HAMRA ABBAS

The artist’s pluri-disciplinary practice initially encapsulates the delicate interplay of vulnerability and fragility within her work. Her approach first draws inspiration from the various locations she has resided in, including Berlin and Boston. As an immigrant, she embodies a fleeting state reflected in the ephemeral, weightless quality of her work, reminiscent of paper or live performances. This quality not only renders her creations easily transportable but also underscores their fleeting existence. In 2015, upon returning to Pakistan, her homeland, a profound shift occurred. Her art evolved from this transient phase to embrace a more permanent production, mirroring her journey back to her roots. Her return to Pakistan inspired her to incorporate marble inlay, drawn from the local context of marble factories, adding a new dimension to her artistic expression. This transition signifies a pivotal moment where the impermanence gave way to permanence, invoking a sense of stability and belonging inherent to her home and heritage. Today, her artistic practice draws inspiration from the concept of a garden—an emblem of ecology, environment, and a metaphorical allusion to the garden of paradise. This evolution reflects a deeper connection to her surroundings, entwining her art with themes of nature and the environment. Her new body of work blossoms with cascading waterfalls, towering trees, and intricate depiction of flowers, each element a part of her garden, whether standing individually or interwoven in larger, harmonious compositions. These patterns—reminiscent of Mughal gardens and the vibrant colors emblematic of the region’s rich culture—adorn the marble inlays, evoking a sense of serenity and wonder. As part of her research and practice, Hamra has been documenting the northern regions of Pakistan, which include a recent journey to the base camp of K2, a nod to South Asia’s majestic landscapes. At the heart of it all lies something deeply intimate and autobiographical, where every creation springs forth from a personal narrative, inviting viewers into the artist’s inner world.

Courtesy Lawrie Shabibi