ISLAMABAD: A solo exhibition opened in the capital which is showcasing paintings by an artist who has drawn inspiration from American singer Bob Dylan’s music.

The Line Green Visual Art Space inaugurated the exhibition,Don’t think twice, It’s all right, that exhibited the works by Islamabad-based artist Samiya Mahir Sheikh.

Sheikh has displayed her works in Turkey, the United Kingdom and throughout Pakistan.

Curator and Founder of Line Green Alina Akbar said: “Samiya’s magnetic figurative paintings convey a sense of mystery and an atypical resolve in her playful, personal universe. Her compositions are known for their witty, whimsical, and impulsive nature. Although the subjects of her compositions vary from abstract bodies to mutated animals to illusory backgrounds, Samiya’s point of view remains consistent, where certainty is a myth and realities are rewritten over and over again.”

“Samiya focuses on transforming ideas and pre-conceived notions by infusing a psychedelic dream-like quality aided by expressive mark-making like tremors on canvas. She combines bold colours and forms while using acrylics and mixed media,” she added.

The founder of Line Green further commented that in this exhibition, Samiya had portrayed the conflict between what’s experienced in life and what’s largely perceived, what comes schemed in life and what comes instinctively, and what’s branded in contrast with what’s unknown to us. Besides, her paintings have this sense of familiarity, yet they contain a certain kind of unease, Ms Akbar said.

The artist draws her inspiration mainly from Dylan’s music, reflections on societal behaviour in times past and today, and standards of human nature.

Samiya remarked that the event is basically a collaboration between Bob Dylan’s music and art, as the idea behind her art is to use some of Dylan’s signature lyrics and poetry and integrate them with the art pieces.

“You can see a lot of different line work that represents the 1960s, which shows the flexibility of thought and the social shift at that time against the backdrop of the political turmoil and the questions raised by the Vietnam War and all the other movements happening around the world,” she added.

Samiya further said, “It also mimics what is happening today, where if we discuss the role of gender, society, the government, and ideologies, we see people drifting away from what used to be the norm and discussing a different recourse altogether. So there is nostalgia while remaining relevant to today.”

Mentioning the immersive creative experience, Samiya added, “For the 15 pieces that I worked on, the whole process enveloped Bob Dylan as I was constantly listening to Bob Dylan and his interviews, along with things from his era. His poetry has always struck a chord with people, and I wanted to use that backdrop to work towards an art form that represents not only the type of work that he has done but also the world we live in today.”

Zohair Waheed remarked: “This was an amazing solo show by Samiya, as she is redefining the notions of art by pushing the limits of imagination and creativity. Her use of artificial intelligence (AI) to amalgamate art and technology was a treat for the senses. She is surely a pioneer in the art industry of Pakistan.”

Usama Khilji noted: “A beautiful pop of much-needed colour by Samiya. What stood out most for me was the AI montage of the artwork on display that fluidly mashed the diverse art pieces into a short film with music. Such innovative use of technology that amalgamates beautiful hand-minted canvases shows how technology can aid the visual experience of art.”

Natalya Kamal commented, “Absolutely loved the show! Samiya is a true artist, and her work is truly amazing, thought-provoking, and an experience. I can’t wait to see more of her talent and work!”

Aleem Arif stated: “It was my first time attending a Samiya show, and I was blown away by the concept and the colours. Vivid forms materialise in Samiya’s broad, messy brush strokes that make her art truly stand out. I look forward to seeing what she does next.”

Published in Dawn, January 14th, 2024