Monochrome art: Exploring the inner depths of the human psyche

Artist Fariha Rashid uses different methods to create miniatures, paintings

KARACHI: It takes a lot to discover your inner self but it takes even more to explore it further. This has been done by Lahore-based artist Fariha Rashid in her exhibition, titled ‘Purgation’, which is being held at Artscene Galleries. The artist drew inspiration from her inner being, while also exploring the nature of human conflicts within oneself.

“Basically, I have tried depicting the inner self scenario against the environment,” explained Rashid. “How people like me suffer from negativity coming into our lives from the surrounding environment. I tend to divulge via paintings my most dark side and relive it on a positive note. If, as a human, I can suffer, others suffer in the same light as well.”

On a black backdrop, she paints in white. “The black backdrop is the darkness inhabiting in me and the white is the peace and freedom coming from within, which is the light I would like to pass on”.



While using a mixed medium of gouache on mount sheet and gouache on wasli paper, she tries to ‘explore herself as well as different techniques’. “There should be a variety of ideas [in artwork], hence these should be depicted in different subject form. One should not be too rigid to explore other mediums.”

In her drawings, one can see human figures depicted in the form of mannequins and animals. “I have portrayed humans in the form of mannequins. The human legs [in my work] depict relaxation. Birds are symbolic of freedom because of their wings,” she said.

She draws strong inspiration from the work of local artists such as Imran Kureshi, Ayesha Khalid and Waqas Khan.

The Lahore-based artist says that she has been drawing actively for the past three years and this is her first solo show in Karachi. From the general audience she has received a very good response, she said. “These are not traditional miniatures but I have received warm appreciation for my treatment of gouache work, which has been a great compliment.”

Rashid’s works will be on display at Artscene Galleries till December 26.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2016.