Imaginative Drawing

S17

The ability to imagine spaces, push the limits of  reality, is addressed by working with the written  word as well as visual representation. The exercise is  preceded by writing workshop sessions during which  each student evolves a space – irrespective of scale  – which functions according to rules not applicable  to the ‘real’ world. These spaces are either set in a  utopian/dystopian future, or in imaginary worlds,  and they are, sometimes, populated by human-like  creatures.  While working with text allows the students to focus  on evolving plots, characterization and dialogue, and using these to introduce descriptions of  settings, translating text into visual representation  requires them to choose moments in the narrative  and elements to depict. The process brings together  skills developed through previous exercises, while also encouraging creativity and the realization that  text may have multiple visual interpretations.