Obsessed with automobile engine parts, Qatar-born Fatima Javed Shiekh has successfully learnt the art of turning mechanical pieces into breathtaking ceramic sculptures. Daughter of a successful entrepreneur, she has done her Bachelor’s in Design from the National College of Arts, Lahore Pakistan, although she had always thought of pursuing medicine. She received her early education from the National Grammar School, Lahore. She is greatly inspired by Abstract Expressionism, a term applied to new forms of abstract art developed by American painters such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Willem de Kooning in the 1940s and 1950s. Her works have been exhibited in countries including Qatar, Hungary, the UK and Pakistan. She has had a keen interest in collecting junk parts of automobiles and embodied this in her work -- working in ceramics to create artworks like metal. She enjoys blending of mechanical and organic forms together to showcase her artistic expressions. She relies heavily on the process of transformation that an individual goes through. Her works highlight every emotion that comes during the change. In an interview with Qatar Tribune, she spoke about her artistic journey. Excerpts:
What inspired you to pursue art?
I wasn’t aware that I had the insight towards art. I always thought I would become a doctor but Almighty Allah had other plans for which I am indebted. I don’t see art as work. It’s more of an escape for me where there is no set protocol of how one needs to look the part. Instead, it offers indefinite options of creativity.
Why did you choose ceramics sculpture?
The simple answer would be it listens and dictates me. It’s pure and unique relationship, which I don’t find anywhere else. I believe my abstract perception of mechanical objects that can only be develop through clay.
Any artist/s who led you towards this path?
Steven Montgomery is my favourite artist in ceramic sculpture, as his alternative approaches to methods of low-fired, mixed media ceramic construction and the oil painted ceramic surface treatments that have been a signature of his work. I also like Jackson Pollock and Richard Rogers’ works.
Your style of using ceramic sculpture is quite unique. What has been your inspiration?
I have always been drawn towards the engine parts of automobiles, unlike others who are mostly inclined towards the cosmetic exteriors of the car. The complexity of mechanical parts and how well they are connected to each other always fascinated me. From the biggest to the smallest piece, all units are perfectly aligned to make the engine work. I like to capture the same connectivity in my work to express my thoughts. I also have a huge collection of engine parts in my house in Lahore.
You have done residency in Hungary. How was that experience?
My head of department at NCA, Shazia Mirza, recommended me to visit International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét Hungary for artist residency. I enjoy it every time I go there. Artists from all over the world come under one roof and share their artistic journeys. I think when you are living with such intellectuals, you can learn more about their life than just their art. According to me this learning experience plays a vital role for any artist concept developing process. I have gone there twice and I plan to go there again in 2022.
Which are the places you haveexhibited your creations at?
I have recently exhibited in Ajyal Art Exhibition which was inaugurated by HE Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani and curated by Khalifa Bin Abdulla Al-Thani titled ‘We will not leave’ in 2021. This exhibition was in support of Palestinians and their struggle for basic rights. My work was exhibited at International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét Hungary titled ‘Variables’ in 2020. I highlighted the possibilities of growth by using organic elements through stoneware paper clay. My work was also exhibited at Gabriel Fine Arts, London titled ‘Transitional Essence’ in 2016. The exhibition was part of World Conference on Pharmacometrics (WCoP) initiative with Barikee Arts & Crafts. I grasped full knowledge of working with porcelain clay. I studied cultural impact of various clay forms and their impact on an artistic expression. My work was exhibited at Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore, Pakistan titled ‘Driving Force’ in 2012. My project consisted of ceramic mechanical chains which symbolised emotion of strength.
What are your future plans?
I plan to have more exhibitions in Qatar and Europe. I would like to practice my work through multiple workshops series with my audience. I plan to invite the audience into my unique process where they will be part of the alterations of my sculptures. These interactions will enhance the understanding of contemporary art among visitors. My work can be viewed at my Instagram page: @abstractnation.
What inspired you to pursue art?
I wasn’t aware that I had the insight towards art. I always thought I would become a doctor but Almighty Allah had other plans for which I am indebted. I don’t see art as work. It’s more of an escape for me where there is no set protocol of how one needs to look the part. Instead, it offers indefinite options of creativity.
Why did you choose ceramics sculpture?
The simple answer would be it listens and dictates me. It’s pure and unique relationship, which I don’t find anywhere else. I believe my abstract perception of mechanical objects that can only be develop through clay.
Any artist/s who led you towards this path?
Steven Montgomery is my favourite artist in ceramic sculpture, as his alternative approaches to methods of low-fired, mixed media ceramic construction and the oil painted ceramic surface treatments that have been a signature of his work. I also like Jackson Pollock and Richard Rogers’ works.
Your style of using ceramic sculpture is quite unique. What has been your inspiration?
I have always been drawn towards the engine parts of automobiles, unlike others who are mostly inclined towards the cosmetic exteriors of the car. The complexity of mechanical parts and how well they are connected to each other always fascinated me. From the biggest to the smallest piece, all units are perfectly aligned to make the engine work. I like to capture the same connectivity in my work to express my thoughts. I also have a huge collection of engine parts in my house in Lahore.
You have done residency in Hungary. How was that experience?
My head of department at NCA, Shazia Mirza, recommended me to visit International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét Hungary for artist residency. I enjoy it every time I go there. Artists from all over the world come under one roof and share their artistic journeys. I think when you are living with such intellectuals, you can learn more about their life than just their art. According to me this learning experience plays a vital role for any artist concept developing process. I have gone there twice and I plan to go there again in 2022.
Which are the places you haveexhibited your creations at?
I have recently exhibited in Ajyal Art Exhibition which was inaugurated by HE Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Al Thani and curated by Khalifa Bin Abdulla Al-Thani titled ‘We will not leave’ in 2021. This exhibition was in support of Palestinians and their struggle for basic rights. My work was exhibited at International Ceramic Studio in Kecskemét Hungary titled ‘Variables’ in 2020. I highlighted the possibilities of growth by using organic elements through stoneware paper clay. My work was also exhibited at Gabriel Fine Arts, London titled ‘Transitional Essence’ in 2016. The exhibition was part of World Conference on Pharmacometrics (WCoP) initiative with Barikee Arts & Crafts. I grasped full knowledge of working with porcelain clay. I studied cultural impact of various clay forms and their impact on an artistic expression. My work was exhibited at Alhamra Art Gallery, Lahore, Pakistan titled ‘Driving Force’ in 2012. My project consisted of ceramic mechanical chains which symbolised emotion of strength.
What are your future plans?
I plan to have more exhibitions in Qatar and Europe. I would like to practice my work through multiple workshops series with my audience. I plan to invite the audience into my unique process where they will be part of the alterations of my sculptures. These interactions will enhance the understanding of contemporary art among visitors. My work can be viewed at my Instagram page: @abstractnation.