Written by: Muhammad Hamza
Posted on: October 31, 2024 | 
After Party (detail) by Farishta Mirza
Numaishgah, a gallery in the heart of Lahore, features minimal gallery walls and patterned floors. It hosted two final-year students from the National College of Arts, Farishta Mirza and Laamia Munir, both known for their distinctive styles in figurative painting. Their works employ bold strokes and vivid colors, with contrasting tones that obscure drapery and facial structures through abstraction.
Curated by Irfan Gul Darhi, whose keen observation of figurative art is exceptional, the gallery exhibited these artists alongside a stunning array of paintings.
Farishta's work embodies the spirit and essence of human figures in their natural habitats, whether draped in scarves or sitting in liminal spaces. She explores blue hues to convey depth and complexity, highlighting the interplay of natural light and vibrant clothing strokes.
The spontaneity of her figures brings the artworks to life, showcasing the intricate balance between movement and stillness. Her pieces encapsulate the beauty of a stationary character, distanced from the hustle of daily life.
The blue tones in her artworks evoke a sense of the extraordinary, reflecting on the philosophical themes explored in Jean-Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness, which delves into existence, consciousness and freedom. The characters in her work range from conscious states of mind to subconscious realms of endless possibilities.
The intimate details of this artwork engage viewers thoughtfully, presenting rural scenes where open turbans and classic shalwar kameez are common. The drapery conveys the figure's weariness as he gazes skyward, resting amidst a chaotic day. We often forget to pause and reflect on our lives, yet these moments of introspection are vital. Farishta’s cooler hues reflect life's harsh realities, embodying the gloominess of her characters.
Grey Day (detail) by Farishta Mirza
This piece radiates a unique feeling of solitude, capturing the despair that accompanies moments of contemplation.
This artwork is rich in detail, with eyes that seem to speak. It evokes wonder while also conveying a darker emotional state. The choice of colors enhances the mood, and the dynamic representation of motion within the figure is a bold act of painting.
In Defiance of Dawn by Farishta Mirza
As a figurative painter, Laamia explores the warmer, more cultural aspects of her subjects, creating a dialogue through her work. Her palette consists of warm tones, employing an abstract style that encourages interaction and deeper expression. The fine line between abstraction and figurative storytelling is evident in her pieces, which leave traces of specific elements that invite viewers into a conversation beyond the mundane aspects of daily life.
Laamia focuses on creating connections among women of her age group, delving into the mysteries of identity and cultural habitat through softly shaped characters. Often, her figures have hazed faces, yet the warmer yellows and browns of her palette stand out vividly.
This piece celebrates the beauty of hairstyles, emphasizing how they enhance facial features and make women feel more presentable. The joy of a fresh cut embodies a moment of happiness and warmth.
Freshly Cut by Laamia Munir
The figures in this work reflect a common norm in many households: children being scolded for interrupting adult conversations. The artwork portrays a woman focused on her tasks, with vivid yellows and impressive brush strokes that convey detail.
When The Adults Are Talking by Laamia Munir
Edward Hopper, a celebrated artist from the early 20th century, is renowned for his unique style of capturing light and nightscapes. His techniques have influenced many artists in depicting light on figures and objects. Laamia’s Brewing features a softer spectrum of light, reminiscent of Hopper's palette. The contrasting greens, blues and yellows add depth, while the abstract strokes enhance realism. The smooth brushwork creates a linear texture, and the character is enveloped by her surroundings, with elements like a tea pot and biscuits evoking nostalgia.
Brewing by Laamia Munir
In an era when we struggle to find time for ourselves amidst daily activities, both artists invite us to engage more deeply than what is typically visible. The outdoors may be chaotic, yet they capture a spectrum of emotions through their art. Their work encourages us to take joy in small acts and cultivate personal perspectives on life, reminding us of the importance of pausing and reflecting.
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Video message by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Black Day of Indian Occupation of Kashmir, 27 October 1947, when Indian military troops forcibly occupied Kashmir illegally, claiming a fraudulent ‘Instrument of Accession’ which never existed as documented by eminent British historian Alastair Lamb! Kashmir & Palestine are examples of illegal occupation & continued Resistance to Repression! There are so many commonalities in Kashmir & Palestine: both under brutal military occupation of foreign powers, both are facing an indigenous, popular, spontaneous & widespread Resistance & Uprising, both are in violation of UN Resolutions which haven’t been implemented, both are witnessing an attempted change in the demographic balance, both are facing the use of rape as a weapon of war, both are testimony to double-standards & hypocrisy of Western powers on human rights & fundamental rights, and both conflicts have an element of racism and Islamophobia, while enduring peace, security and stability will remain elusive in both regions, South Asia & Middle East, until these issues are resolved in accordance with popular aspirations.
