REVIEW BY ARJUMAND FAISEL – Hafsa Habib’s “Fleeting Fragments” is a treasure trove A few decades ago, receiving postal letters from relatives, pen pals, and friends was an incomparable delight in my life. Each delivery held a sense of wonder and opening those envelopes was akin to unlocking a treasure trove of heartfelt connections, immersing me in the lives and sentiments of loved ones. Every letter forged cherished links and nurtured bonds that surpassed physical miles. Their tangible presence lingers in the memory as the immense joy derived from simple yet profound communication. As I stood before “Fleeting Fragments”, a 36 x 48 inches painting by Hafsa Habib in APA 2023 exhibition, memories of those letters and the emotional richness they carried flooded back, echoing the very essence portrayed in this masterful creation. The captivating collage of old postal envelopes and fragments of letters in varying stages of preservation whispered tales and sentiments. A few pieces bore the address of Lyallpur, reminding us that the memories being captured here are decades old. Interspersed within this mosaic are greeting cards or messages for Eid and Haj, reminiscent of traditional cultural ways of religious celebrations. Hafsa has also skillfully interwoven elements of aged coloured paper, some fading away with time, while others deliberately obscured. This deliberate choice in composition not only adds layers of intrigue but also evokes the intimacy of undisclosed sentiments, perhaps intentionally veiled from public eyes—reflecting on the unseen depths beneath the surface. The soft pastel tones delicately caress the canvas, creating a visual harmony that speaks volumes. Each hue, carefully chosen by Hafsa, contributes to the painting’s tranquil allure, inviting observers to bask in its serene ambience. With her adept handling of colour and composition, the artwork acts as a portal, transporting viewers to a realm of contemplation and serenity. ‘Fleeting Fragments’ encapsulates not only the nostalgia of yesteryears but also serves as a testament to the enduring power of heartfelt communication and the evocative nature of treasured memories.