Pakistani artist travels across the world for landscape inspiration
Soraya Sikandar says Pakistani landscape has been a source of major inspiration for her
April 04, 2019
LONDON: Pakistani painter Soraya Sikandar travels across the world seeking inspiration for her artwork.
Born in Lahore, Sikandar lives in Dubai and frequently travels to Pakistan, London and European locations to exhibit her work but also to get inspiration for new ideas.
Speaking to Geo News, Sikander who is in London these days to showcase her work to various art galleries said she is a painter of life, landscapes and places that she has travelled to.
“I have painted Karachi, Lahore, London, Singapore, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, Amsterdam, Wassenaar and the Hague. I paint in oil paints, on large canvases," she said.
Always certain that she was born to be an artist as drawing was a natural impulse for her, Sikander said, “I have always been drawn towards paint and have a deep understanding of tones and colour.”
Pakistani landscape has been a source of major inspiration for her.
“I adore the mangroves of Karachi and I have often painted this. There is a raw appeal to the small, leafless trees shooting out of the muddy waters. I have also painted the landscape in Punjab, the greenery, its countryside and the floral beds,” the artist added.
Exhibiting her work since 2008, Sikander said, “I paint for causes and I sketch. My paintings have been sold in Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE, Pakistan, UK and USA. My work is worldwide and my paintings are bought by art collectors, ministers, ambassadors, actors, models and celebrities.”
Unlike many artists, she has not faced any difficulties in becoming one. Since her first show opened at Unicorn Gallery Karachi in 2009, Sikander claims her exhibitions have been commercial successes. “My work has been hailed and recognised for its originality. I always go outdoors and paint; by the sea, at a park. I never work indoors. I like to challenge myself. My work has grown over the years. I am never complacent. I like to work on larger projects, and my work and name has grown and spread organically,” she said.
