Art exhibit: Beneath the veneer of sunlight

Artist portrays the simple in complex strokes.

ISLAMABAD:

Interpretive and abstract art are the principal themes to the mix media show ‘Sun Light’ in what is artist Mariam Haider’s fifth exhibition at COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT).

Haider is a lecturer at CIIT’s Department of Architecture and Design and this experience shows in her diverse artwork which includes sculptures, flower arrangements, woodcuts and engravings and experimenting with various painting techniques.

The abstract nature of Haider’s technique “gives the audience permission to view art on multiple levels”. This is evident in her landscapes where she does indeed strip down the original scene to an almost desolate rendition but adds vibrancy by employing a rich colour palette of cool blues, fiery reds and oranges. This juxtaposition conforms to her aim of depicting a mind constantly in flux. This is also evident in the layers of paint and varying strokes that can be seen in her work.

This exhibition is a positive step by the CIIT Rector Dr SM Junaid Zaidi who hopes to provide a platform for endorsing art and culture at the institute. Haider’s eclectic work is a good choice for showcasing the gallery’s larger premise of serving as a patron of the arts.  The gallery is now focusing on a variety of art forms for future shows including calligraphy, ceramics, photography, installations and sculptures.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Palestine’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Hazem Hussain Abu Shanab who praised the gallery’s efforts and the work on displays. ‘Sun Light’ will continue till February 4.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2012.