Zoya Alina Currimbhoy’s artistic exposition, ‘Spirit of Play’, on display at the IVS Gallery, serves as a mesmerising odyssey into the realms of imagination, nature and existential contemplation.

Rooted in her diverse academic background, which includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the esteemed Rhode Island School of Design (2017) and a Master of Arts in Spatial Performance and Design from the prestigious Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in 2021, this exhibition represents her multifaceted expertise.

Central to Currimbhoy’s thematic exploration is the elemental force of water, which she deftly employs as both a visual motif and a metaphorical vessel for profound introspection. Within the vibrant tableau of Spinning Disks — Birth, she orchestrates a mesmerising dance of water, air and sand, evoking the primordial rhythms of creation. This synthesis of natural elements reflects her transcendent vision, wherein the boundaries between art and life dissolve into an immersive sensory experience.

In the captivating artwork Seal Song, Currimbhoy masterfully captures a scene where two boats, devoid of human occupants, drift languidly in the foreground, while a third, diminutive vessel dances on the horizon. Against this serene backdrop, seals frolic joyfully in the shimmering waters, infusing the composition with a sense of whimsy and enchantment.

Zoya Alina Currimbhoy explores the profound mysteries of existence and the intrinsic wisdom embedded within the fluidity of water in her latest exhibition

Central to the composition are the hyperbolic proportions of the wind chimes adorning the boats, their elongated forms dominating the visual landscape. Initially, the closest wind chime to the viewer may appear as wooden beams submerged in the water, seemingly anchored to prevent the boat’s drift. Yet, upon closer inspection, their delicate sway reveals them to be chimes, their tinkling echoing across the tranquil expanse.

In Seal Song, the absence of human presence is juxtaposed with the vibrant vitality of the natural world, reminding us of the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment.

What distinguishes Currimbhoy’s oeuvre is her bold departure from conventional colour palettes, as exemplified by the arresting fuchsia tones that permeate works such as Melting, Energy, and Reverberations I & II. This chromatic deviation imbues her compositions with an enigmatic allure, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and introspection.

Drawing upon her architectural training at the AA, Currimbhoy infuses her compositions with a symbiotic blend of whimsy and purpose, alongside form and functionality. The Unabandoned Playhouse juxtaposes playful elements — a wooden structure replete with slides and swings — with the solemnity of its utilitarian function as a lighthouse. Such juxtapositions serve as poignant reminders of the duality inherent in human constructs.

Moreover, the artist’s oeuvre beckons viewers into a realm of childlike wonder, as exemplified by the intricate yet playful architectural motifs adorning Skeleton. Amidst the whimsical totem-pole structures emerge profound reflections on the intrinsic wisdom embedded within the fluidity of water.

In her own words, Currimbhoy articulates the underlying ethos of her work, wherein play serves as a gateway to liberation and creativity.

In the composition Difference in Taste, she employs a striking monochromatic palette of pure fuchsia to depict a scene that is both captivating and disquieting. Within this surreal tableau, a woman and a man are portrayed with exaggerated lengths of their tongues, their heads bowed as they seemingly partake in the consumption of pink water. The exaggerated tongues of the figures imbue the scene with an otherworldly quality, evoking comparisons to mythological deities or supernatural entities.

As the duo quenches their thirst with the enigmatic hot pink liquid, a sense of eerie unease pervades the atmosphere, leaving the viewer to grapple with the unsettling implications of their actions. Difference in Taste serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities inherent within human nature, prompting contemplation on the dichotomy between pleasure and peril.

Furthermore, Wishing Well stands as a testament to Currimbhoy’s mastery of form and colour, as delicate renditions of sea shells cascade harmoniously amidst a symphony of pink and blue tones.

The exhibition serves as a testament to the artist’s unwavering commitment to exploring the profound mysteries of existence through the prism of artistic expression.

‘Spirit of Play’ is on display at the IVS Gallery in Karachi from Apr 18-May 2, 2024

Rumana Husain is a writer, artist and educator. She is the author of two coffee-table books on Karachi, and has authored and illustrated 75 children’s books

Published in Dawn, EOS, April 28th, 2024