ISLAMABAD: Satrang Gallery hosted the inauguration of ‘Do You Notice?’, a group show featuring the works of Afreen Fatima, Aimen Manzoor, Emaan Pirzada, Schezre Syed and Zahra Jadoon.

Well worth a visit, the collection will remain on display for a month.

Founding Director of the Gallery Asma Rashid Khan said: “Satrang Gallery is thrilled to showcase the works of these extraordinary artists as they delve into the intricate details of our everyday lives, uncovering the beauty and complexity hidden in plain sight.”

“The works draw the viewer into an exploration of the unseen and the overlooked, offering a chance to pause, observe and rediscover the beauty in details that often elude our notice. Despite the seemingly simple and ordinary subjects, these artists have layered motifs, images and techniques, underscoring the constant stream of images, sounds, senses and information that individuals are continuously absorbing and analysing,” she added.

Afreen Fatima said: “My work begins with a deep fascination with the sky. To me, the sky is not just a singular entity — it’s everything. It’s enough. It’s everywhere. The fleeting colours and lights in the sky mirror emotions — solitude, desire, and the longing for places and people who aren’t here. The colours I see from where I stand are different from the colours seen elsewhere, where I am not.”

“The sky becomes a way to connect with those who are cherished but distant, separated by spaces and borders. While the greatest distance may be time, I believe the sky transcends this — offering a timeless connection through imagination and emotion,” she explains

Aimen Manzoor’s artwork predominantly featured figurative elements, drawing inspiration from everyday compositions interactions that captivate her interest. Eminently approachable, her pieces were familiar, resonating with the audience.

The exhibition encouraged the audience to notice small and innocuous moments and hold on to them.

Farooq Kochai commented on Manzoor’s vibrant painting, saying, “People on the Suzuki truly reflect everyday life for many.”

Emaan Pirzada’s training in miniature painting in apparent in her mixed-media practice as she incorporates traditional motifs.

She said: “As I transition from one location to another, I am deeply drawn to the emotive and sensory qualities each place holds. My work documents these experiences by creating compositions and altering perspectives, resulting in imaginary ‘mind palaces’ layered with personal reflections interpreting through water colour, gouache, ink, paper and mainly graphite on wasli.”

“I explore the emotional resonance of spaces through a deliberate interplay of warm and cold tones – capturing the essence of environments that project a welcoming warmth, contrasting them with those that convey a sense of detachment or isolation,” she added.

Schezre Syed’s creations were elusive landscapes where the drawings have a sculptural quality while Zahra Jadoon said, “My work is an exploration of the human form and the many ways, mediums and shapes in which it can be expressed. I use my art as a window to show how humans are woven into the fabric of nature.”

Jadoon said: “Uncovering the surface lies a captivating complexity. I’m driven by the intricate dance of muscle, bone and organ – the very building blocks of our being. My work translates this fascination into pieces that are both unsettling and strangely beautiful.”

Manzoor Hussain said: “I am pleased to witness wonderful work exhibited by young talented artists, a very well organised event.” Roberto Puddu simply said, “Nice!”

Published in Dawn, December 8th, 2024