The way you see it: Iqra Tanveer’s installations

Installations displayed at exhibition depict work by KU graduate, titled 'A Matter of Perception'.

LAHORE: At the centre of the Rohtas Art Gallery, a glass box filled one fourth with water inside is placed on a wooden base. It is tied sideways to a string hanging from the ceiling.

The installation attracted attention, as the box, supported on one of its corners, keeps moving right and left under the shifting weight of the water.

Two more installations are displayed at an exhibition of work by Iqra Tanveer, a graduate from Karachi University, titled A Matter of Perception.

In all three installations water is the medium.

“The idea behind my work is how humans perceive things and how that differs from reality. My work depicts the differences between reality and illusion,” she said.

The exhibition was visited by a number of artists and art students on Monday.

Masooma Syed, a painter, said, “The installations have been very neatly presented. Water is one of the most difficult mediums to work with. It’s really tough as it is difficult to contain it.”

Gulnar Tabassum, women rights’ activist and documentary film maker, said, “The work of the artist is very delicate. She has also displayed it quite creatively. She has artfully conveyed her message with beauty and symbols.”

Sculptor Aamna Ilyas, a graduate of National College of Arts said, “Iqra is a daring artist.  In countries like ours, installation is not a common genre of art. Not many people are even aware of it. Her work is not only innovative but also diverse and unique.”

Besides the installations titled Wave I and Ripple Effect, a digital print called Flow was also displayed.

The exhibition will continue till November 23.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2010.