Distinct styles: Cross-generational artwork exhibits stark differences of perspectives
A mother and daughter’s artwork is on display at Aqs Gallery.
Mehak is still evolving and likes to experiment and challenge herself by trying new techniques while her mother Hina is largely inspired by the subtle nuances of nature and landscapes. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
There is a plethora of colour, layers and texture but a conspicuous absence of a theme in an art exhibition that opened at the Aqs Gallery on Thursday. The oil paintings showcase the artistic facets of a mother-daughter duo and how their individual styles complement one another.
“This particular exhibition is about a mother-daughter relationship --- how both of them have nurtured art within them. They were born artists and now they are displaying their works,” said the gallery’s curator, Kiran Mohsin. It is interesting to see how two women of the same family have conceived art across a generation, she added.
Hina Manzoor, who has been painting for over three decades, is largely inspired by the subtle nuances of nature and landscapes. On large canvases, her intricate knife-work lends textures and dimensions to the paintings in a variation of colours and tones. Her work is imaginative and impressionistic, showing a close affinity to the changing seasons.
Manzoor, a self-taught artist, is currently serving as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s general secretary for the northern region. “Since I don’t get time to visit too many scenic places anymore, I’ve focused mainly on flowers rather than landscapes,” she said while talking to The Express Tribune. Talking about one of the paintings, she recalled how she had gone around several nurseries to pick and paint the yellow pansies in that piece.
Her daughter, Mehak, who is a business student, has followed Hina’s passion for art, albeit with a very contemporary approach. Mehak’s palette is bold, employing charcoal black, electric blue, fluorescent green and solid red. Her work is edgy, geared towards the issues of the current generation. As an artist, she is still evolving and likes to experiment and challenge herself by trying new techniques.
Titled, “Chrome,” one of her pieces shows the jaws of a young man screaming out with buildings and sound bars in the background. “It’s about airing out issues that you really care about. Speak up, let it out,” said the young artist. She has emulated some of her mother’s style, painting a large indigo close in a black backdrop, creating a stark contrast.
Another piece shows an autumn sunset, behind the thick, dark branches of a tree. Overall, one finds realistic landscapes, floral and abstract work in the paintings in the exhibition.
Commenting on one of Hina’s paintings titled, “Patriata,” a guest said, “The imagery is very transporting. You can almost feel the moisture of the hills and that light mist in the air. “
The paintings will remain on display till October 17.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2013.
There is a plethora of colour, layers and texture but a conspicuous absence of a theme in an art exhibition that opened at the Aqs Gallery on Thursday. The oil paintings showcase the artistic facets of a mother-daughter duo and how their individual styles complement one another.
“This particular exhibition is about a mother-daughter relationship --- how both of them have nurtured art within them. They were born artists and now they are displaying their works,” said the gallery’s curator, Kiran Mohsin. It is interesting to see how two women of the same family have conceived art across a generation, she added.
Hina Manzoor, who has been painting for over three decades, is largely inspired by the subtle nuances of nature and landscapes. On large canvases, her intricate knife-work lends textures and dimensions to the paintings in a variation of colours and tones. Her work is imaginative and impressionistic, showing a close affinity to the changing seasons.
Manzoor, a self-taught artist, is currently serving as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s general secretary for the northern region. “Since I don’t get time to visit too many scenic places anymore, I’ve focused mainly on flowers rather than landscapes,” she said while talking to The Express Tribune. Talking about one of the paintings, she recalled how she had gone around several nurseries to pick and paint the yellow pansies in that piece.
Her daughter, Mehak, who is a business student, has followed Hina’s passion for art, albeit with a very contemporary approach. Mehak’s palette is bold, employing charcoal black, electric blue, fluorescent green and solid red. Her work is edgy, geared towards the issues of the current generation. As an artist, she is still evolving and likes to experiment and challenge herself by trying new techniques.
Titled, “Chrome,” one of her pieces shows the jaws of a young man screaming out with buildings and sound bars in the background. “It’s about airing out issues that you really care about. Speak up, let it out,” said the young artist. She has emulated some of her mother’s style, painting a large indigo close in a black backdrop, creating a stark contrast.
Another piece shows an autumn sunset, behind the thick, dark branches of a tree. Overall, one finds realistic landscapes, floral and abstract work in the paintings in the exhibition.
Commenting on one of Hina’s paintings titled, “Patriata,” a guest said, “The imagery is very transporting. You can almost feel the moisture of the hills and that light mist in the air. “
The paintings will remain on display till October 17.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 5th, 2013.