Brushsmiths were shortlisted for Artist Practice Programme at the Shakir Ali Museum. photo: express
The artists were shortlisted for Artist Practice Programme at the Shakir Ali Museum (SAM). The museum launched the programme on April 1, 2017 when new artists from across the country were shortlisted, said the show’s curator Hira Siddiqui while talking to The Express Tribune. Most of them recently graduated from the National College of Arts, she added.
“The SAM had taken this step to promote the contemporary Art Practice Programme and give emerging artists an opportunity to excel in their fields and to encourage practices. The museum provided artists the space where they could interact with their peers and gain international fame through different mediums,” said Hira.
The curator, whose work is also on display at the exhibition, said her practice is to extract the soul of worldwide famous paintings as she consciously and deliberately plays with their colour palate , compositional element, placement of objects and their narrative. Ultimately, she recreates them in entirely different mediums and techniques.
“Not everyone can purchase the masterpiece to experience in its originality and the fact remains that none of us is seeing museum quality art,” she added.
“Almost all are inspired by second-hand versions of the original paintings and what I am doing is transforming these famous paintings, showing their delicacy of print on textured (canvas) and textured-free (lasani) surfaces through watercolours , oils, graphite and acrylics,” she explained.
“My work maybe a little unusual for the viewer as it revolves around the symbolic representation of the society we live in,” said Artist Sibghatullah.
He added his work reflected his life, things he was taught throughout his education, religious beliefs and things people avoid talking about,” Sibghat said.
Another artist, Amna Raheem, said her work is based on the feelings of insecurity most women go through due to male dominance. “We are bound to our traditions and family’s honour.
Our families follow these traditions and force us to follow them as well,” she said.
“I have tried to depict the feeling of identity loss due to the sufferings of modern-day women. Whether these women live in rural or urban areas, they all feel the same in some ways,” Amna said.
Artist Maheen Niazi said her paintings are documents of a certain time and space where one perceives cultural consciousness, memory and nostalgia, which laid out a vital mark in her life. “My paintings are not just a product of observation, but a piece of my existence,” she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2017.
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