ISLAMABAD: The Nomad Gallery opened an exhibition of paintings by Adeela Zahid which were inspired by her travels within the country.

Most of Ms Zahid’s paintings that were put on display were of landscapes, especially of Hunza, Skardu and Kashmir with some of the most striking paintings being of the sunrise over mountains and mustard fields.

“A famous line from a Keats’s poem which says ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever’ has remained with me and I always remember it when I travel to beautiful places. Nature’s beauty soothes my eyes and reflects my soul and I express it in my paintings. I paint for my own soul and to be at a distance from this complex world of harsh realities,” Adeela Zahid said.

Ms Zahid also talked about her creative process and how she paints intricate details in her works, whether they be architecture, landscape or figures.

“My goal is to improve my skill and knowledge about art and to make more effort to make my work perfect and enjoyable,” she said.

The 16 paintings that were put on display were done in water colour, oil and acrylic and included images of mustard fields, mud houses in villages, waterfalls and lakes reflecting tall trees and snow covered peaks.

“Adeela makes a conscious effort to explore the hopeful side of her life, instead of mirroring what is wrong with the world,” a visitor to the show said.

“The Shanakht space is to encourage new artists and to exhibit their art in. Adeela Zahid is a talented and committed young woman and has a good understanding of colours, aesthetics and composition. She paints charming landscapes of Pakistan, animals and visuals that appeal to her”, said director of the gallery, Nageen Hayat.

The show will continue till May 6.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2016