Experimental exhibition: Emerging artists explore unique mediums

Blending in charcoal and oil on canvas, the two artworks are unique merger of abstract and portrait

ISLAMABAD: A show of contemporary artwork titled ‘Monochrome’ opened at My Art World on Tuesday, featuring emerging artists Sanie Bokhari and Kirin Chaudhari. The experimental exhibition features a unique pairing of two emerging artists, challenging them to explore new boundaries through combined creativity.



Zara Sajid, curator of the gallery, told The Express Tribune that contradiction in styles and mediums used by the artists makes this exhibition interesting and unique, and has a rather lasting impact on their work. “The contradictions in their styles and mediums result in a bold expression of each artist’s perspective. The artists have utilised their disparate views and techniques to create exciting collaborative works,” she said.

A visibly unique aspect, of the work displayed, is the way organza has been used as a medium. A particular painting by Bokhari features a canvas with paint design as a backdrop of an artwork, where the painting is covered by organza that features oil paint on the cloth.



She said her work resides in constrained milieu of her birthplace, Lahore, which she initially tried to break out of, but ended up embracing wholeheartedly. “This proved to be crucial for my artistic vigour. I synthesise my surroundings into my artwork by selecting chunks of architecture, which portray domestic life as an inherent part of identity. I exist amid these things; my world is comprised of the seemingly mundane, re-imagined into a new more dynamic form,” she said.

She further said that she believes everything has a story to tell and the visuals she chooses to display, on these pieces of furniture and architecture, are softly and delicately treated in oils. They often depict scenes bathed in dim lighting, lived-in fabrics and glimpses of bodies treading the fine line between absence and presence.

The collaborative pieces by Bokhari and Chaudhari are a treat for the eyes. Blending in charcoal and oil on canvas, the two artworks are a unique merger of abstract and portrait done in shades of bright colours like orange, blue and pink.



Chaudhari, a graduate of National College of Arts Lahore, said she enhanced themes of energy in her art, while deriving inspiration from emotional relationship between a mother and her child.

“A spiritual interest in minority religions in the country allows me to surpass obvious perceptions of religion and beliefs in existence. My use of charcoal gives me the ability to express myself wholly. My drawing reflects the process of art. Through repetitive sketching and erasing, I demonstrate that the imagery is entirely about the process,” she said.



She further said that as she delves deeper into the theme of her artwork, she moves beyond the obvious to explore charcoal as a powerful and expressive medium that depicts poignant energy.

The exhibition continues till October 30.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2015.