and its influence on the field of art?
A: I believe that similar debates were once spoken about long ago and that artistic communities feared new inventions like how we do today. Why continue painting portraits when we have cameras? Will books disappear and be replaced by e-books? As we witness, none of that has happened. I have never felt a dislike towards new technological advancements; I always approach them cautiously, with a thorough examination, but I never reject them directly. If we do not like something, that’s when we should explore and learn more about it, to determine with certainty whether we will use, discard or hate that new technology. I believe AI can be utilized well as an art assistant or a tool for artwork creation. AI can help greatly in shortening the time of some art processes; it contains a load of information that we don’t have, and we can enable that in creating our work. It can never be an independent artist, just as a blank e-book is not a book. But even if you don’t like it, it’s better to go with the premise “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”
Q: When looking at the art scene in the UAE, is there something specific to note or analyze?
A: I often attend art events in the UAE such as Art Dubai, the Abu Dhabi Art Fair, and the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival. I have even exhibited my works at some of them. I believe these art events are exceptionally well-organized with a top-notch selection of works and hold a high level of international prestige. They benefit not only the local art scene but also position the UAE on the global art map. However, I think there is a lack of mid-level solo exhibition galleries and galleries focused on promoting young artists and art students. I believe there is a need for galleries that specialize in specific art expressions and mediums, which would make it easier for artists to exhibit and for collectors and audiences to find what they love.
Q: Lastly, what is your message for our students?
A: Today, it is essential to have a job that you love; otherwise, it can be unbearable as it offers a form of escapism in a world that can be intolerable. Being a painter allows me the privilege of turning my passion into a profession. When channeled properly, passion isn’t destructive; instead, it provides opportunities for growth, self-reflection, and the pursuit of truth.
Art has been my lifelong passion, and I have known since childhood that it would be my calling. I pursued academic studies to gain education and discovered my interest in other art forms such as literature, theater, film, photography and more. I believe that student life is a crucial period for young people to explore their passions, thoughts, and beliefs to the fullest. It’s important to seize every opportunity to learn something new, meet new professors or artists, travel, and discover new cultures while staying true to your origins and heritage, as being born in the UAE is an incredible privilege.
I firmly believe that only someone honest with themselves and the world can be a good artist. It’s the responsibility of artists to continuously strive for a better world and uphold values such as solidarity and freedom, which were once our ideals.
About the author
Fatima Khaled Mohammed Ba Faqas studies Integrated Strategic Communication in the College of Communication and Media Sciences at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. She graduated from the Young Media Leaders Program in 2024, organized by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Sky News Arabia Academy. During her time with ADMAF, she published an article about her experiences as a trainee at Sky News Arabia Academy and another article highlighting the Abu Dhabi Festival dance performance titled “Xinjiang is a Nice Place.” Her contributions were recognized by her college, and she received the “Excellence in Service” award for the academic year 2023-2024. Currently, Fatima serves as a senior manager assistant at Peer Ambassador Leaders student organization at ZU.
The supervising editor was Yulia Medvedeva.
