ISLAMABAD - The solo show of paintings by Rahat Yasmeen concluded on Saturday, featuring a collection of imagery on rural women in mix media, abstract art and photography.
The display portrayed the collection that is inspired by the cultural heritage, Sufism, calligraphy and other aspects of Pakistani society. The artist in her work took the inspiration from the rich culture and heritage of the country and mainly focussed on the women when she captured the glimpses of heritage of Sindh. The sufferings of women in rural Sindh compelled her to highlight them through her creativity.
“In some works of calligraphy, I have not purely focussed on Arabic text as I created pieces in free style blending the touch of Sufism with the text,” Rahat said while talking to APP. Pakistan has very rich cultural heritage which needs to be preserved and highlighted and artists are playing an important role in this regard to highlight unique aspects of this heritage. “Most of the people in Pakistan consider calligraphy as a common art form but keeping in mind the views of people abroad who take it as a unique art, I have worked in a free style to explore more about this art,” she added.
Besides capturing the vibrancy of heritage, the artist also balanced the collection with vibrant eye, catching as well as sober hues to create a harmony in the work.
Rahat Yasmeen is a master in fine arts from Fatima Jinnah University. She seeks inspiration from everyday life circumstances, things and people wherever she goes. Always maintaining a collection of stones, handicraft, random patterns, she is inspired to produce an artwork through trash and making it a treasure.
“Our textbooks give no insight to what our culture is actually about. If one wants to know the true cultural diversity of the country, one must travel and gain firsthand experience,” she claimed. In her visits to interior Sindh, she photographed immense of uncaptured moments, stories, circumstances, that usually don’t make their way to the mainstream. She says that “My camera and heart were shaken to capture such emotions and devastations experienced by masses”.
The beauty, however was in their constant fight and flight, where they still had the courage and life in them - wanting to pose and have their moments stored amidst miseries, merrily. “Being a woman, it was my absolute privilege that I shared a comfort level with even women who practiced complete veil, and were eager to share their stories and self to be captured by my camera. Art is a form of freedom, where you can say on canvas whatever you cannot say openly,” she said.