Sight beyond sight: finding solace in art

For its Arts and Crafts programme, the Asian study Group (ASG) in coordination with the East-West Centre Association-Islamabad Chapter (EWCA-IC) organised a heart-warming and inspiring presentation and exhibition of paintings by Zarina Hassan. The event was held at the Serena hotel and attended by ASG members, family and friends. EWCA-IC President Dr. Arjumand Faisel, introduced her work.

Though she looks like a senior college student, Zarina Hassan, is a 44 year old mother of three children. A medical virologist by training (MBBS, MSc) she lost her eyesight to glaucoma a few years ago and at present can barely distinguish between light and dark. This was her first solo exhibition, with selected works from a wide array of subjects and styles, which included landscapes, portraits, animals and birds, as well still life in different mediums.

While she answered questions that explained her transition from being a woman with an active career in her chosen field of expertise, to her present blossoming as an artist, the ASG blurb about how she feels says it all. “I am blind. Not handicapped, just inconvenienced. I began painting in February, 2017. I have evolved into an artist, a writer and a social activist. My work is meant to inspire and give hope - to radiate positivity. I find solace in my art. I find peace. It gives me joy. I derive a sense of accomplishment. I articulate sentiments and emotions and celebrate the beauty of life, for it is a gift to be cherished. My artwork is a reflection of my soul. It is not a visual phenomenon for me. My touch guides me to portray an image in my mind onto canvas. I cannot classify my work into a specific ‘ism,’ but I feel it has shades of impressionism and expressionism. I work in different mediums, ranging from oils to acrylics; charcoal to oil pastels and water colours. I am grateful that my ‘ability’ is acknowledged rather than it being overshadowed by my disability.”

She also explained that when she first began painting she used to call to her family members to hand her the colours she needed but now she has managed to create a system by which she knows exactly which colour is placed where and manages on her own - another testimony to her resolve to keep going despite the odds.

Her work was displayed and was for sale. While many people wanted to acquire this talented lady’s work, sorry to say there was no price list and no one appeared to have the slightest clue about it, or the prices, which was disappointing.

Hopefully there will be another opportunity to do so and until then the good wishes she received will surely give her additional courage and the will to reach new heights. Speaking of which, she has literally achieved this feat as she is a rock climber and made it to the top of the Eagle's Nest at Sadhu's Retreat!