Exhibition A kaleidoscope of familiar hues

Themes of marriage and self-expression dominate the latest display at Nomad.

ISLAMABAD:

Instead of using complex abstracts to define their work, two artists have juxtaposed personal experiences with simple techniques. The young duo Rabia Malik and Mahjabeen Mirza who graduated from the National College of Arts have a lot to communicate through lively self-expression at their exhibit titled “Kaleidoscope” at Nomad Gallery.

The oil paintings on large canvases draw the viewer in. Interestingly, there’s a story behind each piece. Mahjabeen’s work is reminiscent of her marriage. She depicts items of daily use to symbolise marriage as the union of man and woman. For instance, a piece shows two large goblets with a blossoming red rose leashed together on a table. “Sometimes in marriage, you feel leashed because you’re bound to one person. But the  beauty of marriage is that despite being bound, you still blossom like a flower,” she explained.

A chest of drawers fashioned as a curvaceous female figure, but with a blue tie peaking out of a drawer is a smart  take on the women being known by their wardrobe but with marriage, the compromise of having to share your closet with a husband.

On the other hand, Rabia’s art reflects her identity. “I have always painted myself, I can only identify with my paintings if I’m painting myself, but this time I have tried to experiment,” she said. Nearly all of her pieces depict a struggle between bliss and turmoil.

She paints the sky as her path to peace and opportunity and an umbrella as her safe haven. “The umbrella is my safe zone, and that’s why in some of my work the umbrella is torn.” One of her paintings has a bright blue sky and curling white clouds, a reflection that Rabia seeks balance between reality and surreal as she searches for bliss with an inquisitive face. In the next one, she’s finally smiling.

All seven of her oil on canvas works are refreshingly straightforward.

However, as new artists one hopes a little more experimental work from the girls. The exhibition continues till October 18.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 12^th, 2012.