ISLAMABAD: A solo exhibition of Tabinda Chinoy’s latest work, which opened Friday at Gallery 6, provides a nuanced exploration of contemporary issues, human conflict, cultural diversity, and dreams of social harmony.

As an internationally celebrated painter and sculptor, Chinoy has woven these themes into a series of visually compelling compositions that reflect both her creative maturity and a deeply personal vision for a peaceful world.

A diverse crowd of art enthusiasts, fellow artists, and members of the diplomatic community gathered at the opening to engage with the artist, who shared insights into her work and inspiration. Known for her remarkable range in both painting and sculpture, Chinoy’s exhibition focuses on her latest collection of paintings, showcasing her signature boldness and attention to detail.

A graduate of the Arts Council Karachi, Chinoy further honed her craft at London’s prestigious Slade School of Fine Arts.

Acclaimed artist and historian Ali Imam influence is evident in her vibrant use of colour and mastery of texture and form.Chinoy’s works—created in oil, acrylic, and watercolour on canvas and paper—feature vivid colours , bold textures, and strong lines that bring to life elongated figures with striking, graceful postures.

Speaking about her early influences, she notes, “My independent style developed considerably with Ali Imam’s guidance. He appreciated my love for bright colours, which added a unique dimension to my paintings.”

The four years she spent training with Imam at the Central Institute of Arts and Crafts in Karachi, she recalls, were formative, leading her not only to develop her technique but also to a deep self-awareness that continues to shape her work.

The exhibition, titled Through the Veil of Dreams, encapsulates the evolution of Chinoy’s four-decade artistic journey. Her latest pieces frequently depict educated, urban women set against natural backdrops filled with symbolic elements like birds, flowers, mountain, and expansive skies. These elements are integral to her narratives of cultural diversity, peace, and hope, as noted by the exhibition’s curator, Dr Arjumand Faisel: “These symbols express her dreams for a harmonious and united world.”

In the series My Beautiful World, Chinoy’s work takes on an almost ethereal quality, bridging the personal and universal through themes of interfaith harmony and cultural diversity in Live and Let Live, and messages of resilience in Hope Never Ends.

Her pieces in acrylic — featuring motifs like white and yellow birds, architectural domes, and minarets—suggest peaceful coexistence and a celebration of diversity.

As architect Naeem Pasha observed, “Tabinda’s vibrant colours have a magnetic quality, inviting the viewer into her world. ”Chinoy’s style has evolved over the years from bold expressions to more serene and introspective themes. Having graduated in the 1970s, she held her first solo exhibition at Karachi’s Indus Gallery in the late 1990s. Since then, her work has been showcased internationally in major art hubs like New York, London, Marbella, Singapore, Dubai, and Delhi. Her ability to blend contemporary themes with traditional motifs has established her as a prominent figure in both national and international art circles. Chinoy’s current work reflects a shift toward tranquillity, influenced by her connection to her homeland, Pakistan. “These days, my work reflects more of my inner peace,” she explains. “There’s a subtlety to it, a shift towards serenity and acceptance. I am increasingly drawing inspiration from Pakistan, a country of profound beauty and resilience but also of deep struggles. My work attempts to capture both realities.”Through the Veil of Dreams invites viewers to experience Tabinda Chinoy’s world—rendered in vibrant colour, thoughtful composition, and powerful symbolism. The exhibition runs until October 30, offering art lovers the chance to immerse themselves in the latest works of an artist whose vision continues to evolve with sensitivity and purpose.

Published in Dawn, October 27th, 2024