Art: ‘Signature’ celebration of Pakistani women

Exhibition of works of seven artists opens.

ISLAMABAD:

In a sustained gesture to celebrate Pakistani women, an exhibition showcasing paintings and prints by seven artists opened at Nomad Gallery on Thursday. Titled “Signature”, the collection features assorted artworks of Samina Ali, Tayyaba Aziz, Abrar Ahmad, Samreen Asif, Zarah David, Anjum Ayub and Iram Wani.

On the side, the exhibition also includes Karachi-based designer Mahin Hussain’s collection of accessories inspired by Parveen Shakir’s poetry. Titled “Get drenched”, the series bears the translated verse “Listen girl, these moments are clouds; you let them pass and they’ve gone. Soak up their moist. Get drenched” while a portrait of the late poet has been collagraphed by artist Rabeya Jalil. Emanating a desi-meets-vintage feel, the accessories include handbags, scarves and tees.

Meanwhile, the canvases coloured with paint or print leave their imprint on the viewer.

With her current showcase, Samina Ali has stepped up her practice of merging history with aesthetic contemporary imagery. Her pieces reflect unique elements on a juxtaposed surface of woodcut, calligraphy, natural dyes, stains, gold and silver leaf with powerful compositions and fine details. Ali, who has earned an MFA with distinction from Punjab University, has exhibited numerous solos and group shows at home and abroad.

In her artist’s statement, Tayabba Aziz describes herself as an analytical cubist. Her work is figurative, abstract cubism, oils on canvas.  Her palette blends metallic bronze with fresh yellow and orange, dominated by sea green.

Taking a geometrical approach in her work, she uses fragments, portioning and segments to reveal the sides and angles of objects all at the same time. She experiments with analytical cubism by detaching it from monochromatic expression to bring more life to it.

Abrar Ahmed, a celebrated artist from Karachi, maintains his skilful, fine lines, spontaneous strokes and solid colour. He prefers to paint women, often adorned with jewellery in an attempt to show dissatisfaction, a contrast to their apparent opulence. Abrar’s work carries a world within, stirring a reflection of Gandhara-esque images, pictures miniature paintings and Bengali art. He has exhibited within the country as well as the Middle East and the US.

Iram Wani elicits her artwork from a dialogue between the conditioned and unconditioned self. Emotion runs deep as the artist expresses her themes using a bold palette. Wani is a printmaker with a BFA from NCA, Lahore. She is a lecturer at the National Council of the Arts (NCA), Rawalpindi and has participated in many group and solo exhibitions

Zarah David, the daughter of iconic Polish-Pakistani artist Anna Molka Ahmed and married to a master painter, Colin David, belongs to an artists’ clan. Her artwork reflects upon her feelings, not only about herself, but also the world around her. Fascinated by the idea of reunion, her work shows a deep longing to be reunited with her mother and husband in the hereafter. From the monochrome pieces of art to the vibrant ones, there is a unique quality in her work.

The exhibition will continue until March 31.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 14^th, 2014.