KARACHI: The International artist, Saima Jamil recently exhibited her work for the first time in Pakistan, titled ‘Rihaai’ at Studio Seven on Tuesday, December 10th from 5pm to 8pm. The series showcased a collection of intricate oil paintings which were symbolic of an individual’s journey towards personal freedom. The exhibition continues till 17th December.
‘Rihaai’ is a collection of Saima Jamil’s work painted with oil paints on canvas with dark black backgrounds which were representative of the darkness in the world in contrast with the light within each individual and the goodness of humanity. The paintings were symbolic of the artist’s aspirations towards freedom – a freedom which each individual human being has a yearning for. Jamil used her inspirations, renowned Sufi poets, Rumi and Shams of Tabraiz, to navigate the beholders attention through each painting. Due to the fact that each person lives their life in accordance with the perspective of society and is, on some level, forced to mold themselves to comply to these values, we seek this inner transformation to connect back to our authentic selves and try to divert our own demons as a catalyst for personal development.
Inspired by her own life journey, the paintings which will be on display are a portrayal of ‘Rihaai’ or ‘Freedom’. At the exhibition, her paintings were on display as a series, telling the story of ones journey towards personal liberation, away from social constructs. Saima opted for oil paint as it is relatively a more mature medium which highly skilled artists use to perfect their creative expression.
Ever since Saima was a child she had a passion for art, like second nature, she was compelled to draw, paint and create. She stated that art had always been a part of her. As a child, she would fill sketch books endlessly with drawings. So it is not something she stumbled upon in life, it has been with her since the very beginning. News Desk
