‘Contingent Spaces’ (2022) by Roohi SaleemA Conversation with Pakistani-American Artist Roohi Saleem

April 1 - May 21, 2023 | Artist Talk May 6, 4 - 5:30pm

Kingston, N.Y. – Pinkwater Gallery is thrilled to present the work of guest artist Roohi Saleem, whose spectacular paintings will be shown ‘in conversation’ with the artists of the collective. In particular, this show will focus on the idea of using an artistic practice to locate or establish an idea of home.

Roohi Saleem experienced a peripatetic existence until she settled in New York years ago. After spending her childhood in Pakistan, Roohi moved with her husband to Dubai, then to Muscat and finally to the United States, where she planted roots first in Los Angeles and then in New York. In calling each of these places home at some point in her life, Roohi says that ‘through all the movement and change, painting has been my constant.’

The idea that any artist can find a place of constancy in the act of creating is the notion behind the concept of this show, titled ’Homebase’. In fact, Roohi says that for her, painting is cathartic. ‘It is my therapy’. Motivated by how a painting evolves, Roohi follows the through-line with abstract forms, exploring color and scale to completion in a new place, the journey to which was unplanned. This act of ‘coming home’ to what a painting is meant to be allows Roohi to offer the viewer their own interpretation of her work.

“Life, culture, and people are the catalysts for my work. Women are my biggest inspiration. I celebrate their strength and their individuality in my pieces (which is only natural, coming from a family of six incredibly strong women.)”

-Roohi Saleem

In these recent works, all completed in 2022, Roohi has been primarily influenced by the colors and forms that are her heritage as a Pakistani-American. From the beauty of artisanal tiles found on visits to her home country to the great artists of Pakistan, Roohi metabolizes these inspirations to create something uniquely hers.

“My paintings are a direct expression of my beliefs, perceptions and experiences. The compositions are a narrative that relays my inspiration whether it comes from love, joy, sadness or something purely mundane. The end product is not just for me, it is for the viewer as well. He or she can feel, interpret, analyze, and relate to any part of the piece that strikes them.“

- Roohi Saleem

BIOGRAPHY

Roohi Saleem has exhibited her artwork internationally in one-person and group exhibitions throughout the Middle East and the United States in such venues as the Omani Society for Fine Arts, the Muscat Art Society, Mamaroneck Artists Guild, Madelyn Jordon Fine Arts, Atlantic Gallery NY, William Ris Gallery and the SUNY Purchase College NY. Her individual works of art as well as commissioned murals are in many private and public collections including some US Hedge Funds, the Former US Ambassador to Yemen, the Secretary General of the Tender Board of Oman, and the President of Oman National Bank. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY Purchase College, NY, Magna Cum Laude. She won an Honorable Mention Award from Manhattan Arts International in its “New Beginnings” exhibition, 2015 and was featured in their ‘Artist Showcase gallery”. She was awarded ‘Second Place’ in the 2019 Annual Small Works Juried Show at the Mamaroneck Artist Guild.

Website: https://roohisal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roohisaleem/

PINKWATER GALLERY

Located at 56 N.Front Street, in the historic area of Kingston known as Uptown, Pinkwater Gallery is a contemporary art gallery featuring the work of professional women artists working and living in the Hudson Valley and Catskills, an area historically rich in abundant artistic talent.

Pinkwater Gallery is open Saturdays and Sundays 11AM to 6PM year-round and is always open online.

Image: ‘Contingent Spaces’ (2022) by Roohi Saleem

Contact:

Anne Sanger, Creative Director of Pinkwater Gallery

anne@pinkwatergallery.com .

Website: https://www.pinkwatergallery.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkwatergallery/

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