A group exhibition “Essence of the Rainbow” opened at Nomad Art Gallery on Saturday with an aim of providing relief to capital’s art lovers amid the ongoing tense political situation.
The show exhibits artworks by Tayyaba Aziz, Ufaq Ehsan and Muniba Khurram.
Tayyaba Aziz uses oil on canvas to create pieces that are remarkable. Her subtle tones and thin layers of colour skillfully overlap the embedded portraits of women. A multi-faceted cubist, her images reflect complex portraits. The puzzle-like impression gives an impression of visual ambiguity while the use of flowers adds a refreshing element and character to otherwise dull hues of the palette, making her work exquisite and elegant.
Aziz in her statement describes her work as figurative, abstract expressionist and analytical cubist. “I experiment with analytical cubism by detaching it from monochromatic expression to bring more life to it … Our culture and society teaches us that we must hold back emotion when in public but I believe emotion should be expressed more regularly and freely.”
Muniba Khurram’s work is electrifying and demands attention. She uses vibrant hues with acrylics on canvas to create signature work which mainly consists of women figurines embellished in jewelry. Her collection shows her traditional style. Some experimental pieces made with a splash of neon tints are exceptional. Her work is refreshing and fun. The contemporary pieces such as “Awaited” and “In pursuit of freedom” are admirable.
Using mixed media, Ufaq Ehsan creates beautiful illusion. The detailed and delicate work looks like a print from afar. Her strokes of bright shades create mosaic print that is neat and clean. Ehsan uses black as background that uplifts her work creating a crisp image which is reassuring and commendable.
“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.
“From the time that a single painting begins to the time I complete it, the personalities, auras and moods of my visitors present shape my work, which makes each painting unique,” read Ehsan’s statment.
“The paintings are fine, colourful personal statements imbibed with cultural nuances and symbolic revelry,” said Nageen Hyat, curator of the gallery in a statement. These artworks will provide a relief to the art connoisseurs of the twin cities in the current tense situation, she added. “Under the present circumstances, it is important to keep our cultural activities and hopes alive,” Hyat said.
We must carry on with our work in spite of the challenges, Hyat said. “The channels must shift their attention from the sit-ins to other vital problems in the country like issues of the internally displaced persons (IDP) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
The exhibition will run through September 8 from 10:30am to 7pm daily except Fridays.