Written by: Muhammad Hamza
Posted on: January 20, 2025 | 
| 中文
The Valley of Wonderment I
In this episode of conversations with artworks, the highlight is seasoned veteran artist and visual arts specialist Nazia Akram. Her works include paintings, films, documentaries and photography. This specific exhibition held at Khaas Gallery, Islamabad, featured a selection of her latest works. Nazia has been exhibited and hosted by various local and international galleries across the globe.
Her medium exploration is vast, comprising oil, acrylics and mixed media on canvas. The bold color palette is a personal choice for showcasing the beauty of birds in her paintings, with a thorough use of gold leaf intricately crafted with precise details in various pieces.
Valley of Detachment
Nazia’s works are inspired by the famous 12th-century poem by Farid Uddin Attar, The Conference of the Birds, which uses birds as metaphors to explore the fragility of the human condition. In the poem, the birds are summoned to attain the highest plane of paradise, where they can unite with the ‘Beloved.’ However, like humans, their beliefs, fears, and anxieties restrict their ability to reach this paradise.
Although the birds take flight together, their journeys to the destination differ, just as each of us follows a unique path in life. Humans approach the world differently than birds, and though both are often fearful, each bird has its own unique personality that shapes the way it lives. Like humans, each bird embarks on a journey that is true to its nature, learning virtues and lessons along the way in its quest for truth. Some awaken to a higher understanding in this life, while others remain asleep.
The hue that intertwines with the hummingbird speaks volumes of wisdom. The intricacy of the leaves complements the beauty of the birds, floating around in the midnight hour, with a moon-like gold leaf structure behind it. The visual experience is enhanced by the blooming tints of oil paints. The gold leaf work complements the patterns of turquoise leaves and a Prussian blue background.
The Valley of Wonderment II (detail)
Birds are known to stick together in harmonious ways, flying in flocks and protecting each other from harm. In this artwork, Nazia has visually represented this harmony, with the queen bird being circled and protected while every other bird flies in a beautiful flock formation. Some bird species have distinctive ways of impressing their mates: through dance, sound or even the creation of a nest that may attract a partner to mate and spend a life together.
Valley of Unity
Some midnight-blooming birds are streaks of parallel worlds. They are the night keepers, praising the universe on behalf of humans while we sleep, much like the midnight sun and the moon hiding above. In this artwork, acrylics take center stage, with a vivid stream of red and blue hues brought to life by different birds, keeping the artwork alive. The mosaic-like depiction of the night sky, with a moon in the background, shows the birds worshipping the night.
Valley of Knowledge (detail)
Swans are known for showcasing the epitome of love and respect. These water-based birds exhibit love like no other, wandering and being physically attracted to each other with different patterns that draw the other in. This painting by Nazia depicts the intricate relationship between such creatures, which have become the highlight of a visual that contrasts bold colors with gold leaf. The duet stays afloat on water, with complementary colors intertwining gracefully through those brush strokes.
Valley of Love (detail)
This particular piece of artwork, featuring photography illuminated by a lightbox, presents a forest scape bathed in midnight blue hues. The perspective of the sky peeks through thin branches, where many species of birds live. It serves as a reminder to showcase love and respect for the birds that have made this their habitat. The color is lush, with a silhouetted final result that resonates with the viewer, immersing them in the experience.
Untitled (detail)
We are the byproduct of our past lives and love through the present as if there is no tomorrow. Yet, we are reminded to respect and love our surrounding species. Nazia has put up an amazing solo exhibit for our personal experience, allowing us to enjoy the detailed hues of life that run alongside us. It’s a humble reminder to make time and appreciate the beauty of birds whenever the contemplative hour strikes.
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