By Mahtab Bashir

ISLAMABAD: “Art needs no barrier” – as it has played an irreplaceable role of leverage and bridge for the heritage of human civilisation, the exchange of national sentiment as well as the tolerance of regional culture. Carrying this message all the way from Sweden, a female duo of Maria Backman and Hanna Sjoberg showcased their collection of 15 contemporary artworks including photo collage, laser printing, mix-media and oil on canvas paintings using art as a tool to bring humanity closer, at Nomad Gallery, F-6/1, on Sunday. Backman and Sjoberg have come up with a concept to bridge the gap between two continents. The artistic gesture is prominent in their photo collage, laser printing and painting objects. With the touch of clothes and garments through their series of work titled ‘Atlas’ and ‘My World’ the artists have shown their determination to promote the art and culture of one place to another without any fear or threats. Perhaps, that is why they visited Islamabad breaking the looming threats of terror to absorb Pakistani art, culture and social standards. In one of Sjoberg’s laser print titled ‘Man’, she has elaborated humanity in larger perspective showcasing every individual is aggressive as well as in defensive mode at the same time. Backman using the medium of oil on canvas in her large portrait titled ‘Drapes and Roses’ has highlighted different emotions of human race from romanticism to mystery. Talking to Daily Times, the artists said that they were happy to be in Islamabad. “There is no insecurity around, people are so jolly and the artists around them are very talented and friendly. We have visited few recreational spots of Islamabad and found this city full of life,” they said. They said they all they wanted were to get the art rolling on with a flow and to share their culture, history and art with Pakistani people to show their identity. Nomad Gallery Director Nageen Hyat said it was truly a pleasure for them to exhibit the exciting art of Backman and Sjoberg, who shared their personal and professional narratives with the viewers through their creative, symbolic and suggestive art. Hyat said the freedom of expression allowed Backman and Sjoberg to link local images, incorporating drawings with laser imagery, creating intense drawings on maps and atlas, addressing issues of gender awareness, recollecting childhood and work memories and linking historical references to their narrative. The exhibition of contemporary art mix-media would continue at Nomad Gallery (22, Justice Abdul Rasheed Avenue, F-6/1) till May 8.