Fighting stereotypes: Exhibition by ‘Special’ artist

Hamza Zahid transforms everyday observations into captivating art pieces.

ISLAMABAD: Hamza Zahid is an artist who doesn’t adhere to stereotypes. A special person, the 33-year-old Hamza feels most comfortable while expressing himself through the mediums of painting, sketching and drawing which he has been practicing ever since his school days.

A selection of his artwork is being displayed at the Hunerkada College of Visual and Performing Arts, where he is currently enrolled as a short-course student. The pieces on display are the outcome of his studio exercises.

Landscapes, flowers and objects of domestic life feature prominently in the work, reflecting his affinity with his surroundings and a yearning to be one with them. The art pieces exude childlike wonder, with everyday observations rendered in vivid colours and abstract details. Through the mediums of watercolour, acrylic and dry pastel, Hamza translates his innermost consciousness onto the canvas in order to connect with those around him. When complimented for his work, he smiles quietly.

The gallery director and curator, Amna Shah beamingly spoke of Hamza’s zeal for the arts, adding that he completes a painting within a week. “As a student, Hamza has been extremely disciplined and prolific in his work. He really enjoys the practice, which is also a form of therapy for him,” she said while speaking with The Express Tribune.

The artist’s mother, Ayesha Zahid, credited the art institution for harnessing his talent and bringing out the best in him. “Hamza is very expressive, and very particular about the colours he uses. His work is very sensitive and simple. He has always been very fond of painting and sketching,” she added. Hamza attended regular school in Pakistan and abroad up till 10th grade. He has been at Hunerkada for about eight years now.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Pervaiz Rasheed, who commended the initiative of encouraging indigenous talent by providing them a platform to channel their creativity. The exhibition will continue until December 27 from 10am to 5pm.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2013.