Ishq and other stories by Batool Jafri, Pakistan, 2022, (120 x 100)

"Ishq or passionate love.. So many stories, so many types of loves, where they may lead us, each story always leading to knowing oneself better." Dubai-based Pakistani artist Batool Jafri creates intricate, mixed-media compositions that explore the complex roles and stereotypes impacting women’s identities. Her works feature richly patterned figures on canvas, blending diverse techniques to craft multi-layered representations of inner struggle and self-discovery. Jafri’s style seamlessly combines expressive dashes of paint with meticulous, swirling designs contained within defined boundaries, softened by an impressionistic approach that draws viewers into the depths of her subjects. Her art frequently incorporates themes of duality, human perception, and inner conflict, suggesting an influence of Impressionism through an evocative interplay of color and form. Through these vibrant colors, patterns, and textures, Jafri invites viewers to look beyond the surface, uncovering the personalities, aspirations, and resilience embedded within each figure.