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AdamReederSculptor

Adam Reeder
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Since the beginning of the Egyptian revolution of 25th January, the world has seen a number of artworks by international artists in the fields of music, arts and sculpture.  These portray the fight, the will and the courage of the Egyptian people.

Stealing a look at a unique piece entitled, 'Evolution of a Revolution',  Ahram Online goes one-on-one with Adam Reeder, the mastermind behind this revolutionised, ancient Egyptian sculpture.

A universal language

For centuries artists have agreed that art, by any means, is a universal language and that some of the greatest artwork  has  inspired revolutions; but according to Reeder, in Egypt's case, it  was the revolution that inspired the art.  

"I think in this case art is a better journal than a motivator, helping people to remember that the revolution actually happened, and how and why it happened," Reeder explains.

Obtaining a Masters in Sculpture from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, the young Californian sculptor has always focused on how technology  has changed the western culture's interactions with its world.

Cultures will remain independent

Among his famous sculptures are the gods Zeus with an I-Phone in his hand and Pan holding an I-Pod. "I used to think that any culture finding itself being changed by technology was becoming western," he admits, "Now I see that I was wrong. I can see that technology will eventually change the way all cultures interact with their world, and those cultures will remain independent. I hope to continue keeping a record of this change and I hope my work continues to resonate with people, because it is about their experience of the world," he maintains.

It was the revolutions that have swept across the Middle East and North Africa that changed Reeder's opinion and his piece, and 'Evolution of a Revolution' clarifies that.

Though he has never been to Egypt and his only knowledge about the Egyptian people has never gone beyond his undergraduate and graduate studies, which included sculptures of the ancient Egyptians, Reeder was inspired by the powerful and motivating artwork of the people throughout the 18 days of the revolution.

We will not give up

"I guess most of my knowledge about Egypt comes from its ancient art," he says, "Now I have seen posters reading, "Egypt will rise", which I found stirring, and one of the most compelling artworks I saw was a message written in black letters, "WE WILL NOT GIVE UP!"

With those words from the demonstrations, Reeder produced 'Evolution of a Revolution'; a hieroglyphic artwork that symbolises a moving social commentary on how technology has influenced revolutions in countries with oppressive governments, such as, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Yemen, Jordan and Morocco.

As part of his theme 'Technology Changes The Way People Interact With Their World', in his piece, Reeder portrays ancient Egyptian figures, holding the modern means of communication, including cell phones and a laptop. With 'Evolution of a Revolution', Reeder also represents the social networking sites of Twitter and Facebook used by those two figures; the means that enabled people to unite and revolt.

Women fighting for their freedom

An interesting observation in this piece is that Reeder has joined a female figure communicating with a male. The female here is important to Reeder, as he sees how the social networks enabled the oppressed women of the Middle East and North Africa to share their views and fight for their freedom, as equals with the dominant male figure. Reeder says, " Women were able to play such an important role in these revolutions through social media and technology."

Reeder has provided a delightful memory of the Egyptian revolution but he is not planning to capture the current scene in Egypt. "I see my role as one who chronicles the ways technology changes how we interact with our world," he explains. "I think when the dust settles and Egypt has what it wants, I will make more art about it. For now, I have said what needs to be said, like a journal entry about a very good day," he asserts.

He recognises the importance of technology in shaping our history today.  "My artwork has to be about a technology that has effected a major social change," he says, "If more technology comes along that is as powerful as Apple, Android, Google, Facebook, Twitter or video games, then I will make art that addresses that change in interaction."

Standing up to injustice

Reeder wants to send Egyptians a message saying, "I am proud of the Egyptians for standing up to injustice, I hope they get whatever government they choose and continue to stand up for any ideas that "the people" want."

He calls on his fellow Americans to stay as strong as the Egyptians saying, "I hope the US will be as strong when the votes of a "free people" no longer matter.  Courage is required."

The 'Evolution of a Revolution' shows how Tunisians and Egyptians have revolutionised their fight for freedom. Artists of the world have been inspired by that and wait as Egyptians shape their future and destiny.
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This DVD set will be for character designers, comic style sculpting, and 3d modelers.  It will also be perfect for anyone wanting to breathe more life into their work.  This DVD set will help painters, those who draw, and fine art sculptors as well.

It will likely be a video seminar first, and them be available on DVD.

Coming soon.....
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It is my understanding that it is artistically impure to draw from someone else's photo.  So, taking a photo from National Geographic and draw it, it doesn't matter if it is the best drawing EVER.

If you pulled that in art school, you might get kicked out, it is called plagiarism.
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I stay so busy with the never mind of tomorrow, that I missed the remedy I had feared the most. Not knowing that its been right there in the center of all that I call 'safe'.
Perhaps simply a map of my newest hopes for forever. Each movement, conversation, and touch -though few by choice- adds to the measure of heart that has dispelled EVERY doubt. Those which I have earned through the depths of self inflicted misery.
Not magic. Yet FAR greater in mystery -to me- lies the secret that caused the scales of armor to recede. Reborn are the web covered corners deep inside. An unnoticed change til the rusty hinges snapped, and creaked to permit residence once more.
My expectations are few. My hopes remain soaked in gratitude for this gift.
My understanding is great. Reality in check for your good.
Every smile takes with it all selfishness and criticism.
Your eyes say more then the sound of your voice may ever know to be true.

Jason Reeder
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My twin brother Jason wrote this about his daughter. It grips me to my core.

My safe.
My ONE constant!
She is the lady in my life.
There for me unwaveringly, unconditionally.
She has joined me in rejoice, felt and healed the pain of loss.
*Held me without speaking that day I could only sit and cry*.
She has purchased my life through the strength of her tiny heart.
Saved any goodness in me from abandoning to the dark corners of doubt and blame. Thank you Jayda.

Jason Reeder
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