David Mohallatee          
Residence: Richmond, Kentucky, United States
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, United States

My current work includes prints, paintings, computer-generated imagery, book art and drawings. Influences in my work are drawn heavily from my immediate surroundings. These interests are in local wildlife, Native American pottery designs, Persian miniatures, illuminated manuscripts and Islamic mosaic title works in which a geometric stylization is used in the portrayal of nature. In the work, patterns are composed of autobiographical and environmental symbols representing indigenous insects and mosaic designs. The function of the pattern designs is to create an overall unity between the positive and negative areas within the pieces. This activity demonstrates a compulsion to cover and engage the whole pictorial surface with visual information.

The works are composed from a combination of tradition printmaking techniques—drypoint etching and wood cut, lead-type, computer-generated drawings/digital prints, chine colle, encaustic, acrylic and wood. The use of conventional drawing materials such as charcoal, graphite, pastel and painting media such as watercolor and gouache are juxtaposed in their application to create a new visual dialogue. The orchestration of these disjunctive components in the translation of the images carefully and intentionally selected for their uniqueness and essential characteristics and the information they have to offer to the development of final pieces. Within the individual pieces there appears to be a lack of gravity present, allowing for the marks and forms to float and move gracefully across the established picture plane; while simultaneously receding in space. The recorded action of the marks are repeated numerous times further establishing a mature concern of form and content to be represented; resulting in the images being a visual record of the process of pictorial creation. I have approached each piece with a similar sensibility towards markmaking achieved through traditional printmaking techniques. In a few pieces, the role of the decorative pattern is used to create a series of complex visual rhythms within the piece. The visual information is balanced by the use of chine colle, presenting the printed elements against the start background of the supporting paper.

David [Afsah-] Mohallatee

Associate Professor of Art, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky [2003-Present]
Assistant Professor of Art, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky [1998-2003]

Education
Tamarind Master Printer, Lithography, Tamarind Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico [1996]
MFA, Printmaking, Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [1990]
Crafts Workshop, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland [1989]
BFA, Studio Art - Painting & Drawing, Kutztown University, Kutztown Pennsylvania [1988]

2008
‘400 Print Collection’, Engramme Gallery, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Invitational Salon of Small Works, 19th Annual New Arts Program [NAP], New Arts Program Gallery, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
‘Carbunari 2007’, International Small Engraving Salon, Muzeul Florean, Baia Mare, Maramures, Romania
‘Delta National Small Prints Exhibition’, Bradbury Gallery, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Arkansas
IV Cascade Print Exchange Exhibition, Oregon State University, Corvalis Art Center, Corvalis, Oregon
‘BOGO: Buy One, Get One Free', VII Postcard Print Exchange Exhibition, University Print Society, Gallery 181, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
‘Oregon Ink Spot Print Exchange #2’, Nightingale Gallery, Eastern Oregon University, La Grande, Oregon
‘Naestved International Exhibition of Contemporary Mini Square Prints’, grafisk vaerksted\NAESTVED The Print Studio, Roennebaeksholm Arts & Culture Center, Naestved, Denmark
‘Print Zero Print Exchange #5’ Exhibition, Pratt Fine Arts Gallery, Tashiro Kaplan, Seattle Washington
‘Print Zero Print Exchange #5’ Exhibition, Center for the Fine Arts, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
‘Print Zero Print Exchange #5’ Exhibition, Roennebaeksholm Arts & Culture Center, Naestved, Denmark
‘Print Zero Print Exchange #5’ Exhibition, Rainbow Building Gallery, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida