The University of Wisconsin-Madison Arts Institute welcomed British visual and performance artist Faisal Abdu'Allah as the Spring 2013 Interdisciplinary Artist in Residence. The Arts Institute Interdisciplinary Arts Residency Program brings innovative artists to campus to teach semester-long, interdepartmental courses and to publicly present their work for campus and community audiences.

While in residence, Faisal Abdu’Allah taught “FauHaus: Bodies, Minds, Senses, and the Arts” with Art History Professor Henry Drewal. Referencing the legendary Bauhaus—a space where multiple disciplines were encouraged to flourish side by side—FauHaus (F for Faisal, H for Henry, Haus for UW-Madison) is grounded in Drewal’s theory of "sensiotics," which considers the crucial role of the senses in understanding arts and culture. Abdu’Allah’s residency was hosted by the Department of Art History.

CREDITS
Video: Aaron Granat
Music: Moby

Special thanks to: Faisal Abdu'Allah, Sonya Clark, Henry Drewal, Don Farnsworth, Lauren Hawley, Sarah Khan, Eli Lynch, Darlene Morales, Patrick Sims, Bethany Taylor, and Chris Walker.

Three composite student portraits: FauHaus Deities (2013) by Faisal Abdu'Allah

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