Congratulations to Afshana Sharmeen for earning her place as a Winner in the Boynes Monthly Art Award [February 2024 Edition]!

Who are you?

I'm Afshana Sharmeen, a visual artist and educator hailing from Chennai, India. My journey as an artist began at the tender age of five, nurtured by the keen eye of my mother who recognized my innate talent. Despite initially pursuing a degree in biotechnology, my passion for painting remained steadfast, eventually leading me back to my true calling in 2011 under the mentorship of eminent artist and sculptor Shri A.V.Ilango. Inspired by Chennai's vibrant urban landscape and India's evolving identity, I weave together traditional painting techniques with innovative materials, such as real metal rods and plates, to encapsulate the essence of our nation's transformation. I also aim to spread a social message on women empowerment through my art. Through my art and teaching, I aspire to preserve and share the rich cultural heritage of India while empowering others to embrace their creative potential.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO UTILIZE painting AS A MEDIUM?

The allure of painting as a medium stems from its ability to serve as the visual voice of the soul, expressing emotions and narratives beyond words. Living amidst the dynamic ever evolving urban landscape of Chennai, I found endless inspiration in the city's ever-changing sights and sounds, its fusion of tradition and modernity, and its vibrant cultural tapestry. Each brushstroke allows me to articulate the essence of this metropolis, capturing its energy, diversity, and relentless spirit of growth. In painting, I discovered a profound means to convey not just images, but the soulful essence of my surroundings and my own journey.

How would you describe your ARTwork?

My artwork serves as a vibrant reflection of the dynamic tapestry of life, blending traditional techniques with innovative materials to create a unique visual experience. Each piece is infused with the essence of my surroundings, capturing the bustling energy and cultural richness of the city .. Through bold strokes and intricate details, I strive to convey the soulful narrative of transformation, celebrating the resilience and beauty inherent in every moment. My art speaks of evolution, of progress, and of the timeless connection between past, present, and future. It's a testament to the power of creativity to transcend boundaries and ignite the imagination, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

Through my work, I aim to transport the audience into a realm where emotions are vividly painted onto the canvas, where every stroke tells a story, and where the beauty of life's complexities unfolds before their eyes. I aspire to evoke a range of emotions, from nostalgia and introspection to awe and inspiration, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound beauty of the world around them. Ultimately, I hope to spark a sense of connection and understanding, reminding people of the shared human experience and the inherent beauty found in everyday moments.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?

The inspiration behind my winning work stems from a personal experience during a rainy day in a tropical country. Living in such an environment, the umbrella becomes more than just a tool for shielding oneself from the rain; it takes on multiple roles, from providing shelter against torrential downpours to creating a barrier against the scorching heat and unwanted attention. In recent times, with the emphasis on social distance, I've come to appreciate the umbrella even more as it allows for maintaining a safe distance with just a click.

The painting depicts a moment of refuge under a bus stop, a scene I experienced first hand after forgetting my own umbrella on a rainy day. As I watched others passing by, sheltered beneath their colorful canopies, I couldn't help but envy their preparedness and foresight. It's a reflection on the importance of simple yet imaginative tools in our lives and how they can make a significant difference, even in unexpected ways.

While there may not be a whimsical story associated with my umbrella, the painting itself serves as a powerful symbol of automatic social distancing, effortlessly unfolding with a swift motion, whether rain or shine. It's a reminder of the practicality and adaptability of everyday objects and how they can evolve to meet the needs of the times.

Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning work?

I began the painting process by sketching out the buildings, focusing on perspective to create depth and dimension. Choosing the base colour was the next step, and I opted for blue. This colour was selected to evoke a range of emotions, from feelings of serenity and calm to moments of melancholy and sadness. Blue's connections to elements of the natural world, like the sky and the sea, made it a fitting choice to represent the vastness of the universe and to inspire a sense of wonder within the viewer.

After establishing the base colour and structure of the buildings, I focused on refining the lighting in the scene. This involved carefully considering where the light source was coming from and how it interacted with the architectural elements. With this in mind, I began adding highlights and punch points to the painting.

The highlights are areas of the composition where the light hits most intensely, creating contrast and drawing the viewer's attention. These points of brightness add depth and realism to the scene, enhancing the overall visual impact. By strategically placing highlights on surfaces that catch the light, such as windows, rooftops, and edges of buildings, I aimed to create a sense of luminosity and atmosphere.

Additionally, the punch points are areas of heightened interest or focal points within the painting. These could be architectural details, focal points, or elements that add visual interest and draw the viewer's eye. By carefully accentuating these punch points with brighter highlights or stronger contrasts, I aimed to guide the viewer's gaze and create a sense of visual hierarchy within the composition.

Overall, by refining the lighting and adding highlights and punch points, I sought to elevate the realism and visual impact of the painting, enhancing its depth, atmosphere, and overall emotional resonance.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

During the process of creating my artwork, my biggest learning experience stemmed from a setback I encountered while experimenting with a new technique. Initially, I attempted to incorporate a complex and thick layering method to achieve a particular effect in the painting. However, despite meticulous planning and execution, the results fell short of my expectations, paints smudged beyond imagination leaving me feeling frustrated and disheartened.

Yet, this apparent failure became a pivotal moment in my artistic journey. It taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability, prompting me to reassess my approach and explore alternative methods. Through perseverance and continued practice, I eventually discovered a different technique that not only achieved the desired effect but also added depth and richness to the artwork beyond what I had initially envisioned.

