AISHA CAANTHE BIG BANG

AISHA CAANTHE BIG BANG

From the success of her previous exhibition titled Elements of Nature, Aisha has further explored the theme of the Big Bang to create a capsule collection of paintings.

The Creation of the Universe is a theme where Aisha feels, ‘sky’s the limit’ (literally and metaphorically!). Within this vast expanse of space, she has the freedom to express her thoughts, her observations, and her understanding of the ‘purpose of life’. In her exploration of this theme she realises the importance of the four elements: Wind/Air, Water, Earth, and Fire, and that in the absence of any of these elements, the world could not function in the perfect and orderly manner that it does.

Aisha’s work brings together the disciplines of faith and science through the form of contemporary, conceptual art. Art and science, and faith and science, have been inter-linked for centuries, yet many people feel that there is a myth about their unity. For Aisha, this unity exists, as there is an element of spirituality in each of these three disciplines, which is the essence of her work.

In this series, titled The Big Bang, the expansion of colour, which is determined by the many tonalities of the four elements of nature, spans across every canvas. Her paintings exude colour, calmness, serenity and unity, all of which reflect a contemplative form. She applies painterly techniques which are paramount to the picture plane that she creates. The textural surfaces of these paintings, take the viewer’s mind into another world, beyond the canvas.

The narrative of Aisha’s paintings unfold in a series of layers. Before she even starts to put paint onto canvas she has already worked through preparatory layers, the most important of which is to develop the initial source of inspiration, which requires much research and contemplation. As this contemplation provides layers of discovery and understanding, so the painting itself is built up from a series of layers, with revelations expressed through the varied realisation of colours, processes and techniques in each successive layer. From the initial source of inspiration to the final layer of paint on the canvas Aisha’s work reflects her very spiritual and philosophical nature. She paints from the subconscious and there is a deep appreciation behind every process and technique, every layer upon layer that she applies and every painting she creates,

1 Big Bang & The Four Elementsoil on canvas 175 x 175 cm (69 x 69 in)

2 Splitting of The Heavens and The Earthdiptych mixed media on canvas 75 x 150 cm (30 x 59 in) x 2

3 Big Bang IIIoil on canvas 25 x 30 cm (10 x 12 in)

4 Big Bang IVdiptych, oil on canvas 25 x 30 cm (10 x 12 in) x 2

5 Big Bang IIpolyptych, mixed media on canvas 55 x 55 cm (22 x 22 in) x 4

6 Big Bang Vpolyptych, mixed media on canvas 40 x 40 cm (16 x 16 in) x 4

7 Water IIIoil on canvas 130 x 100 cm (51 x 39 in)

8 Earth IIoil on canvas 130 x 100 cm (51 x 39 in)

9 Wind / Air IIoil on canvas 130 x 100 cm (51 x 39 in)

10 Fire IIoil on canvas 130 x 100 cm (51 x 39 in)

AISHA CAAN

1959 Born Bombay, India (Nationality British)

Education

1977-1980 London College of Fashion SIAD & College Certificates in Fashion Design2000-2013 Private Course in Arabic Language2002-2003 Private Course in Arabic Calligraphy2003 Fine Art, Central St Martins, London2004-2006 Kensington & Chelsea College, London BTEC Diploma in Fine Art & HNC in Fine Art2006-2008 Central St Martins School of Art, London MA IN Fine Art

Employment

1980-1981 Charnos Design Studio, London, Assistant Fashion Designer1981-1982 Freelance Fashion Designer1982-1988 Proprietor of House of Aisha Boutiques, London1983-1987 London College of Fashion, Part-time Lecturer in Fashion Design1988-2000 Alexander Mann Associates, Global Human Resources Co. Procurement Director

Solo Shows

2011 Elements of Nature, Albemarle Gallery, London2009 ING Bank Exhibition, Spirit of the Sublime, ING Bank Head Office, London 2008 Lloyds TSB Exhibition, Creation, Private Banking Head Office, London2007 House of Lords Exhibition, Sponsors Event House of Lords, London

Selected Group Exhibitions

2013 Triton Galleries, Devon2012 Triton Galleries, Devon2010 Russian Art Fair, Park Lane Hotel, London MWB Business Exchange, Mica Gallery, London Speak, Write, Read, Create, GPU Islamic Exhibition, Excel Centre, London2009 Eid Exhibition, KPMG Corporate Head Office, London2008 MA Fine Art Interim Show, The Barge House, London MA Fine Art Degree Show, Charing Cross, London2006 The Stanley Show, Hortensia Gallery, London

Appointments

2012 Chair of the Development Council for the University of the Arts London2012 Trustee of the Court of Governors for the University of the Arts London

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