Written by: Sana Shahid
Posted on: September 25, 2018 | 
| 中文
Self Empowerment by Suffah Naeem
Online exhibitions provide a unique platform to the participating artists in terms of exposure. My Art World is considered to be the pioneer of introducing this system to the art community of the country, especially after the recent closure of multiple galleries. ‘In Pursuit Of’ is another one of the gallery’s virtual exhibitions, inaugurated on September 24th, featuring artworks by two emerging miniature artists: Fariha Rashid and Suffah Naeem.
Miniature art requires an immense amount of patience, and its termed by many as the most serene form of visual arts. The brush strokes are highly refined and the colours are built up with subtlety. Fortunately, Pakistani art schools focus heavily on this medium, and even provide a designated degree to art students.
The participating artists of ‘In Pursuit Of’ focus on certain aspects of our society, thereby emphasizing what deeply affects them. While Fariha explores personal happiness and negativity, Suffah casts an eye upon the coexistence of opposites. The artworks demonstrate a visually peaceful experience for the audience, while remaining open for subjective interpretation.
Though Fariha follows a purely traditional technique, her work also exudes a contemporary aura. All her paintings are small in size, with intricate details and centralized compositions, showing her extraordinary skill. She highlights the most eminent feature of human nature, which is a desperate search for happiness. Fariha believes that real happiness comes from within, and instead of focusing on the negatives, one should be grateful for what is provided, such as personal growth and healthy relationships. Though her artworks are intriguing, the symbols she has used such as ropes and birds, are conventional rather than exceptional. The portrayal of human figures also works well, with a defined colour palette making the silhouettes more appealing. Overall, the miniatures by Fariha raise powerful issues, with regards to self-awareness as well as gratitude.
Suffah Naeem, on the other hand, focuses on the existence of opposites and the harmony between them. Her works can be divided into two series; the first one demonstrates the co-existence of Western and Eastern clothing, embodied by the hijab (burqa) and jeans in our society. Suffah is successful in pointing out how these two opposing objects, can be completely in sync with one another. However, in another painting, the hijab is shown as surrounded by trees and bushes, which may lead the viewer to unintentionally link nature with womanhood - a slightly conservative idea. All the artworks in this series are praiseworthy for the beautiful miniature technique which is followed by the book.
Another series by Suffah features more abstract compositions with bold colour palettes. There is an abstract version of The Starry Night, where the use of bright gold leaf is in stark contrast with the muted blues at the bottom. The separation through the addition of negative space makes the viewer’s gaze travel along the frame. While such work is completely different from Suffah’s other series, the gist of her concept remains the same and is more defined here.
The exhibition is certainly worth a visit, as it casts a different light on everyday issues. It will continue till the 10th of October.
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