Sunday Times has been a supporter and patron of arts and culture since its inception. Over the years, we have used our platform to not only endorse Pakistani art but also nurture the careers of many budding artists. Sunday Times has had a great partnership with Pakistan Art Forum since its inception in 2014 and has since collaborated multiple times to work towards our mutual goal of giving exposure to art in Pakistan. Recently, we caught up with veteran artist Saqiba Suleman who is back after a gap of 11 years for a solo show at Pakistan Art Forum gallery. Here is what she had to say
As a kid i was into arts and crafts and made different things with whatever was available to me. Patterns and colors were my area of interest. In my college days where arts was one of the subjects i was studying my teacher saw the potential and adviced me to pursue this as a career.i never thought that i would be an artist one day. In 2003 i got admission in college of art and design ,PU and never looked back. I faced many challenges there as i didnt realise that drawing and painting would be difficult but with the help of my teachers and growing passion for arts i overcame all the difficulties and achieved gold medal.the journey hasnt stopped there after studies ,the practical of what i had learned started.
Most artists always want to carve a niche for themselves and make their works unique. I wanted that too and tried out different techniques until I figured out what worked for me.
- How would you describe your style of work?
My style is to combine three-dimensional figurines with two-dimensional floral backgrounds. What comes out of this conjoining is what satiates my creative sense. The use of deep variations and subtle gradations of light and shade aims to enhance the projection of the character. My influences are touch and sight, primarily.Shimmering bright floral patterns and figure draped in matching vivid colors create a unique balance .Juxtaposing female figure in different mood and pose with intricate background, this work challenged my craftsmanship because of the heavily detailed background ,painting an intricate pattern was not easy.My style is to combine three-dimensional figurines with two-dimensional floral backgrounds. What comes out of this conjoining is what satiates my creative sense. The use of deep variations and subtle gradations of light and shade aims to enhance the projection of the character. My influences are touch and sight, primarily.Shimmering bright floral patterns and figure draped in matching vivid colors create a unique balance .
- Being a woman in the field of art what challenges do you face?
Many times female artists find it hard to find their aspirations .women has many roles to play .balancing work and personal life is the biggest challenge every woman artist has to face and i have seen many talented artists who doesn’t work now because of their married life responsibilities or some other issues because of which they are unable to continue their practice. Keeping up with talent is the two-edged challenge every artist experiences.
- Do you think that the art world is divided in various lobbies? And if so, have you felt resistance from such lobbies?
Yes. There are many lobbies who are working in a closed circle and this way the whole art circle is affecting. Nepotism has taken over art field as well and in my opinion i have seen many people suffering from this system. Many talented artists go unnoticed and not finding right opportunities at the right time ends their careers.
- Tell us about your current exhibition, ‘A line has two sides’. What is the concept behind your show?
The human life is dictated by lines. Lines, either consciously drawn or not, mark the start, the middle and the end of human existence. They separate a good decision from a bad one, a sincere emotion from a masked one, a portraiture in oil paint from a blank canvas, and naturally, a human from an animal. A human from an animal: two entities, both alive and breathing but both remain polar opposites. But this dichotomy does not exist between humans and animals alone but within human society as well. The binaries of existence are marked when one house moans a young death while the house next to it celebrates the birth of long-awaited child. Such binaries dictate our outlook towards life in general. It starts with a line; it ends with one as well.
- How do you feel is this work different from your previous works?
Working on a solo show is always very different and exciting experience. The level of perfection was my main focus and i introduced new elements in my work which were new to me and my audience. Sticking to the theme and creating strong visually apppealing,captivating work was what i wanted to achieve.
- Why was there a gap of 11 years between your last solo show and this one?
I have been participating in group shows regularly but some how after having kids i felt i wont be able to focus on my solo show. I had been getting this offer since so many years but i thought i wasn’t ready. This show was planned as a group show but then imtisal convinced me to convert it into a solo . That is how it happened.
- How has your experience been working with Pakistan Art Forum?
I had an amazing experience working with PAF.i have a strong working connection with PAF since many years but having a solo show was totally different.imtisal has been very cooperative and professional with me from the beginning till the end of the show. I appreciate the professional approach and strongly recommend PAF .
- What is next for Saqiba Suleman?
This show has brought in great motivation and self confidence. I have few group shows in pipeline and then i ll plan for another solo show insha Allah.