Exhibition: History and nature preserved on canvas

Adeela Zahid’s collection focuses on the virtues of suburban life

ISLAMABAD: Artist Adeela Zahid’s paintings, capturing the beauty of Pakistan’s infrastructure and nature, went on display at the ‘Shanaakht Space’ at the Nomad Art Gallery on Saturday.

The paintings, made using oil-on-canvas, ooze patriotism by showcasing the picturesque beauty from across the country, including Kashmir, Skardu, Neelam Valley, Chakwal and Islamabad.

Some paintings preserve nature in its raw form, while others focus on the infrastructure of cities like Chakwal, presenting the Chakwal House and the city’s railway station in great depth with vivid colours.

Zahid’s work has the distinct power to take the stress out of your mind, and transport you to the peaceful suburbs.

Nageen Hayat, director of the gallery, told The Express Tribune that the Shanaakht Space at the gallery aimed to encourage new artists by exhibiting and critiquing their art. “Adeela is a talented and a committed young woman with a good grasp of colours, aesthetics and composition. She paints charming landscapes, animals and visuals that appeal to her senses,” Hayat said.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Zahid said she lived in Chakwal for a short while during her childhood, and therefore some of her work revolved around the beauty of the city.

“Back when I was a child, I would draw on the mud floor with my finger or a wooden stick at our village house. It was probably then when I first realised I could pursue art,” the artist said.

She credited her art teachers from primary school, and her brother who is also an artist, for positively influencing her work.

“I am also inspired by natural beauty and God’s creation. I try to preserve whatever I can through painting. I use oil and acrylics because these mediums allow me to work with a range of palettes,” she added.

Zahid’s energy and commitment to her art is evident in her pieces, as she successfully recreates the intricate details of her subjects, be it buildings, landscape or figures.

What’s interesting about Zahid’s work is that despite winning accolades in the Czech Republic, Romania, and Japan, and exhibiting her work extensively, she chooses to paint Pakistan and her hometown.

Using her own unique lens, she portrays the beauty of the country using her exceptional skill – aesthetics, colours and composition – the three most important elements in any painting.

The exhibition is ongoing till May 6, 2016.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2016.