"The process to create a piece becomes very interesting."
Hailing from Karachi, Pakistan, Tazeen Qayyum has cemented her position as one of the greatest artists of her time.
When the tragic 9/11 attacks occurred in 2001, Tazeen began using the cockroach as a metaphor.
This metaphor signified the loss of lives and subsequent conflict that arose from the incident, and the cockroach is a staple in many of her artworks.
Tazeen’s work has been at the centre of several exhibitions and galleries, each displaying her unique capability and unparalleled artistry.
Some of these exhibitions include Miniature Paintings, Canvas Gallery, and A Holding Pattern at Pearson International Airport.
Paying tribute to her incandescent talent, we showcase seven of her beautiful artworks.
Sahih Galat
This circular masterpiece suggests the motion of life continuing to revolve, yet the conflict and opposition lie in the hidden details.
The precision in the painting is a testament to Tazeen’s fine artistry.
Sahih Galat encourages consumers to question their feelings, inquisitions and forays in life.
Shanal Kazi praised Sahih Galat, saying:
“The absolute peace and harmony that directed the artist as she produced made me stand there and want to question and question.
“But now, as I stand before her many works in Toronto time and time again, I cannot say I have the answers.
“But this work evoked a beguiling sense of gratitude and wonder as it tugged on the dilemma instilled in me.
“As I saw this magnificent work in person, and the surmounting crowds around it, even though some could not read the words and alphabets, its resonance was as resounding as ever.”
Patterns of Resilience
As mentioned earlier, the imagery of cockroaches forms a large segment of Tazeen Qayyam’s artwork.
This painting depicts an array of cockroaches in a circular format as they are joined together.
Decorated with confident brushstrokes and intricate detail, Patterns of Resilience shows art of a rare and amazing quality.
A fan comments: “Congratulations, Tazeen. Wonderful work.”
Another adds: “Amazing!”
The project was supported by the Canadian Embassy in Thailand and was presented at three sites in Museum Siam.
Grief Unmasked
Serenity is a staple of Tazeen’s work, which is apparent in this project from 2021.
This painting capitalises on the value of a home, where one can truly express emotion and joy without covering anything up.
It includes butterflies, which symbolise the grief of children, made in the shape of disposed masks.
As the children let these masks fly away into a golden sky, this emboldens Tazeen’s knack for deep meanings and representations.
Praising the work on Instagram, a user comments: “Love this photo where you were reaching up to put a butterfly on – making art from art.”
For Tazeen, Grief Unmasked is a project that tributes to her special home, which makes it all the more endearing.
To Your Heart’s Desire
Intersecting Tazeen Qayyum’s cockroach series and her drawing, we come to this exquisite artwork.
Featuring a rose image on a pure white background, this painting evokes peace and tranquillity from the audience.
In this unique experimentation, Tazeen creates a hybrid of work and printmaking.
Delving into To Your Heart’s Desire, Tazeen explains:
“This project began with a simple idea that I want to draw a dead cockroach as ‘words’, which I can fluently write in repetition.
“To see an image as a word, one needs to learn the new alphabet, the anatomy, just like when you want to learn a language, you start with the simple exercises of learning the alphabet first, so that is exactly what I did.
“The exercise of writing this new language creates an archival knowledge that ties the ancient past of hieroglyphics to the modern day language of technology.”
Solitude
Returning to the theme of circular masterpieces, we come to Solitude, also known as ‘Uzlat’.
This artwork features circles inside each other as a beautiful spiral creates the impact of imagination and juxtapositions with loneliness.
Here, Tazeen envisions that it is a myth that solitude disconnects one from the world and its people.
She asserts that instead, it provides the perfect opportunity for self-reflection, imagination, and discovery.
The skill shown in the craftsmanship of the painting once again shows the talent of Tazeen Qayyam.
Incubate
Incubate is an artwork that sculpts Tazeen’s love for cockroaches and dispelling their motifs.
These motifs include abjection and revulsion. However, Tazeen sees these insects as soulful beings like any human.
The sculpture shows a watercolour image of a cockroach inside a petri dish and is a refinement of Pakistani contemporary art.
Incubate recognises the humanity of beings surviving toxic governing bodies when they are seen as pests, much like cockroaches.
It also highlights that cockroaches have been adapting and evolving just as any people.
The impression that Tazeen creates with this work is thought-provoking and original.
The Great Game
This painting shows the essence of playing cards in a colourful display of ambience and rhythm.
We can see the cards stacked in a line underneath strokes of watercolour shaped like flowers.
The opaque watercolour drapes across the board, complementing the cards with passion and artistry.
The painting is done on Wasli paper, enhancing its look, and it shows Tazeen Qayyam at her very best.
Tazeen Qayyam is an artist with a unique blend of socialism and passion.
The messages she conveys through her artwork are essential and sublime yet grab the attention of art connoisseurs.
Describing her work process, Tazeen says: “Every time I set out to work, I create a set of challenges for myself both within the medium and the content of my work.
“Therefore, the process to create a piece becomes very interesting and challenging, and thus satisfying when completed.”
Tazeen Qayyam is an artist of immense talent and you can check out more of her outstanding work on her Instagram page.