1. Please tell us about your background. Where are you from? How did you get into art?

I’m Sumia, belonging to and based in Karachi, Sindh. My journey into art originates from my childhood. Painting and drawing have always been a part of me; the seeds of my passion were sown at the tender age of 10 when I began receiving formal training in painting. Drawing and painting were constant joy, and the canvas served as my playground since childhood. This inherent desire led me to study painting at the National College of Arts in Rawalpindi.

2. Tell us about your artistic style.

Defining oneself work style is a challenging and not always pleasant task. By focusing on the essence of movement in forms, my artistic exploration is deeply rooted in expressionist principles, intending to evoke strong emotions in my paintings.

My work is typically free, and the paint application tends to be generous and highly textured. In my canvases, a mix of blurred lines and forms creates figures with intense looks, devoid of contours and shades. I prefer using acrylics and pastels, incorporating a lot of flat tints, especially in red, yellow, and pink, as I’ve dedicated much attention to skins and their shades.

The paintings often convey intense and different perspectives through distorted and exaggerated forms. During the creative process, I start without controlling the outcome, believing that the work itself guides its direction. I’m focused on my medium and palette, enjoying the play with forms like dissolving, melting, or breaking down. My interest lies in that uncertain space where things are unsure.

In my work, my intention is to create and make the scene feel alive. I want the observer to feel a strong emotion when engaging with my artwork. Sometimes, I like to keep it open, allowing each viewer to perceive it differently.

3. Your debut show, Process in Motion is an extension of your thesis work. What is the concept behind your collection?

Extending the spirit of my thesis work, ‘Process in Motion,’ it’s essential to emphasize that this collection isn’t an exact replication but a continual evolution. The thesis concept was more focused on the process of making, while the concept behind ‘Process in Motion’ now revolves around the dynamic interplay of artistic processes and the inherent liveliness in my creative journey. The focus of this collection extends to various subjects, such as the aim of the forms and the bold palettes in my work.

While the initial spark originates from the themes explored in my thesis, my artistic approach embraces change and spontaneity. I intentionally keep my work free, allowing it to organically transform. ‘Process in Motion’ becomes a visual representation of this ever-evolving process, capturing the unpredictable nature of creation through expressive lines, textures, and vibrant hues.

The collection reflects the beauty of embracing uncertainty and the continual shift in my artistic expression. It invites viewers to witness the ongoing exploration and transformation, showcasing a vibrant and dynamic narrative that builds upon the foundational concepts explored in my thesis. It’s crucial to note that this collection is not an exact replication but a living testament to the ever-changing nature of my artistic journey.