The solo exhibition of a collection of 20 paintings by Sumera Jawad was put on display here Wednesday in a press preview at Nomad Art Gallery. The works of mix-media will be open for public on April 14 and the show will continue till April 30. The show "Koi Kuchho Kahay Mann Laaga" captures women imagery with use of red hues as the artist endeavour to feel and analyse the image of woman in histories and cultures across the world.
"The continuity of tradition, linking each present with its past has been presented in my paintings through colours," Sumera said, adding "I knocked at the timeless doors of mythology, where every civilisation keeps its perceptions and symbols, whether they are accepted values or rejected taboos, layered in a well-crafted system of motifs, analogies and themes."
"I have long been interested in the image of goddess and the journey of that very image towards and in relation with modern contemporary women. The figure I paint, more or less represent someone but at the same time, they cross over and are changed to symbolise all of us," she said about her work.
The roots of painting or image making in Pakistani art scene can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, many art traditions flourished in the region which now encompass all of Pakistan and each of these traditions left its own mark on Pakistan.
The artist said, "Female in our culture has played a very important role in all her relations and has articulated very strongly in all forms of arts and crafts." The modern woman in her work, with the use of broad brush strokes, evokes a strong sense of confidence and at the same time a tender vulnerability.