Written by: Haroon Shuaib
Posted on: December 01, 2021 | 
| 中文
Noor Jehan by Amara Sikander
While some still subscribe to a conservative characterization of art and find it hard to accept the concept of ‘computer art’ and ‘multimedia art’, most people accept digital art as an authentic art form, resulting in it being the most highly practiced visual art form. The British auction house, Christie, sold a collage of images created by the artist Michael Joseph Winkelmann, known professionally as ‘Beeple’, titled ‘Everydays’ for a whooping 69,400,000 USD—making it the fourth most expensive artwork by a living artist—earlier this year.
Flamboyant multimedia portrait of Madam Noor Jehan
Digital Art was formally introduced in 1968, when Harold Cohen started working in a paint program titled ‘Aaroon’. In 1985, Andy Warhol lent further credibility to this art form when he digitized a monochromatic photograph of Debbie Harry into ProPaint and colored it using flood fills. Amara Sikander is undoubtedly the most prominent name amongst a host of bourgeoning digital artists in Pakistan. Youlin recently sat down with her to discuss the trends in digital art in the country, her various themes, and her series ‘Gaaye Gi Dunya Geet Mere’ (The World Will Sing My Songs), which is named after iconic singer and Melody Queen Madam Noor Jehan’s song for the timeless film Mausiqar, or musician, that was released in 1962.
The multimedia artist Amara Sikander
Amara: As a child, I was always playing with crayons and watercolors. My father wanted me to become a doctor and have a more conventional academic and professional life but I always excelled in art and crafts. Gradually I convinced everyone that I should pursue art academically. After completing my degree, I joined the advertising sector and also started exploring digital illustrations. I wanted to have my distinct identity, which was not confined to being just another graphic designer.
A digital art created by Amara Sikander
Amara: The first question I get asked is what filter I use or how I treat the photos. I always explain that it is the same process which is used while making a painting. The difference is that while others draw on a canvas, I draw on a tablet. The confusion arises because it is difficult to change how people perceive various forms of artistic expression. A lot has changed since 2020. Previously, most galleries would inform me that they cannot display my work due to my medium. Why would anyone be interested in buying digital art? The popularity of digital platforms has changed that. Now it is necessary for every: painting, artist, and gallery to have an online presence.
Amara Sikander smilingly showing her digital art series 'Gaaye Gi Dunya Geet Mere’ (The World Will Sing My Songs)
Amara: Women empowerment has been my consistent theme. I like to draw women as warriors and survivors rather than helpless individuals. I believe that every individual, regardless of their gender, has to constantly struggle in life. There is a fighter and a survivor within each one of us. I use vibrant colors in my art so that my subjects, which are mostly women, are visible and conspicuous. It is an honor for me that I now belong to Madam Noor Jehan’s family. I am the youngest daughter-in-law of the eldest daughter of Madam Noor Jehan. It was just a pure coincidence that I got married into this family and learned so much about her. Even as a child I remember being mesmerized by her dazzling persona whenever I saw her on the TV. I did not understand her vocal prowess back then but would admire her: jewelry, sartorial choices, and diva like presence. Now I have discovered what a great artist she was in its entirety including her amazing vocal range. Her effortless command over singing haunted me as I matured as a listener. She always valued and understood her connection to the audience. I believe that this is the beauty of any great artist. Whether one goes to a roadside tea stall or a posh mehfil (lounge), they are likely to hear her songs or someone doing a cover of her songs. People still remember Madam Noor Jehan for her musical legacy and this was the motivation behind this series. I collected some of her personal pictures, through family members, and decided that I really wanted to draw her. It was an overwhelming experience. I used flowers, motives, and other elements from popular culture to depict the vividness of our collective heritage, which she represented so beautifully.
Noor Jehan by Amara Sikander
Neville Brody, an English graphic designer, typographer and art director, stated that ‘Digital design is like painting, except the paint never dries.’ Just as all great expressions of creative genius are beyond the limits of time and medium, the spirit of a true artist also transcends conventional definitions—and in this lies the magic of all great art.
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