In an exclusive interview with You! Zehra talks about her journey in the art world and ‘Ray of Hope’...
interview
Zehra Fatima Tooba is a Karachi-based artist who graduated from Karachi School of Arts with a medal for ‘Best Student of the Year’ in 2014. She has exhibited her art in many renowned art galleries of the city along with State Bank of Pakistan, WWF Pakistan and the National Art Gallery in Islamabad. In order to develop her digital imprint, Zehra is also skilled in Adobe Illustrator.
However, when Zehra became a mother, she suffered from postpartum depression (PPD) which put a halt on her pursuits for arts. But, it was her art that eventually pulled her out from her despair and pushed her back towards life. It was then, when she discovered art therapy and decided to professionally explore Psychology and Therapeutic Art. She completed her ‘Annual Psychiatry Certificate Course’ from AKUH Karachi in 2019 and is currently practising Art Therapy at the ARC - Aas Recovery Centre. She is also working on her upcoming exhibition ‘Ray of Hope’ which is an effort to shed light on the issue of postpartum depression and give an opportunity to artist mothers to get back to their craft...
In an exclusive interview with You! Zehra talks about her journey in the art world and ‘Ray of Hope’...
You! Tell us about your journey through postpartum depression and how did you handle it?
Zehra Fatima Tooba: It was a very difficult time for me as I went through PPD, but I had no other option but to work harder. I had to create art even if it meant sacrificing my sleep. Continuing art work acted as a therapy for me and an antidote for PPD.
You! What was your inspiration behind ‘Ray of hope’?
ZFT: My personal experience has made me realise that people around us should be aware of PPD. I got the idea of curating this exhibition to promote awareness and also support other women who have gone through or are undergoing PPD. This project is well on its way with my co-curators Sarwat Nasim Shah and Anem Kazem Ali. With the support of Shakira Masood we already have arranged an artist meet-up. There are 14 artists – Alefiya Abbas Ali, Ammara Gul Aga, Aroob Ansari, Fariha Furqan, Fatima Khalid Khan, Kiran Zohaib, Manisha Jiani, Sanniya Adnan, Sana Anwer, Sana Nezam, Rabia Dawood, Sumaira Tazeen and Zohra Amarta Shah – including myself who are expected to take part in this exhibition.
You! What made you pursue art?
ZFT: Colours have always attracted me as a child and I always scored the highest marks in it since primary classes. I also received achievement certificates and awards in art projects. And growing up, I looked up multiple career options but I kept coming back to fine arts. I got an admission in Karachi School of Arts, an institute which has given us many renowned artists. In a nutshell, my love for art brought me here.
You! Why do you paint?
ZFT: For me, it is very fulfilling since it is one best medium through which I can express myself to the society in general.
You! What is your specialty in terms of the techniques and materials you use?
ZFT: As far as material is concerned, I want to explore different types of materials and would not restrict myself to one or two basics. However, being a sculptor, I have explored different types of clays primarily. When it comes to technique, I am very fond of using light to produce shadows for my sculptures creating an effect which completes the artefact.
You! As a mother, do you find it difficult to create art or maintain the same momentum?
ZFT: Yes, it is challenging as I have to quit some of my mediums such as oil paints – as they are not safe to work with babies around. So, I mostly paint with acrylics and water colours.
You! Is there an element in your art you enjoy the most?
ZFT: I enjoy the complete process, so it is difficult for me to single out an element. Although, one can say that I have enjoyed creating shadows with my sculpture and secondly using chairs as paintings as they can be used to sit or placed as decoration pieces in homes.
You! What is the inspiration behind your work?
ZFT: It’s usually the social issues that I observe in my surroundings which inspire to create such as my upcoming project ‘Ray of Hope.’ Moreover, I admire the work of few artists like Abdul Jabbar Gul, Munawar Ali Syed, Khalil Chishtee, Riffat Alvi, A. Q. Arif and Ghalib Baqar, who continue to inspire me.
You! Is there any work of yours that you are most proud of?
ZFT: My thesis work which was about Old Age Home.
You! Can you tell us how long does it normally take you to finish one painting?
ZFT: It depends on the size of the canvas but on average it takes 2 to 3 months from layouts till the complete piece.
You! How many exhibitions you have done so far?
ZFT: I have done 23 exhibitions since 2011 to present.
You! What do you dislike about the art world?
ZFT: Lobby system. I think each talent should be appreciated based on his/her talent and hard work that is put into their artefact. Furthermore, the way talent is criticised in our art circle should be objective aiming to bring improvement instead of personal grudges, resulting in subduing the talent.
You! What do you like about your work?
ZFT: To be able to use my imagination and give it shape in the form of my work, especially if it turns out the way I envision it. Putting it simply, imagination has no boundaries and so does art.
You! What do you dislike about your work?
ZFT: I get impatient to finish off my work even if it is not working out for me in the moment unlike other people who would take a break and then resume work to finish it better.
You! How do people receive your work?
ZFT: I consider myself lucky as a lot of people are able to relate to my work for being a depiction of their own reality.
You! What is your dream project?
ZFT: Every project I do is my dream project.
You! Name your favourite artists:
ZFT: Abdul Jabbar Gul, Munawar Ali Syed, Khalil Chishtee, Riffat Alvi, A. Q. Arif and Ghalib Baqar.
You! Do you travel in order to gain knowledge or get inspired for your work?
ZFT: I definitely believe in travelling as it helps in exploring and broadening new horizons for your imagination. However as of yet my work is based on realities which exist in our day to day lives.
You! In your opinion, how would you define surreal art?
ZFT: A beautiful expression of reality which cannot be restricted by it.
You! What is an artistic outlook on life?
ZFT: You achieve what you can imagine.
You! Tell us about some of your most defining past projects?
ZFT: I have done a lot of projects but the most defining would be Sand Art advertisement for ‘Classic Bread’. I also worked for ‘Pur Sukoon Karachi Festival’, WWF Pakistan and have done mural paintings for private clients. I have also worked as a character modeller at the Comic Company.
You! What’s your biggest accomplishment to-date?
ZFT: Using art as a therapy to heal people.
You! How do you unwind?
ZFT: By preparing and enjoying good food, going out with family, listening to music and watching movies.
You! Your philosophy of life:
ZFT: Live and let live.
You! What is your favourite subject that is close to your heart?
ZFT: Art and Psychology.
You! Do you think we can change established mindsets through painting?
ZFT: I don’t know. But I do think that if established minds are open to change then painting and any other form of art can help them to change otherwise nothing can.
You! Do you think there is place for new artists in today’s digital world?
ZFT: There will always be place for new artists. Mediums and materials can change but expression will always be there with human beings. Moreover, I do think people are and will always be interested in buying paintings and other artefacts because there is no substitute for original pieces of art and artists.
You! What’s your advise for young mothers trying to get back into the field?
ZFT: Raising your kids is the best job you can imagine, so enjoy the moments of your child’s upbringing as this time will never come back. Similarly, you also need to maintain your uniqueness and continue your passion. Be it art or any other profession that you want to pursue, my advice is to first of all accept that you can do it, secondly manage time accordingly.
You! What are your future plans?
ZFT: I want to continue my passion and give back my best to the society.
