The Weight of Dreams, Surrealist Symphony and Whispers of Displacement!

Pakistan’s contemporary art scene thrives with a diverse tapestry of voices, each exploring unique themes and aesthetics. One such voice belongs to the talented artist, Cohleen Shahbaz, whose work often delves into the complexities of identity, memory, and displacement. Her 2017 mixed media piece, “The Weight of Dreams,” stands as a testament to her artistic prowess and insightful observations of the human condition.

At first glance, the artwork appears as a whirlwind of textures and colors, inviting viewers into a surreal dreamscape. Shahbaz masterfully blends acrylic paint, charcoal sketches, and found objects – remnants of discarded toys, worn-out fabrics, and faded photographs – creating a multi-layered composition that pulsates with both fragility and strength. The central figure, seemingly draped in layers of translucent silk, appears to be caught in an eternal struggle, their outstretched arms yearning for something just beyond reach.

This yearning resonates deeply with the overarching theme of displacement explored in “The Weight of Dreams.” Shahbaz, who herself has experienced the upheavals of migration and cultural transition, infuses her work with a sense of poignant nostalgia and the longing for belonging. The fragmented images scattered across the canvas – glimpses of a childhood home, a familiar street corner, a half-remembered lullaby – speak to the fractured nature of memory and the difficulty of reconstructing a sense of self when uprooted from one’s origins.

But “The Weight of Dreams” is not merely a lament for lost homes and shattered dreams. It also offers a glimmer of hope, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The vibrant colors that punctuate the canvas – bursts of fiery red, electric blue, and sunny yellow – symbolize the indomitable will to endure and the enduring power of imagination.

Shahbaz’s skillful use of light and shadow further amplifies the emotional depth of the piece. The soft glow emanating from the central figure suggests an inner strength, a beacon of hope guiding them through the labyrinthine paths of displacement. Conversely, the darker shadows creeping in from the edges evoke the lingering anxieties and uncertainties that often accompany cultural transitions.

Deconstructing the Dream:

Let’s delve deeper into some key elements within “The Weight of Dreams”:

The Weight of Dreams transcends traditional artistic boundaries. It is not merely a visual spectacle but an immersive experience that compels viewers to confront complex themes and engage in introspection. Shahbaz’s masterful blending of materials, colors, and symbolism creates a dreamscape both unsettling and deeply moving, inviting us to ponder the universal human experiences of loss, longing, and the enduring search for identity.

Her work serves as a potent reminder that displacement is not merely a physical phenomenon but a profound psychological journey. It challenges us to empathize with those who have experienced uprooting and to recognize the shared humanity that binds us all.