Artist Statements
Rabia Choudhary, فجر (Fajr: First Prayer during Twilight), 2021. Acrylic and oil on canvas.
Rabia Choudhary
Through the female figure and with the addition of cultural and religious iconography, I am exploring the multifaceted experiences of my life. My artwork and creative research investigates the relationship between different identities; their intersection, and how these intersections sometimes clash (ethnicity, religious faith, sexuality etc.). These art works depict experiences and struggles with shame, darkness, guilt, pain, and growth regarding these conflicting identities.
Each painting examines aspects of one or more of these identities through the depiction of objects, clothing, jewelry, patterns, figures and/or language directly from my childhood and life. In terms of objects, clothing and jewelry, my inspiration comes from aspects of my Pakistani culture, such as Mehndi art, Salwar Kameez, Churiyan and Bindi. With patterns, I take inspiration from both personal Mehndi and Salwar designs, as well as traditional Islamic geometric patterns found in Masjids and in Islamic art. For language, I specifically engage with phrases and words from Urdu; my mother tongue, and one that I would like to reconnect with through my art practice. I incorporate my language both through naming my pieces, but also by including words and poems within the backgrounds or patterns. Specific phrases and words derived from Arabic hold religious significance. and reference Islamic practices that I grew up with. There are many hidden letters, words and phrases to be discovered within these works.
This series emerges from a need to understand myself, my struggles, and my experiences. Although the figures within my artwork intend to represent my being, the figures also represent all of us, in this very space. It is the nature of the human experience to struggle with identity, and who we truly are, in a world that defines what is societally acceptable, who is valuable and worth living. Through this work, I hope you find connection, worth, vulnerability, and the strength need as you navigate your own unruly growth.
From left to right: Sara Formosa, Sit Like a Lady, Intricate Connections, 2021. Ink on stonhenge. Sarah Formosa, Unbreakable Bond, Intriciate Connections, 2021. Ink on stonehenge.
Sarah Formosa
Intricate Connections is a series of expressive line drawings, exploring the complicated nature of people and their relationships. As I develop my art practice, I often find myself returning to the term sonder and what it represents. By definition, it is the realization that each passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as one’s own life.
Behind this work is an intention to engage with, and explore an important discussion on awareness and mindfulness; of ourselves, and others as we move through the world, and our lives ― how everyone’s lives are just as complicated as our own, if not more. The literal intricate connections made visible through expressive and complicated line work correlates with the chosen title of this series, representing the intricate entanglement of life. Within each subject/person exists, resides, and lives a complicated mess of emotions, experiences, opinions, and so much more. Some drawings focus on one subject while others touch upon the connections between people, and the unseen effects that we have on one another. There are some very important questions that drive my practice, and they are ones that I invite viewers to ponder and reflect upon, not only while viewing these works, but also beyond that moment.
Who has the most influence on who you become? Are you in healthy relationships? Do you have someone to lean on? Does anyone rely on you too heavily? Do you feel like yourself? Have you ever considered the unknown effects that strangers have on you? Are you ever fully aware of your surroundings?