An exhibition of an eye-catching vibrant collection of still life by Irfan Cheema titled ‘Florilegium’ concluded here on Friday at Tanzara art Gallery.
Irfan’s still-life work has been favorably received by artists, collectors, and critics. He has regularly showcased his new paintings in solo shows and museum exhibitions in Pakistan, China, and more recently in the United Kingdom. In his own words, his work is a celebration of nature, life and heritage of places that he has visited, lived in, and loved.
Though painting from an early age, oil painting became an important part of his daily routine. His paintings, which may all be described as beautiful, make references to beauty in their various guises and attributes such as nature and sensuality, the extravagance of motifs and richness of color, and yet there is an ever-prevailing sense of temporality characterizing his work. Set indoors, laid out on stone ledges usually with dark backgrounds of indefinable color and lit with morning light from a single source, his subject carefully placed along sweeping folds of intricately woven and richly hued shawls, are suspended in time and space, said the organisers. Florilegium was a selection of work from 2022 and an expression of appreciation for the artist’s garden in his Shanghai home that in his own words was a source of great joy .
