Mehreen Hasan is a gifted painter and skillful art teacher from Pakistan. She teaches art to schoolchildren in Doha. She has also been organising exhibitions in Qatar and other countries. Her work has received wide appreciation both in and out of Qatar.
Recently, Community caught up with her to discern about her work and life.
Tell us about yourself.
I am an art academician and practitioner, living in Doha for 13 years. Participating in many international art exhibits in Europe and Mena (Middle East and North Africa) region has brought me recognition. My work has so far been displayed in Italy, Britain, Romania, and Georgia. Interaction with artists from diverse backgrounds and approaches to art have enabled me to develop strong ties with contemporary artists all over the world.
I live in Doha with my three children. My husband is a constant source of support in my work.
How and when did you develop an interest in painting?
I have been involved in some kind of expressive art since a very young age. Looking at my interest in art, my parents got me enrolled in Alhamra Art Class, Lahore, when I was just four. They always encouraged me and used to take me to the studio of Sadequain, the world renowned artist. I would watch the master pieces of Sadequain, also referred to as the ‘Picasso of Pakistan’, in awe. I also worked with Ghulam Mustafa, another well-known artist, and painted the walls of old Lahore city. I got my Master’s degree in Fine Arts with distinction and have also obtained Contemporary Painting Techniques Certification from the University of Arts, London.
What kind of mediums do you use?
I enjoy working in mixed media and like changing the medium of expression with every new series of paintings. From oils to charcoal, pencils to pastels, acrylics to water-colours and inks, and now, fabric, I have worked in all these media. However, I like acrylics the most.
How do you describe painting? What does it mean to you?
Painting is a joy for me. I paint what I love, and I love what I paint. Painting takes me to a place where I can reach the deep recesses of my mind and soul, and bring forth a unique expression of what I find beautiful. The sources of inspiration come from every direction — from the things that move and intrigue me.
My latest works relate to Urdu language and its origin. Various scripts, and the formation of letters in Urdu and Arabic scripts always fascinate me. My recent exhibition in Romania highlighted the history of Urdu language and the lifestyle of the Mughal rulers in India.
The exhibition depicted my journey from the famous Silk Road, in the north of Pakistan, down to winding hills of Himalayas, from Samarkand and Bukhara to the corridors of Aligarh University in India and well-crafted balconies of the walled city of Lahore. My paintings display the form of free-flowing calligraphies, elements created by the fusion of Hindi and Urdu scripts and sensuous colours of the magical mysticism that prevailed in the golden era of the Mughal kings.
How do you see the works of young artists? What piece of advice would you give aspiring artists?
Technology has refined art in many new ways. Our young artists can create artwork using new technologies, including digital art, computer graphics, computer animation, video games, computer robotics and 3D printing.
I, however, am a traditional artist, who still uses conventional painting techniques. Although with the passage of time, my work has evolved to action painting, but it all took years of experience and practice.
My advice to young artists is to learn the basic rules of painting, first. They need to have passion for work and focus. Once you know all the basic rules, feel free to break them all and create art by choosing any medium of expression. In short, there is no shortcut to success!
Let us in on the art activities you have been doing in Qatar. How do you rate the appreciation that art receives here?
Since the day I arrived in Qatar, I have been involved in creative activities, be it in the form of painting, writing prose or poetry or contributing articles as a freelancer. I have been constantly engaged in establishing myself as an artist beyond boundaries by taking part in exhibitions in and outside Qatar. I have also organised charity shows to raise funds for different projects in Pakistan.
Currently, I am teaching at Vision International School. I love being an art educator. On the other hand, interaction with young minds enriches and inspires me to discover still more horizons. Working at a multicultural workplace is a great experience in itself. Local students have opened the doors for me to Arab culture and Arabic language. In my recent works, I have portrayed the subtle differences and similarities between the Qatari and Pakistani cultures.
Qatar offers a lot of opportunities and appreciation for artists. Both artists and art lovers get decent opportunities to excel. There are a lot of places where artists can exhibit their works.
How do you see life in Qatar generally?
Life in Qatar is how you make it. Qatar is like a home for me. The peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the country has played a positive role in helping rediscover myself and my art. The country has also inspired me with its development and heterogeneity. I have received a lot of appreciation for my work in Qatar.
What are your future plans?
Currently, I am experimenting with fabrics and have used them in landscapes during my recent European jaunt. I plan to explore further possibilities in the medium by working on sculptures and reliefs. I plan to continue to pursue my creative journey by representing Qatar beyond its borders. I also plan to organise an exhibition of my works in Canada in the near future.
ARTIST AT WORK: Mehreen Hasan immersed in one of her paintings.
