Curator’s note
“Paradise is too perfect for humanity” – Dario Argento A two-person show by Ayesha Shariff and Faizan Riedinger, Seeking Paradise explores both the artist’s
disparate trajectories. Moving away from the subtle and monochromatic palette of her previous show, Shariff uses the image of a pomegranate in her works to symbolize a luxurious and luminous paradise. The opulent red and gold are the artist’s interpretation of a boundless heaven. Riedinger’s works on the other hand are mostly black & white and muted, with just a select few containing color. Taking his successful experiments on glass forward from his last solo, Faizan has created his Shadows series where he has worked directly on layers of clarity glass to obtain the desired effect. The works on pine wood and canvas open up a new direction for him to explore while reiterating the artist’s meditative style. The exhibition of the two artists together is pivotal in pointing out two varied and unique techniques. Ayesha’s allegorical works evoke feelings of abundance and expansion whereas Faizan’s work convey a sense of constriction and control.
Humayun Memon
Curator

Artist Statement
Of late, I have been craving red; an unusual craving indeed that eventually found expression in a subject both profound and powerful. The sight of a sliced pomegranate begs a second glance, then another, and another, till the gaze is transfixed. Its scarlet, scandalous richness & ornamental arils stir an unearthly desire for beauty & bliss. The pomegranate has been celebrated as a symbol of love, vitality, fertility & eternity. To me, it is an invitation to spiritual splendour. Ladies & gentlemen, l hereby present to you my vision of paradise in the form of a pomegranate on a plate.
-Ayesha Shariff

Artist Statement
We as a society have had to adapt exponentially through multiple changes and restrictions in recent times. The word “confinement” struck a chord with me regarding this specific body of work. Through muted colors, rudimentary shapes, precise lines and geometric shapes. I attempt to explore working with forced restrictions and honing my gestural script, which can act as a form of meditation to find contentment. This can be perceived as an adaptation to the various day to day struggles.
– Faizan Riedinger