Pakistan

A breath of fresh air: Nomad dances to life

Emerging artist drives inspiration from Spanish dance

Photo: Huma Choudhary/hafsah Sarfraz October 03, 2015

Kamila Ijaz Zuberi’s artwork on display at the Nomad Gallery. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY/EXPRESS

ISLAMABAD: A good art gallery is not just one that brings acclaimed artists and hosts their exhibitions, but one that finds hidden talent and gives it confidence and a platform to showcase their work.

According to this, the Nomad Gallery fits the bill of a good art gallery perfectly, which is currently featuring the work of emerging artist Kamila Ijaz Zuberi, from Rawalpindi.

“Painting is my passion. I find myself lost in its spiritual depth,” Zuberi said, adding that though she had the talent, training and inspiration, she needed a dose of affirmation that her work is worth exhibiting. This is where Nomad came to my rescue, she said. After a break of a number of years, which she devoted to raising her family, she started painting again.

Nageen Hyat, director and curator of the gallery, told The Express Tribune that the gallery is always on the lookout for emerging artists.

“Emerging artists bring a breath of fresh air to the art scene in the market. They are willing to listen to the curator’s feedback and bring innovation to their work and that it is this flexibility that makes working with them so interesting,” she said.

“When I saw Kamila’s work, I was stunned. It didn’t feel like she had taken a break for so long. Her inspiration from Spanish dance movements and nature was so unique and refreshing that Nomad had to host her exhibition,” Nageen added.

The artwork displayed at Shanaakht Space at Nomad, is an oil on canvas with bright colours. There is something distinct about every artist’s work, and Kamila’s exclusivity lies in the way she blends bright and light shades together. Her palette of colours is diverse and that is what attracts the eye to her work.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Kamila said that she decided to return to painting to counter her empty nest syndrome. “In reality however, it helped me discover my real passion in life; painting. I lose myself in this passion and love it. My main focus these days is on flamenco dancers and ‘still life’ paintings because I derive inspiration from Spanish,” said Kamila.

Kamila mentioned that she feels honoured to have received the opportunity to exhibit at the Shanaakht space. “Having received this opportunity, I intend to carry on and use my imagination and skill to do a lot more work,” she added.

The exhibition continues till October 10 at Shanaakht Space, in Saidpur Village.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2015.