Words from the Soul
Only three colours were used against the soothing white to portray the diversity and the vulnerability of the landscape. The paintings of the architect made a visitor say, “Each painting gives a feeling of calmness and I could spend hours gazing at them”. Walking through her ongoing art exhibition, 'Shifting Sands' at Bengal Art Lounge, Nasima J Khan shares her nostalgic journey with the Star.
When did you start painting?
As a kid, I used to love watching the tutorial show on painting, hosted by the great artist, Mustafa Monowar, on BTV. I never got a formal training in art, everything I did I just learnt by myself. My sister used to attend art classes and I used to go with her and watch her paint. When I was in the eighth grade, my teacher once taught me how to draw a tree. That's how it all began. I feel that it's the one thing I just knew how to do.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Whose works inspire you?
Along with the American artists Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth, the legendary artist, Sir Zainul Abedin's strokes have always mesmerised me.
Your artwork is unique in its minimalism. Does your background in architecture have anything to do with this?
Minimalism is in everything. The more you distill anything, the purer it gets. I have never been fond of using too many colors at the same time. The simpler my palette is the better. I've always believed in being true to myself. With the complexity of life, it's essential to be honest to yourself. I seek the transparency in everything and that shows in my painting.
I don't think I'm an artist who builds buildings. I'm an architect but I paint and draw.
Do you always paint landscape? Why is Bangladeshi landscape your favourite theme?
I truly believe that being in this imperfect world, I want something around me, which is beautiful. Since I can't have a landscape around whenever I want, I create my own solace. That is how these paintings came up. Our existence is so manic; I am always looking for the quiet and calmness through painting. It helps me meditate.
I've travelled all around the world and I've visited so many places, but our landscape attracts me the most. The landscapes of the foreign countries are very classy and dramatic but our landscape has the innocence, simplicity and the vulnerability I am fond of.
How difficult it is to bring such definition and precision with a medium like watercolour?
It's not difficult at all because watercolor is my most favourite media. Oil and acrylic sticks to wherever I put it but watercolour has a mind of its own; that naturalness and the freedom is what I seek. I try to be as natural as possible. The greatest thing to achieve is when what you do matches with what you think and what you say.
Your previous works were miniatures but the present ones are on a larger frame – what made you change?
It's just that nobody takes me seriously when I draw miniatures. I don't know if that's the case or not but that's how I felt.
Do you plan on changing the pattern of your painting in your future?
I do. I'm genuinely very restless by nature. Why should I limit myself? The world is so large and there's so much to do… My palette will also evolve with time.
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