Painting history: Samina depicts history in acrylics
Introducing beetroot, tea, onion and coffee in paintings, the artist displays an exclusive collection.
ISLAMABAD:
Moulding Mughal history with contemporary experiments, Samina Ali Akhtar brings her latest collection “Imprints- Historical Promises” to Nomad Art Gallery.
Blending in natural dyes and acrylics and introducing beetroot, tea, onion and coffee to get the sepia and crimson hues, the artist displays a combination of media in the collection.
“Her exclusive style of calligraphy to a blend of imagery into an aesthetic contemporary composition reflects elements of historical splendour,” said Nageen Hayat of Nomad Gallery.
The rich colour palate and the use of gold and silver leaf to highlight the eccentric miniature paintings added an affluent flair to the collection.
The use of red, rust, orange and magenta highlight the prosperity of the Mughal era.
As an ardent fan of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Akhtar incorporates his poetry in her work to accentuate it. The mixed media in combination with calligraphy and miniature art gives off a well-rounded feel.
“The collection is exquisite and has a modern flair to it. It is captivating for local and international audiences alike,” said Perkha, a visitor.
The Lahore-based artist has carved her niche in the world of art, her works housed in banks and hotels alike. With 243 paintings on permanent display at the Serena Hotel Islamabad, the artist is appreciated and renowned for her work.
She remembers how she struggled to get back into painting. After developing an allergy to pigments, her husband brought her acrylic paints to work with.
“But I never felt that I could master acrylics. The box of acrylic paints remained untouched almost a year and a half after my husband’s death,” Akhtar recalled.
“One day while remembering him, I opened the box and started using the palate and was thoroughly surprised.”
Overcoming her initial fears regarding acrylics, the artist has produced a truly amazing collection.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2011.
Moulding Mughal history with contemporary experiments, Samina Ali Akhtar brings her latest collection “Imprints- Historical Promises” to Nomad Art Gallery.
Blending in natural dyes and acrylics and introducing beetroot, tea, onion and coffee to get the sepia and crimson hues, the artist displays a combination of media in the collection.
“Her exclusive style of calligraphy to a blend of imagery into an aesthetic contemporary composition reflects elements of historical splendour,” said Nageen Hayat of Nomad Gallery.
The rich colour palate and the use of gold and silver leaf to highlight the eccentric miniature paintings added an affluent flair to the collection.
The use of red, rust, orange and magenta highlight the prosperity of the Mughal era.
As an ardent fan of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Akhtar incorporates his poetry in her work to accentuate it. The mixed media in combination with calligraphy and miniature art gives off a well-rounded feel.
“The collection is exquisite and has a modern flair to it. It is captivating for local and international audiences alike,” said Perkha, a visitor.
The Lahore-based artist has carved her niche in the world of art, her works housed in banks and hotels alike. With 243 paintings on permanent display at the Serena Hotel Islamabad, the artist is appreciated and renowned for her work.
She remembers how she struggled to get back into painting. After developing an allergy to pigments, her husband brought her acrylic paints to work with.
“But I never felt that I could master acrylics. The box of acrylic paints remained untouched almost a year and a half after my husband’s death,” Akhtar recalled.
“One day while remembering him, I opened the box and started using the palate and was thoroughly surprised.”
Overcoming her initial fears regarding acrylics, the artist has produced a truly amazing collection.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2011.