This experience highlighted the value of embracing challenges and viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth. It reinforced the notion that failure is not a final outcome but rather a stepping stone towards improvement and mastery. Ultimately, it taught me to trust in the process of artistic exploration and to remain open to the possibilities that arise along the way.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

My most significant success since embarking on my artistic journey is undoubtedly being selected to represent India at the international "Inspire Inclusion" exhibition in Dubai on International Women's Day in March 2024. This honour serves as a milestone not only in my career as an artist but also as a fervent advocate for women's empowerment and the fight against injustices faced by women worldwide. Organized by zeearts gallery under the esteemed patronage of unesco, this exhibition brought together 108 women artists from 108 countries, each contributing to a global narrative of hope, inclusion, and empowerment.

My series titled "Behind Closed Doors" was my contribution to this transformative endeavour. Through these paintings, I sought to shed light on the silent struggles and inner strength of women facing challenges behind closed doors. This achievement is a testament to the power of art to spark meaningful dialogue and inspire change, as well as to my unwavering dedication to authentically channeling my experiences and emotions onto the canvas. The profound connection forged between viewers and my artwork validates the impact of my creative expression and reinforces my commitment to using art as a tool for social change and empowerment.

Can you give us a piece of advice you wish you had known at the start of your career?

One piece of advice I wish I had known at the start of my career is the importance of perseverance and resilience. It's essential to never give up on your artistic journey, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. There may be moments of self-imposed pressure or societal expectations that tempt you to quit, but remember to stay steadfast in your passion. Take breaks when needed, engage in meditation or other forms of self-care to alleviate stress, but always return to your craft with renewed vigor. Creative breaks are crucial for nurturing inspiration and maintaining artistic vitality. Trust in your abilities, stay true to your artistic vision, and embrace the journey with determination and courage.

What projects are you working on currently?

Currently, I'm deeply immersed in two distinct yet equally compelling projects. The first focuses on cityscapes, delving into the intricate layers of urban development where past memories lay buried beneath the foundations of new structures. Through my art, I aim to capture these evolving landscapes, preserving the essence of historical landmarks and architectural treasures for future generations to cherish and understand their roots. Each stroke on the canvas serves as a snapshot of the ever-changing urban fabric, a testament to the passage of time and the relentless march of progress.

In parallel, I'm also passionately engaged in projects centered around women empowerment and fostering inclusivity. These paintings serve as a visual narrative of resilience, strength, and the indomitable spirit of women from all walks of life. Through powerful imagery and symbolism, I seek to inspire dialogue, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for gender equality. By amplifying the voices and experiences of women through my art, I aspire to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society, where every individual is valued and empowered to pursue their dreams.

Both projects offer unique opportunities for artistic exploration and storytelling, allowing me to delve into diverse themes and narratives that resonate deeply with contemporary society. As I continue to pour my heart and soul into these endeavors, I eagerly anticipate sharing the finished works with audiences worldwide, offering them a glimpse into the rich tapestry of human experiences and the transformative power of art.

What is your dream project or piece you hope to accomplish?

My ultimate dream project is to stage exhibitions of my artwork in multiple countries, spanning continents, and reaching a diverse global audience. This ambitious endeavour would not only offer an unparalleled opportunity to showcase my creative vision on an international scale but also foster cultural exchange and dialogue across borders. By sharing my paintings with audiences from different backgrounds and perspectives, I aspire to ignite conversations, inspire connections, and celebrate the universal language of art. Through this immersive experience, I envision building bridges of understanding and appreciation, leaving a lasting legacy of creativity, unity, and shared humanity.

As a winner, do you have any advice for artists who want to submit to awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?

First of all, a huge thank you for recognizing and awarding my painting. Winning an award or participating in competitions, residencies, and other opportunities can be incredibly rewarding for artists. Beyond the recognition itself, these experiences serve as powerful motivators to continually strive for excellence and push artistic boundaries. Moreover, they offer invaluable platforms for expanding one's audience reach and connecting with artists from diverse backgrounds and genres. Engaging in such endeavours not only fosters personal growth and development but also facilitates meaningful collaborations and exchanges within the artistic community, ultimately enriching one's creative journey.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

Here are some pieces of advice I would offer to fellow artists:

Stay true to yourself: Embrace your unique voice and artistic vision. Authenticity is key to creating meaningful and impactful artwork.

Practice patience: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a masterpiece. Cultivate patience and perseverance in your artistic journey, knowing that progress takes time.

Never stop learning: Art is a lifelong journey of discovery and growth. Continuously seek out new techniques, styles, and perspectives to expand your repertoire and evolve as an artist.

Embrace failure: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Don't be afraid to take risks and experiment with different approaches, knowing that failure is an essential part of the creative process.

Find your tribe: Surround yourself with supportive and like-minded individuals who understand and appreciate your passion for art. Building a strong community of fellow artists can provide encouragement, feedback, and inspiration.

Take care of yourself: Creativity flourishes in a healthy mind and body. Prioritize self-care, whether it's through regular exercise, meditation, or simply taking breaks to recharge and rejuvenate.

Trust the process: Artistic breakthroughs often come when you least expect them. Trust in your intuition and allow yourself to explore and experiment without the pressure of immediate results.

Share your art: Don't keep your creations hidden away. Share them with the world, whether it's through exhibitions, social media, or other platforms. Your art has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and evoke emotions in others.

Seek feedback: Constructive criticism can be invaluable in helping you grow as an artist. Don't be afraid to solicit feedback from trusted mentors, peers, and even your audience to gain new insights and perspectives.

Stay passionate: Above all, maintain your passion and love for art. Let it be the driving force behind everything you create, infusing your work with energy, emotion, and purpose.

To view more of Afshana Sharmeen

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