Passage to human oneness and depictions of self discovery

Local artist showcases her work at Nomad Gallery.

ISLAMABAD:

The ongoing exhibition at Nomad Gallery titled “ Reminiscence of a journey” is an interesting take on the passage of human duality to human oneness. Humera, an Islamabad-based artist, has used her self-perception to create imaginative artwork that comes across as a breath of fresh air in the city’s art scene.

Although the artist concentrates on her own self discovery, unlike many artists, she stays away from depicting herself in her work. Her most ingenious pieces are done with black felt pens which are made in a manner to create transparency. Her felt pen works are somewhat reminiscent of the cubist abstract figures Picasso is most known for.

“We usually look for creative inspiration externally, not understanding that the mystical journey of self discovery actually begins inside one’s self. That is the beauty of it,” she said. “As artists, it is imperative to dive inside ourselves from the outside, only after immersing ourselves in this ocean within can we swim to the edges and outwards to express our creativity,” Humera added.

Her works can be safely titled as unique original pieces that denote her creativity alone. Moving away from her felt pen works, her paintings are brighter, more colourful and worked with layers. However, though the colours are bright, the figures themselves are morose. Each piece also depicts a symbolic element as well, be it a fish, birds or a knife.

For this, the artist explains her motive. “All the elements visible in my work are inherently symbolic, from fish to the various phases of the moon, every element represents the sacred feminine, and they celebrate the sacred feminine.”

One particular piece with a blue, white and purple phoenix over blackened earth is particularly technical as she shows finesse with the drip paint method.

The exhibition continues till the November 8.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st, 2012.