Presence of Absence is a collection of installations that vividly highlight the tangible and intangible elements of one’s thoughts. As an architect, one deals with space, light and shadows and the negative and the positive. The installations were a play of these elements. Using copper as the material, and working with the local craftsmen, the series of installations, which are now part of the private collections of the clients, question the presence of absence through the art piece and its surroundings. This series portrays the empty nest syndrome which depicts today’s generation that are migrating to foreign countries leaving their family back home. Presence of absence is a reflection of this change. The emptiness and the memories are felt more when the loved ones leave.
The nest represents one’s home where the vacuum is long felt on the departure of its inhabitants and the abstract mesh of copper wires depicts the complexity and confinement of taking these considerations.
The play of solid and void creates an interesting contrast of light and dark with each element in harmony with the other. The entire perspective interprets one’s multi-dimensional journey, where holding back and letting go both play a vital role in growth and development and account for the progress of an individual. This exhibition was curated by Ms. Shehnaz Ismail. All the displays and the products were designed by Arshad Faruqui.
