Art exhibition: The woman as Muse

Artist contrasts techniques to depict triumphs and tribulations.

ISLAMABAD:

As the name may suggest, Sajida Hussain’s solo exhibition “Neo-realistic romanticism” at the Gallery Louvre showcases opposing styles and fuses them in a way both beautiful and thought-provoking.

By using the abstraction and subjectivity of expressionism, Hussain successfully (sometimes almost too much so) eludes viewers of the expressions of her principal subject, a woman. She uses the female form, in turn abstract and clearly represented, to shed light on the injustices faced by women in Pakistan.

However, all is not lost - together with paintings depicting emotional turmoil, there are also images of female empowerment. With the contrast of the strokes and colours used, the paintings exude a dream-like feel.

However, the woman does not serve as her only muse. “Artists are often fascinated with horses, with their beauty and magnificence. Their muscular bodies are symbols of grace and strength,” she said, adding that the form of a horse and woman are similar, tying the collection together. By standing up for their rights and beliefs, women reveal their inner strengths much like the majestic beast.

Hussain’s work betrays the thoughts of the artist while at the same time allowing viewers their own interpretations. Under the tutelage and close guidance of renowned artist Mansoor Rahi, Hussain has been an avid painter throughout her life. A versatile artist, she is proficient in a wide variety of styles including palette knife, brush strokes and charcoal.

The exhibition will continue at Gallery Louvre till February 23.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 17^th, 2012.