Danger zone

"Art is never chaste. It must be forbidden to ignorant innocents. Never allowed into contact with those not sufficiently prepared. Yes art is dangerous, where it is chaste, it is not art." This quote by Picasso is what inspired London-based artist Faiza Shaikh to come up with her latest series, Art is Dangerous.



Though Faiza couldn't make it here for her ongoing exhibition that concludes tomorrow at Studio Napean, she spoke to CS from London about her body of works:

Speaking out
I feel that art is not art unless it's making a point. My message is to engage the viewer with every painting they see. I believe that art should either make a positive impact or spark a debate. And that is why different philosophies inspire me.

Every painting of mine has a text on it that I write on pure substances like a gold or silver leaf. These texts are pure messages and according to me, should be written on pure substances. I read philosophies from different texts like the Geeta, Quran, Galib's poetry, Persian poetry, etc. In trying to understand these philosophies, I've realised that they all carry the same messageu00a0-- they talk about harmony, respect, tolerance and they all urge you to think deeply.

My canvas, my world
I look at this world as a detached onlooker and enjoy the tamasha as it unfolds. My outlook on life is totally optimistic. I'm a very positive person and I display all those emotions through my art. My paintings are a celebration of life. I exist in Nirvana, where everything is perfect. It is in this state that I paint. I am also obsessive when I paint and I hope that my paintings, that have a riot of colours, impart the same optimism to the viewer.