Art exhibition: A new spin on silkscreen prints

Textile designer experiments with henna as a medium.

ISLAMABAD:

An exhibition of silkscreen prints by an upcoming textile designer opened at the Nomad Gallery on Saturday.

Whereas people usually associate textile design with lawn prints, designer-cum-artist Hina Haider Fancy has taken her fascination with henna a notch higher. She has drawn, dyed, printed and painted with the medium, exploring the endless possibilities that come with it.

The series “Silent birds” pays homage to the various species of birds that the artist has depicted in her collection, such as crows, peacocks, robins, ravens and pigeons to name a few.

However, she said this preference is purely incidental. “I have simply created what I wanted to, any hidden meaning attached, or any interpretation of my work, remains the purview of my audience.”

Elegantly draped or hung in glass frames around the gallery, the pieces exude an organic, sepia aura. Using the two-tone brown and black henna on pure fabrics, the artist has created intricate patterns, often merging traditional motifs with modern elements of design. From the South Asian henna patterns to Japanese-inspired avatars, there is a plethora of imagery that evolves from one piece to the next.

However, the artist refuses to be restricted by a particular theme or genre, letting creativity take its own course. She has also focused on keeping her materials eco-friendly by using natural dyes. “I wanted to be completely chemical-free, to use henna in its natural state with only pure fabrics,” she added.

Fancy is currently spearheading textile and fashion design at Rani Emaan’s in Rawalpindi. She has previously worked with Dwellings and Macy’s at the State College in Pennsylvania, USA. Within the country, she has worked with Nida Azwer, Yunus Textiles and Khaadi. She graduated from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi.

Nageen Hyat, the gallery curator, said it was important to encourage young artists. “While the challenges of trying out something new remain but the end result is absolutely beautiful. The artist has innovated and worked up a pristine collection, especially the interplay of birds and trees,” she said. The current exhibition will continue till May 11, daily except Friday from 10:30am to 7pm.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2014.