Saima Hasan interprets life through the symbolism of shimmering colours
- 20 Apr 2022
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Saima Hasan, who is currently presenting her solo art exhibition with the theme Wheel of Life at Pottery Barn, Dubai Mall (Apr. 16 – 30), is a trained commercial and fine artist and art instructor based in Dubai.
“I apply blobs of colour on my canvas and let them sing and dance, creating beautiful dreamscapes,” she says. “I let myself go - I feel viewers have minds and eyes of their own; I just hope they look.”
She has participated in various exhibitions in India and the UAE and done commissioned works. Based in Dubai for more than a decade, she is of Indian origin - she is also an avid social worker who often volunteers for NGOs and social welfare organisations. The awards she has won include the Corona Warrior Award, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee Kala Samman award, Prerana Ratna Samman award and the Bhartiya Kalaa Samman award.
She was nominated as the Brand Ambassador of Medeor Hospital Dubai and also has performed her duties as a jury for a children’s painting competition organised by AMCC Ajman. Saima Hasan talks to Gulf Today
You have a background in computers and advertising. Were you a hidden artist all along?
Yes, I was always been chased by a sense of incompleteness and dissatisfaction with the self while going through the ladder of conventional education. There was always a feeling that something was missing - until someone gifted me a paintbrush and a few colours. That was my AHAA moment!! Ever since, I have not looked back, but continued experimenting with various forms and mediums of fine art. It is a medium of conversation that does not need my target audiences to be educated or even literate.
What is the difference between commercial art and fine art? Are there common elements?
Commercial art mostly remains focused on some objective around a commercial interest and may include advertising, product/graphic design, branding, logos and book illustrations. Fine art, on the other hand, does not follow these restrictions. You are free to express a limitless variety of topics using various mediums including but not limited to paintings, sculptures, carvings, printmaking, photography, installation, multi-media and much more. I prefer fine art over the commercial form of art as it gives much wider spectrum of addressable topics to play with, using multiple mediums without any limitation.
What attracts you to landscape painting?
Landscape painting is like oxygen for me due to my love for nature. It is very soothing, calm and colourful to watch or paint a landscape painting. Whenever I go through my landscape paintings, I feel like I am in the place I drew. The tall trees, the tranquil rivers and the mighty mountains - all these elements of nature give me peace.
Do you draw from imagination, observation or books?
I really love to put my own imagination on the canvas! But it will be unfair to say it is not influenced by my observations and the society around me. In a nutshell, you can say that my artwork is a reflection of my imagination, inspired by observations and emotions.
What are the features one has to look for in your portrait works?
I believe every keen observer can see a touch of reality in my portraits and easily recognise the personality which is represented. With the help of the expression in the eyes, the detailing of the facial features and the tone of the skin, I try to represent the personality and the life inside as a whole, rather than just trying to copy paste how it comes across visually. My humble attempt always remains to let the personality and the image speak for itself.
Has the arts scene in the UAE been encouraging?
Definitely, art here is backed by the Ministry of Culture and many private bodies. The UAE is a hub of art and art lovers. Many exhibitions are being organised and many international visitors attend them. I am thankful to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of UAE and Ruler of Dubai and his council of ministers for giving a platform to the art world, not only for locals, but for all nationalities.
How has making art influenced your character?
Art has made significant changes in my personality and the way I think. It has made me more optimistic and forward looking. It taught me how to empathise with others and deal with multiple problems at the same time.
It taught me how to rectify my mistakes and has helped me to think openly. Over the years, it has built a lot of self confidence in me, as a result of which I am much more comfortable in expressing my ideas in public forums.
Do you feel you have evolved as an artist? What are the new genres you would like to explore?
While I can say that I have learned a lot during my journey as an artist so far, evolution is a continuous process. And we can never claim that it is complete. There are still areas to be explored, techniques to be learnt and expressions to be perfected. My approach to learning is that I continue following my vision. In whatever stream of knowledge I have to acquire, I go for it, whether it is a new form of art or new mediums or new ways of teaching to a specific set of learners.
