Written by: Muhammad Hamza
Posted on: October 24, 2024 | 
| 中文
Gouache on sheet by Fariha Rashid. Discussed as Artwork 3 in the article
Artcade in Islamabad showcased a seasoned mixed media artist, Fariha Rashid, for her solo show at the gallery. Fariha has explored various mediums for texture, using gouache and collage techniques to create this set of paintings. In this exhibition, we witness the culmination of two years of work, featuring a series of diverse techniques and styles curated by Roma Larak Ali.
Fariha’s concept revolves around evoking emotions through textures and colours to create remarkable nostalgia, while uncovering the meaning within the sturdy textural elements that convey her feelings towards different characters.
Mixed media collage on sheet
Her work explores the intricate relationship between growth, life’s complexities, and the connections between human beings and nature. Using gouache and collage as her primary mediums, she depicts human figures intertwined with vibrant leaves, symbolizing both personal and collective growth.
The analogy she presents with the delicate strokes of miniature leaves and the crafting of a mesh of leafy bushes in colours beyond just green fills the room with life. Her gouache texture engages deeply with these leaves, showcasing the cycle of decay and loss of colour, while the figures in her artworks serve as metaphors for the human experience, embodying the fragility and strength required to navigate life.
Mixed media collage on sheet
As Fariha states, growth is not linear; it is dynamic and chaotic, and that’s when a collage is born. Forms emerge from the impromptu human experiences that reside within her. Her works display a wide variety of motifs and signature elements that can be found throughout her pieces. The series can be divided into two sections: paintings and collages. Below, a few selected works illustrate a better understanding of the concepts presented by the artist.
The rustling of autumn leaves is depicted in this artwork, where gouache brings vibrant colours to life, creating a harmonious atmosphere. The darker shades provide depth and contrast, making this piece more engaging than others in the series; it truly stands out.
This piece offers a well-thought-out spiritual and emotional experience, striking a balance between collage and mixed media. The figure is surrounded by cupids, with a bird in the background symbolizing freedom. Gouache is used to create texture, enhancing the figure as a representation of the human experience we discussed.
The zen that nature and leaves, in particular, provide for humanity is evident in contemporary times. The growing peace within us is symbolized by the leaves and plants shown alongside the figure, grounding the human experience in a natural environment. A sense of mortality runs through this phenomenon, suggesting that the human body thrives best in a natural aura of earthly matter. Fariha captures the essence of human consciousness in these works.
Certain motifs are assembled into a single formation, accompanied by calligraphic typography, creating an abstract, darkened motif. The gold leaf adds a fresh perspective, serving as an exclamation mark for life; it’s both alarming and harmoniously composed.
Artwork 4
This composition features five panels displaying miniature leaves in gouache, evoking a hollow structure; a representation of life that can be lush and green, yet always contains voids that create balance in the human experience. Perfection is a myth.
This collage fuses figures, animals and textures into a single frame, showcasing a texture that feeds the burning soul. There’s a static noise that radiates from this piece, enveloping the viewer in a sense of distortion.
Artwork 5
The "Tree of Life" or "Golden Tree" in gouache, illustrates the vibrant leaves transitioning from autumn to winter, as they crackle into decay. In this moment, the tree is filled with leaves, with hues of red strokes highlighted effectively. Birds again symbolize the freedom of life, making this cycle possible. Decay is a natural part of life, whether in humans or trees; everything eventually returns to the earth.
Artwork 6
As we ponder whether we should be moral about our actions or refrain from indulging in life's complexities, it becomes clear that the human experience matters most. This solo exhibition serves as a profound reality check, prompting a conversation with our subconscious mind.
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