A collection of paintings that can best be described as colourful personal statements imbibed with cultural nuances and symbolic revelry is currently underway at Nomad.
Titled ‘Essence of the rainbow,’ the show features the works of three women artists namely, Ufaq Ehsan, whose images are patterned like intricate mosaics, Tayyaba Aziz, who creates complex portraits, and Muniba Khurram, who presents heart-warming portraits of hope and energy.
“It is important to keep cultural activities alive in the present circumstance,” Nageen Hyat commented when asked what kind of a turnout she expects when all attention remains focused on protesters gathered outside the Parliament in the hope for creating a new Pakistan.
Talking about her work, Ufaq said, “What we see, feel, hear and sense influences us greatly, and therefore is reflected in everything we choose to do as well as with who we become. Sound, fragrance and people inspire the colours I choose and the imagery that prevails in my work. Being surrounded by colours from the time we are born to the moment when the eye blinks for the last time, I not only acknowledge their role in existence itself but also openly admit to utilising their essence to create my paintings, which I strongly believe encourages healing.”
Colours not only heal Ufaq’s inner being but also those who she comes in contact with. “Colours have and will continue to be integral to my paintings. From the time that a single painting begins to the time I complete it, the personalities, auras and moods of my visitors shape my work, which makes each painting unique. In short, my paintings are a simple message of peace to heal the ones who gaze upon them,” she added.
Tayyaba describes herself as figurative, abstract expressionist and analytical cubist. “With oil on canvas, I experiment with analytical cubism by detaching it from monochromatic expression to bring more life to it. My work brings together, the human form to reproduce in separate pieces of prism. When I used thin layers of colour that cover my subject’s body, making it free and floatable, the space is activated with overlapping tones and patterns that tune up the imagination with visual ambiguity. I use a vibrant palette that assists me in solving dimensional puzzles,” she explained.
Tayyaba said, our culture and society teaches us to hold back emotion when in public “but I believe emotion should be expressed more regularly and freely. Colours play an extremely important role in my paintings, making them more decorative and intense. My work is the expression or application of imagination,” she added.
Muniba believes in playing with vibrant colours and flawless portrayal of true emotions. Her work is all about people, their expressions, dreams and aspirations. Although wheelchair bound, her spirit and artistry knows no bounds. In fact, she takes the agony of spinal cord injury as a challenge and is more determined to express her sentiments through her art.
While doing her bachelor in fine arts she met a road accident which made her paraplegic. Currently, she is running her brand by the name ‘Muniba’s Canvas’ with the slogan ‘Let Your Walls Wear Colours’. She is a mix media artist and believes in depicting the ethnic jewels of her region in an abstract way. Some of her work is purely abstract which depicts the humans’ expressions, their thoughts and dreams. Besides being an artist, she is also a content writer and motivational speaker.
“Although it is hard to paint being a paraplegic, it is not easy to paint with a free mind when you are wheelchair bound, yet I know it is the only way through which I can spread the message of strength and courage. So I forget my pain and paint for myself, I paint for people as I believe in spreading the message of ‘Never Give Up,’ Muniba stated.