ECHOES ON CANVAS

art interview

Art, or more precisely paintings, reflect cultural sophistication. Paintings are more than just beautiful pieces; they inspire creativity, provoke thought, evoke emotions and connect us with the beauty and complexity of the human experience. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary digital art, the impact of art is profound and far-reaching. Whether they hang in galleries, museums or our own homes, paintings enrich our lives in meaningful ways.

In the realm of painting, artists harness the power of colour, contrast and technique to create dynamic artworks that captivate the senses and evoke powerful emotions.

Tasneem Iqbal is a contemporary artist whose love for art runs in her genes. She began painting at the young age of 12 and completed a diploma course at the Pakistan Institute of Arts while she was studying. At the age of 18, she held her first exhibition at the Arts Council of Pakistan in Karachi, which was inaugurated by none other than Begum Liaquat Ali Khan and was a great success.

After graduating from St. Joseph’s College in Karachi, she pursued formal training in art.

Her passion led her back to her roots in Florence, Italy, where she earned a degree after two years at the Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze. There, she studied painting and fine arts, with a particular focus on printmaking and charcoal drawing. Upon returning to Pakistan, she continued her work and created an exquisite collection of oil paintings.

“My experience of making art started at a very young age. My (late) Italian mother, who was married to my Pakistani father, believed I had a lot of talent, which runs in our family. So, I was enrolled in the Pakistan Art institute where I would attend afternoon classes after my regular school. I was encouraged to do whatever I wanted. I love the creative process in painting and that is what got me interested in art,” she elucidates.

Tasneem has several solo and group shows, both nationally and internationally, to her credit. She has exhibited in Dubai and London and a few other countries.

Talking about her favourite medium, Tasneem says that she loves the vividness of acrylic paint and the fact that it dries very quickly. “I love working in acrylics and I also love doing etchings which are black and white. They are quite intense. I would say these are my two favourite mediums.”

Tasneem likes to play with colours. “I am glad I was taught to paint, because it really helped me understand colour mixing.”

“For me, painting is a subtle way of expressing myself through colours. I paint because it allows me to express my emotions and thoughts in a visual form, transcending the limitations of language. It is also an excellent way to unwind. The process of painting brings me a great sense of peace and tranquillity, as I can lose myself in the flow of the brush and the colours on the canvas,” she continues.

So, how long does it take you to make one painting? “Every time it’s different. Sometimes a painting takes few hours and sometimes it takes me months to complete one. So, it depends on the theme as well as my mood,” smiles Tasneem.

What does a typical day look like for you? “A typical working day is hard to pin down, as it happens in many different environments. The most productive time is usually after a coffee or two in the morning until around midday. Then comes a walk or talk with a friend. Sometimes there are social engagements in the evenings and sometimes it’s just me and my canvas,” tells Tasneem.

Reflecting on why art is important, Tasneem explains, “Art makes us feel, think, talk, be creative, and see things differently. Original art gives us something beautiful to look at and a glimpse into the artist’s mind. Whether it’s a painting that makes you smile or a sculpture that starts a conversation, art makes life better and more meaningful. And that’s why having art in your life is so important.”

“I don’t see art as a hobby, as some people describe it. I believe it is a full-time profession like any other and artists work really hard to create their pieces,” she adds.

How do you define success as an artist? “It’s very touching when I meet people who tell me that they still have my paintings, even those I created in my early years. I have also learnt that many of them have taken my work abroad - to Italy and the UK - which is nice to know. It shows that my work is appreciated and I believe that’s the real success of an artist,” comments Tasneem. She also shares that Jameel Naqsh is her all-time favourite artist and she is greatly influenced by his work.

“My work has evolved over the years; it’s been a long and interesting journey. I am currently working on a very compelling theme - climate change - which affects the world at large. It is a focused exploration of the fisherwomen of the Indus coastal area and the mangrove trees. These mangroves play a vital role in combating climate change: they help prevent cyclones, protect fisheries and absorb four times more carbon dioxide. This also highlights the importance of cultivating more trees rather than cutting them down. It is a fascinating theme I am deeply engaged with and my future work will continue to align line with this concept of climate change,” elaborates Tasneem.

For upcoming artists, she offers thoughtful advice, “Put your heart into your work and work independently. You need to be consistent and avoid going down the purely commercial route. Do what you truly want to do and eventually you will be recognised.”

When asked if there is anything she enjoys besides art, Tasneem shares, “Art is my passion. It is the only thing I know and I cannot imagine myself doing anything other than painting.”