Contemporary stories weaved in art

Art plays an important role as a vehicle to convey the aspirations and sentiments of the Pakistani people, says artist Rahat Masud

Rahat Masud is a visual artist and an educationist, who obtained her MA in Fine Arts from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, with a distinction and a gold medal, and Masters in Art and Design from Kingston University, London, UK. In 2010, she became one of the emergent artists in Pakistan to have completed a practice-led PhD in Fine Arts (London UK).
As a figurative painter, her work is deeply rooted in the soil of her land. It deals with the human condition displaying its varied moods. Her favoured subject, the female form, in her work becomes representative of all humankind and articulates contemporary, social and political concerns, depicting the vulnerability and resilience of ordinary people. Masud has won several National Awards in recognition of her work, such as the 'Punjab Council of the Arts' prize, 'The Artists' Association of Punjab Award', 'The Fatima Jinnah Award' and the Presidential Award 'Pride of Performance'. She was also given the 'International Artist for Peace' Award, Shanghai, China. Her work is in both private and public collections and has been widely exhibited, in Pakistan, China, India, Korea, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, US and the UK.
Excerpts from an interview with Rahat Masud:
Unique art style: The rich and the subtle use of colours in miniatures, the use of gold leaf and the abstract quality of the miniature have always attracted me. It has always stirred deeper sensations in my mind and that feeling remained in me. When I got a chance to visit Italy and visit museums, I saw a Sienese painting. I was totally bowled over by the impact that those paintings were created by the use of gold. They used a large expanse of gold leafing in the background and the effect of gold was very deep and rich. When I started using pastels, I thought of experimenting and exploring the medium. Back then, handmade paper was very appealing to me because of its texture and organic feel. So, I thought of combining the two - pastels and gold leaf - and use them on handmade paper. It was very difficult at first because of the rough texture of the paper; the pastel would not adhere, but then I started using techniques such as rubbing, using a tissue and eraser, and that is how I was finally able to bring the material under my control.
Iconic artists: The Pakistani art scene is very vibrant and it has very diverse styles as well. I enjoy looking at the works of different artists and their styles as well. For me, it has always been Abdur Rahman Chughtai. His work has so much depth, and his composition - his colours and technique - really inspires you, enriches you and moves you. But of course, I like works of Colin David, Jamil Naqsh and many others.
Popular art genres: It would be definitely the miniature because it has its roots in our tradition. A lot of artists have experimented with that technique and have taken it forward. It is still evolving and is difficult to say how it will finally settle as a new kind of approach. It will take time. At the moment, artists are exploring it and using the technique in a modern way
Vision of art for Pakistan: One cannot predict art, because it takes its time, its own environment and its own social and political conditions. So, by the looks of it, the way it is being practiced now and the amount of artwork coming out of institutions and into the art scene, I think the future is very bright. Art will play an important role as a vehicle to convey the aspirations and sentiments of the Pakistani people.
- Nigaah Magazine