Purgation

Fariha Rashid

Lahore, Pakistan

In this series of miniature paintings I give expression to my inner feelings, anger, aggression, and love.

I experience all these emotions very strongly in regard to various events in my life, and they compel me to paint and represent them.

Leaves and Ropes are the main symbols I use.

Leaves represent hope, revival and growth, but if dead leaves are painted, they will be regarded as signifying despair and hopelessness.

Ropes on a broader scale refer to knowledge, but the color differentiates their various meanings.

White ropes represent a positive type of knowledge, but the black areas in the ropes signify black magic and dark wisdom.

Expressing my feelings in paintings and through symbols has a liberating effect. For this reason, the series could also be called ‘Catharsis’.