An invitation to Zinufa’s own treasure trove
On August 12 and 13, Zinufa Razik will display a collection of her paintings, 72 in all, done over the years, at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. This is her second solo exhibition and is titled ‘An Artist’s Treasure Trove’.
The paintings on canvas encompass a variety of media ranging from acrylics to oil paints to even graphite and represent a collection of her most treasured paintings since 2004. “I was holding on to them because I loved them, but it’s time for me to part with them,” she smiles.
Zinufa also paints on porcelain, pottery, sarees, handbags and dresses and some of these works will be on display at the exhibition.
Zinufa’s parents discovered their daughter’s talent for drawing at a young age. “Anything I got, I used to draw on,” she recalls. Her grandmother was also an artist, so it did not come as a surprise. “She was my mentor,” Zinufa says, adding that she learned the art of fabric painting on sarees from her as it wasn’t a popular method, and fabric paint was hard to find at the time. Zinufa will display a painting by her grandmother which is over a hundred years old.
Zinufa Razik and right, a few of her creations Pix by Eshan Fernando
She is happy that her grandchildren have also picked up on their talent for painting although “my two sons never picked a brush”.
Painting for her is time consuming as she spends much time figuring out her colour choices. Her advice to budding artists is to look at the works of many artists and to keep drawing over and over again even if your efforts don’t meet your expectations.
Zinufa has been drawing professionally since 2008 and currently conducts classes at her home in Flower Road for those keen on learning. She says with pride that her students, some busy professionals, have achieved greater heights under her tutelage. Some have even been commissioned to create works for private clients. “If I don’t push them they’ll eternally be my students.” she says.
Part proceeds of the sale of her works will go to the renovation of the C. M. S Ladies’ College hall. Coming across a social media post requesting donations for the renovation of the College Main Hall, she was moved to give back to her alma mater.
‘An Artist’s Treasure Trove’ will be on at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery on August 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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