Hamla (Attack)

Artist

Roohi Shafiq Ahmed

Born in Ottawa, Canada

A Life Interwoven: The Art of Roohi Shafiq Ahmed

Roohi Shafiq Ahmed is an artist whose work feels intrinsically tied to the geographies and experiences that have shaped her life – a compelling narrative woven between Canada, India, and Pakistan. Born in Ottawa, with deep familial roots in Bangalore, India, Ahmed’s artistic journey isn't simply about aesthetic creation; it’s a continuous exploration of identity, displacement, and the fragile nature of existence within shifting political and social landscapes. Her background as a senior federal public servant for over 25 years adds another layer to her practice, informing her cerebral approach with a nuanced understanding of international affairs and power dynamics.

From Cartography to Conceptual Forms

Ahmed’s artistic trajectory is marked by a fascinating evolution from more traditional representational forms towards increasingly conceptual and multi-disciplinary expressions. Initially drawn to cartographical references, she began investigating the ontological realities of human existence within environments undergoing rapid change. This early fascination with maps wasn't merely about physical locations; it was about charting emotional territories, tracing histories of migration, and visualizing the impact of political forces on individual lives. Her work often grapples with themes of disintegration and clash – not as abstract concepts, but as palpable experiences embedded in the fabric of contemporary society.

The Language of Materials: Pins, Metal, and Still Life

A defining characteristic of Ahmed’s art is her masterful use of materials. She isn't confined to a single medium; instead, she embraces diverse techniques – sculpture, installation, and painting – each chosen for its ability to best convey the specific message of a piece. Her sculptures, particularly those utilizing pins, are striking in their delicate yet powerful presence. The seemingly innocuous pin, multiplied and arranged with meticulous precision, creates mesmerizing starburst effects that evoke both beauty and unease. Inteshaar (disintegration), for example, embodies this tension perfectly – a fragile constellation of pins hinting at the unraveling of structures and identities. Similarly, her metal sculptures like Nishaana (Target) explore intricate circular forms, prompting contemplation on focus, intention, and vulnerability. Even her still life works, such as Pesh Qadmi (Advance), are imbued with symbolic weight; the carefully arranged sewing needles speak to precision, labor, and the often-unseen forces that shape our world.

Exhibitions and Recognition

Ahmed’s work has garnered significant recognition both nationally and internationally. She has exhibited extensively throughout Pakistan, including participation in the prestigious 11th Asian Art Biennial in Bangladesh. Her invitations to various art events and inclusion in galleries like koelgallery.com demonstrate a growing appreciation for her unique artistic vision. Beyond exhibitions, Ahmed’s commitment extends to education; she currently teaches full-time at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) in Karachi, nurturing the next generation of artists. Her previous roles as coordinator of the Foundation Programme at IVS, lecturer at the University of Karachi, and artist-in-residence positions at Cicada Press (Australia), Coast (UK), and Vasl (Pakistan) further highlight her dedication to fostering artistic dialogue and exchange.

A Cerebral Temperament: The Ongoing Exploration

Roohi Shafiq Ahmed’s art is not about providing easy answers; it's about raising questions, prompting reflection, and challenging conventional perspectives. Her cerebral temperament, coupled with a deeply personal connection to her subject matter, creates work that resonates on multiple levels. She holds an MFA from the College of Fine Art, University of New South Wales, which undoubtedly contributed to her technical skill and conceptual rigor. Currently living and working in Karachi, Ahmed continues to push boundaries, exploring new avenues of expression and solidifying her position as a significant voice in contemporary art – one whose work promises continued curiosity regarding the direction it will take.

Museum

Devi Art Foundation

On show in Gurugram, India

A Sanctuary of South Asian Vision: The Devi Art Foundation

In the bustling heart of Gurugram, where industrial progress meets the rapid pulse of modern India, lies a profound sanctuary for the soul: the Devi Art Foundation. More than a mere repository for objects, this institution serves as a luminous beacon for the evolving artistic landscape of South Asia. Established through the visionary passion of Anupam and Lekta Poddar, the foundation was born from a deep-seated desire to elevate the visibility of creative expression within the subcontinent. It stands as a testament to the power of private patronage, transforming a personal devotion to art into a public stage where the diverse voices of a region can converge, clash, and coalesce into a shared cultural narrative.

The collection itself is an expansive, breathing entity, boasting over 7,000 pieces that traverse the delicate boundaries between the ancient and the avant-garde. To wander through its halls is to embark on a temporal journey; one might find themselves captivated by the intricate precision of a Pahari miniature, such as Nainsukh’s

“Durga Confronts the Buffalo Demon Mahisha,”

where Mughal and Persian influences dance across the surface to recount the grandeur of Hindu mythology. Yet, this reverence for tradition is seamlessly juxtaposed with the raw energy of contemporary sculpture and tribal art that celebrates India’s rich, multifaceted heritage. The collection thrives on this tension, offering experimental works that push the limits of medium and meaning, challenging every preconceived notion of what South Asian art can be.

Architectural Harmony and the Spirit of Innovation

The physical presence of the Devi Art Foundation is as much a work of art as the treasures it houses. Designed by the architect Aniket Bhagwat, the museum’s structure is a masterclass in material dialogue. By blending the rugged, weathered texture of Corten steel with the organic warmth of handmade bricks, the architecture reflects a deliberate reverence for both industrial innovation and artisanal craftsmanship. This intentional marriage of materials mirrors the collection's own duality—the intersection of the modern moment and the enduring weight of history. The expansive, light-filled spaces are thoughtfully curated to prioritize visitor engagement, creating an immersive environment where the boundary between the observer and the observed begins to dissolve.

What truly distinguishes the Devi Art Foundation is its pioneering spirit as India’s inaugural private museum dedicated specifically to contemporary art. This unique autonomy grants curators the freedom to pursue ambitious, unconstrained programming that transcends commercial limitations. Notable exhibitions, such as the groundbreaking

“Still Moving Image,”

have spotlighted the cinematic potential of video and photography through the eyes of twenty-five Indian artists, fostering a vibrant intellectual exchange. Through initiatives like Khoj Studios, the foundation actively bridges the gap between art production and public discourse, ensuring that art is never cloistered within institutional walls but remains an active, debating presence in the lives of the community.

For the collector seeking depth or the interior designer searching for inspiration, the Devi Art Foundation offers a profound lesson in curation and atmosphere. It is a place where history is not just remembered but reimagined, and where every corner invites a new way of seeing. By fostering a culture of critical engagement and celebrating the shared histories of the Indian Subcontinent, the foundation continues to inspire a new generation of thinkers, ensuring that the pulse of South Asian creativity beats stronger and more vibrantly than ever before.