Fibre art: Blurring the distinction between art and fashion

Saleem depicts perceptions of the woman’s ideal figure on textile.

LAHORE:

“Faseeh Saleem has great potential. It is encouraging to see the youth question the norms of yesteryear,” said Zarah David, curator of the Colour Art Gallery in Gulberg where the exhibition, 36” 24” 36” Fibre Art, by Saleem, opened on May 16. It will continue till May 25.

Saleem, speaking to The Express Tribune, said he had tried to blur the distinction between art and fashion and inquire into the concept of beauty by comparing it to the woman’s figure. The exhibition is an extension of Saleem’s work in India, ‘Idea of Fashion Ed.II: Crossovers between Art and Fashion’.

“My art deals with perceptions about the ideal body size. It engages the existence and non-existence of the human body,” Saleem said.

Rashid Rana, an art critic, said Saleem’s work was well defined using textile as a medium. Risham Syed, an assistant professor at Beaconhouse National University (BNU), said Saleem had expertly linked sculpture, video, sketch and other forms of art.

Caretaker Minister for Health Salima Hashmi appreciated Saleem’s innovative way to highlight the idea of the perfect figure. She stressed the need to promote and encourage young artists like Saleem.

Saleem has a master’s degree from the Swedish School of Textile with a specialisation in fibre art and textile design. He has exhibited his pieces with international fibre and textile artists including Archana Hande, Varun Sardana, Julie Skarland and Andy Yen.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19^th, 2013.