Corresponding Note written by Art Writer, Nayha Jehangir Khan
Arifeen’s departure from representational figuration with autobiographical narratives into a form of abstract expression and colour field painting signals the beginning of a deeply introspective journey.
As she reflects on personal life experiences, Arifeen has immersed herself in therapeutic meditations that have become a catalyst in activating a painterly autonomy. Breaking away from classical horizon lines, formalistic investigations and the rigidity of thematic subject matter into a form of automatism that is uninhibited by her previous work. Colour is a visual intervention acting as a gateway into the subconsciousness enabling her to transcend traditions of classical landscape. The frequency of colours are heightened, the brush strokes exaggerated, the depth of field elongated and the mystically imagined foliage creates a transportative experience for the viewer. The naturalism in Arifeen’s work is encapsulated by her intricate detailing of lush green leaves, trees, and wild grass, lining the trails of these ancient rock formations.
The swinging pendulum of perspectives are anchored by the avalanche of colours spreading across the series purposefully trapping abstraction within realism. Crisp highlights of sun rays pierce through psychedelic mountains bringing to the surface the stillness and silence of nature. The infinite wisps of clouds hanging in the distance become calming and soothing constellations that gaze back at the viewer.
The thrilling re-enactments of nature present a vision of emotions carved as brushstrokes and unapologetic selections of colour. These painterly cues become guides in navigating the series of kaleidoscopic scapes as the artist presents the transformative experience that nature has had on her seen through the lens of memory on the canvas.
by Amber Arifeen
32 x 66 inches, Mixed Media on Paper
23.5 x 31.5 inch, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
32 x 44 inches Mixed Media on Canvas
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
27 x 23 inch Mixed Media on Canvas
27 x 23 inch Mixed Media on Canvas
23.5 x 31.5 inch, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
40 x 47 inches, Mixed Media on Canvas
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
23.5 x 31.5 inch, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
19.5 x 23.5 inches Mixed Media on Wood Panel
23.5 x 31.5 inch, Mixed Media on Wood Panel
23.5 x 31.5 inch, Mixed Media on Wood Panel