Dr. Romana Hamid
Born and brought in the Kashmir valley, a self-taught artist …by name returned to the homeland for a purpose which transformed amidst the ongoing turmoil in the state. The artist narrates how the ideology was depicted in action on canvas and paper in his artworks and how the contemplation of his dreams through his Artworks and style took shape and finally emerged as a reality. Focusing on the contemporary and abstract forms, he decided to express his take on the subjects which are filled with fervor and volatility. He has recently been featured on Architecture of Israel Quarterly Issue 112 and other publications across Jerusalem for his curiosity in such subjects. The subjects which were rarely even thought about by the other artists, working in the valley, have been brought to light first time by this son of the soil. Recently, he commissioned a collection based on the Soviet Revolution. When asked about what inspired him to take such a subject, he replied, “The extent of energy that is present in the Soviet Revolution is unmatched as compared to all other revolutions of the times. The way people from all walks of life have contributed to upbringing of the infant state is immaculate. The restraints in the way of the revolution to succeed, defense from foreign invasions, devastated social life, illiteracy and hunger have been brought out to the fullest.”
The artist is also working on a collection about Jerusalem. ‘Taken by the tenacity of the byzantine period and the geography of Jerusalem is what made me start this never ending subject a year ago’, said the artist. He termed the ethnic claims, to the ancient Jewish Art by Jewish Art historians, were archeologically attested in Palestine somehow as a recreated image. Also, the artist said that all the terms used to recreate this historical wonder were borrowed from Nazi art history transforming the negative scholarship of race into positive scholarship of ascendant and ideological Zionism. Speaking about Jerusalem, the artist says that the conflict between Jews and Muslims all around the world has been born out of this hardly noticeable mass of land on the world map which has reverence to all three major religions of the world i.e. Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It has been Qibla-Awal for the Muslims. I believe this place has answers to all my questions about spiritual dimensions, replied the artist. My artworks shed the light on the complexity of the conflict. There could be consensus between the factions of conflict if they understand the complexity of the conflict. My artworks underline the complexity of the conflict with the consideration of the fact that what we consider Jewish is also complicated depending upon the criterion of whether it is of Jewish extraction or origin. My timeline of focus has been very vast ranging from the times of the possession of the scripture by the Jews till the Christian Triumph.When asked about how could an artwork shed light on something which has been even keeping the historians dubious, the artist replied there must have been reflexes from complex synapse of my artistic brain that would give rise to such art and depth in it. Claiming that we all know Science has finally avowed reaching somewhat near the biggest mystery that surrounds the human brain, the subconscious through Art.
Asked about the scenario Kashmir presents to the Artists of different form, the artist lashed out mentioning the numerous drawbacks and hurdles the local Art community has to face daily. He said that the community was equally responsible for not being able to contribute to the society in any way. Earning a living from Art and contributing to the society is different. Towards the much higher goals of contribution, an artist has to closely choose between his subjects. He said that artists of the state are still painting landscapes and Kangris (firepots) while as there are no efforts being made to indulge in subjects which could mark out the evils in the society and initiate a revolution against such evils. He also said that the devastation of the social fabric could be the most neglected subject for a cynic, not an artist. He recently began the compilation and depiction of some of his artworks on social media to bring the bigger perspective of his message through his art. He added that he would continue to contribute to the society through his art and never choose to be a cynic.
(The author is a freelancer. Views are her own)
