Meaningful work: Artist highlights eternal hope of freedom

ISLAMABAD:

A solo exhibition featuring portraits and miniature work focusing on women by Samreen Asif opened at Nomad Art Gallery on Monday.

Asif is a graduate of the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore who aims to weave the gold threads of her creations and reveal the glow. While some of her work comprises paintings, some portraits were pure black and white sketches that were made using lead pencil and crayon, which stood out just as much as the bright colored paintings. The most interesting part of the exhibition was the postcards made from real stamps.



“I was at NCA recently where Asif has graduated from and I observed how students are taught miniature work and encouraged to experiment with it adding in their learning and perceptions to bring out some unique work. Her work presents women who are struggling to make an identity of their own, which is beautiful,” said Brigitta Blaha, the ambassador of Austria, while speaking to The Express Tribune.

“The subjects present my grandeur of thought highlighting women with eternal hope of freedom and liberty abounding with dramatic colors and romantic atmosphere. Virtually this portrayal breeds elevated feelings of love and care which women need to strengthen and empower their spirits,” said Asif.

The most interesting part of the exhibition was the postcards made from real stamps. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS

When asked what she enjoys painting the most, Asif said she particularly enjoys challenging tasks with a contemporary touch.

Nageen Hayat, the gallery’s curator, said she has known Asif for a few years. “She has created, fused and perfected pigments that inherently communicate the idea of historical images appearing to dissolve into sensuous, contemporary forms and narratives.” The exhibition goes on till June 30.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2015.