Art lovers of the federal capital were treated to an excellent collection as Nomad Gallery opened its doors on Wednesday to its 10th annual weeklong contemporary painting exhibition titled ‘Summer Art Show-2011’. The exhibition showcases 30 paintings and prints in different mediums by eight artists from the twin cities; Marium Haider, Seyhr Ali Qayum, Ubaid Syed, Sajida Hussain, Riffat Ara Baig, Samreen Asif, Ufaq Ehsan, and Hamid Alvi.
The exhibition transports the viewers to a realm of ecstasy. The aura and diversity of the works of these painters, printmakers and graphic artists depicts a fine blend of unique imageries and creative experimentation with different media such as oil on canvas, sugar lift/ etching on paper etc. Hamid Alvi, a talented and multi-faceted artist portrays, with sensitivity and skill, various cities of Pakistan in his collection of landscape paintings. Another artisit, Seyhr Ali, shows awareness and support for social issues in the community through her collection. Ali is a popular artist and has participated in a number of exhibitions.
Marium Haider, has completed her masters in Fine Arts from Punjab University. Her work is delicate and ethereal. “As an artist, I always try to explore reality. My painting medium is usually oil paint on paper, which strengthens the subject. I have worked mostly on ‘hope and relation’. This is my first chance to exhibit in Nomad,” she said.
Sajida Hussain, another talented artist who has exhibited on both national and international level focuses on women of urban and rural areas, and the problems they face. Her brush strokes are strong, with fine lines which are reflective of her multi-faceted work.
Riffat Ara Baig’s collection of paintings highlights different shades of nature. Baig, while talking to Pakistan Today, said that her recent work employed the etching on paper and mixed media techniques. ‘This is somewhat experimental and expressionist, and reflects my emotional journey as an artisit. The paintings also resonate with the socio-psychic and extrasensory fabric between women and men and how women perceive their existence and their relationship to the world,” she explained. “I have expressed the world of feminine emotions through a rhythm of vibrant colours and creative ethos.” She further maintained that her, “visuals are not static; they reveal their meaningful presence in the rhythmic flow of lines and curves in the work. I have put together diverse subjects in each artwork.”
Ufaq Ehsan, a graduate of the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore has been working with mixed media for the last 15 years, believed that trying to achieve harmony between different mediums is like harmonizing different aspects of one’s life. “The unique palette of colours affects the mind and soul to create a sense of peace and harmony for me and my viewers. These paintings are a tribute to this language of the sub-consciousness,” she explicated. Ehsan’s cache of 10 mixed media pieces reflect the spirituality around us, her collection is found grappling with ‘intricate realities’ as her paintings with show bold riots of colours. Experimenting with different mediums, Samreen Asif, in her collection of four art pieces, has depicted women in hope of freedom and liberty, her work is replete with dramatic colours and a romantic atmosphere. “With an unflagging effort, I have somewhat succeeded to commit to canvas the overflowing feelings of love and romance through an ideal and spiritual union of women and nature,” said Samreen, adding that this portrayal communicates the elevated feelings of love and care which woman need.
Talking to Pakistan Today, Nomad Gallery Director Nageen Hyat said that Nomad’s 10th Summer Art Show highlights a diverse style of work by both emerging and established artists, she explains, “In the present political and social environment, this group of artists is discovering and highlighting a ray of hope by addressing the aesthetic and rich cultural heritage of Pakistan”. ‘The Summer Art Show-2011’ will continue at Nomad Gallery until the last week of July.
