
Fariya Zaeem
Fariya Zaeem is a distinguished Pakistani contemporary expressionist painter, celebrated for her vibrant abstract compositions and innovative techniques. Her work is characterized by a unique blend of spontaneity, gestural elegance, and a profound exploration of color and form.
Early Life and Education
Fariya's artistic journey commenced at the tender age of 11, where she began painting still life and nature using oils and watercolors. She pursued her passion for art academically, graduating in 1996 with a degree in Communication Design from the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi.
Professional Career
Following her graduation, Fariya dedicated over a decade to the advertising industry, honing her skills in visual communication. She later transitioned to the banking sector, where she currently holds the position of Marketing Head at Soneri Bank in Karachi.
Artistic Style and Medium
Identifying herself as a contemporary expressionist painter, Fariya's work is deeply rooted in lyrical abstraction. She paints intuitively, employing spontaneous strokes and a fluidity that invites viewers into a dynamic visual dialogue. Her preferred medium is watercolor, through which she explores various techniques such as wet-on-wet, dry-on-wet, salt application, shrink-wrap, and bubble-wrap methods. Additionally, she experiments with combining watercolors and acrylics to juxtapose transparency with opacity, light with dark, embodying the concept of yin and yang.
Exhibitions and Notable Works
Fariya has showcased her art in several solo and group exhibitions. Notably, her solo exhibition titled "Lyrical Waves" in Islamabad highlighted her colorful abstract paintings, emphasizing her unique approach to lyrical abstraction. Another significant exhibition, "Naqqash se kuch bol raha hai qartas," paid tribute to the legendary artist Sadequain. In this series, Fariya interpreted Sadequain's quatrains through her abstract style, creating compositions that, while devoid of conspicuous imagery, successfully captured the spirit of the verses.
Artistic Philosophy
Fariya's art transcends mere visual aesthetics; it embodies a spiritual and emotional depth. She believes in the power of art to communicate complex concepts, thoughts, and emotions abstractly. Her compositions often reflect a balance of paradoxes, exploring the interplay between chaos and tranquility, structure and spontaneity.