Hey Zainab. How are you? A solo show after nearly 5 years. First of all tell us what have you been up to in these past few years?
Hello, I am good thankyouu! I have been doing my masters in visual arts from NCA along with displaying my work in various galleries locally and internationally as well. Recently I have displayed my work in national museum of Tanzania along with some brilliant artists.
What is the concept behind your current show ‘Misty Tales of Women’?
The concept behind my show ‘Misty tales of women’ is all about the female habitual moments, the way they rely and trust blindly on their surroundings is the main concern which I portray in monochromatic color palette.
Your work from the time of graduation has been based on the concept of ‘Chinese Whisper’ and hearsay. We see a lot of ‘doing’ and action in this current series. Would you say that conceptually this is an evolution from your original concept? If so, how?
No, it’s totally linked with my previous concept as I am working on female protagonist since the beginning. I just evaluate the imagery
Your art practice focuses on women primarily and the bond that have with each other. What drew you to this subject matter in the first place?
My concept is based on my personal experience, the way I used to trust on others and rely on my surroundings was initially the first initiative I took towards painting the females ab their relationships.
How do you think your work has evolved over the years?
I think every individual changes with the passage of time and to me an artwork is not less than a living thing which evolves parallely.
What role does the backing of a right support system around you play in the success of an artist?
I think there’s always a strong support system behind every successful artist. If i analyze my journey, who I am today just because of my parents and my husband’s support. They way they encourages me and allow me to spend half of my day in studio is incredible.
Do you believe different lobbies exist in the art world and that they don’t allow outsiders to enter their own lobby?
No it’s not like that it’s all about the opportunity you get and the hard work you do.
What is next for Zainab Aziz?
I would be revising my art practice to produce some new works and to earn more name in the art world. I would definitely be taking part in different exhibitions internationally and here as well also will be perusing my PHD soon.
Any advice for your aspiring artists who are just graduating from college?
The best advice I can give to the fresh graduates that do not stop working either you have upcoming shows or not, spend at-least three to fours hours in your studios every day, keep your self motivated, opportunities and success will be yours one day.