MUNTHE ART MONDAY: HUMA RISE
Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.
As a multidisciplinary artist, my medium of expression approaches what some might call abstract expressionism. Through painting, I seek to capture and convey the spontaneous thoughts that arise in the moment, those that often dissipate when we try to translate them into verbal language. For me, it is crucial to explore and understand our essence, and I firmly believe that art allows me to approach this understanding with unique precision. My works are vehicles of communication that transcend the limits of conventional language, not seeking a literal interpretation, but evoking emotions and sensations in the viewer. Each piece is a new learning about the world around me, an attempt to capture its essence in constant dialogue with a "self" that, although external, belongs intimately to me.
Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?
Among the artists that inspire me, of course, Tracey Emin. Joan Mitchell also holds a prominent place. Her works, often expansive and covering multiple panels, are a pure expression of her landscape influence. The intensity and gesture of her brushstroke speak to me of an expressive freedom that I aspire to achieve. Helen Frankenthaler, with her innovative "color field" and paint dilution technique, is also a significant source of inspiration. Her approach is distinguished by a personal touch that fuses abstraction with the essence of traditional Chinese landscape painting, showing me the power of art to transcend stylistic and conceptual boundaries. That said, I believe in everything that promotes unanimity.
Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?
In the artistic and humanities fields, being a woman often involves facing skepticism about our methods and forms of expression. There is a deep-rooted prejudice that undermines the perceived value of our contributions, sometimes judged less by their merit than by supposedly fallible objectivity. However, art has the undeniable power to cross borders and challenge realities considered immutable. As a female artist, this prejudice intensifies, demanding from us exceptionally outstanding and rigorous work. Despite these challenges, I perceive a progressive change in the social valuation of our work, a recognition that begins to reflect the importance of our projections to the world. Our voices are beginning to be heard with greater attention, and our reflections are starting to take the place they deserve in social discourse.
What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?
The greatest challenge has undoubtedly been to affirm the value and relevance of my discourse. On a path that often feels lonely and full of obstacles, I have learned that it is crucial to take the initiative, challenging labels and preconceptions to make my voice heard. This process has not only strengthened me as an artist but has also allowed me to inspire and be inspired by other women in art.
What would you like people to notice in your artworks?
I would like my works to serve as spaces for reflection and internal dialogue for the viewer. Although my compositions are open to interpretation, I invite each person to explore their own mental and emotional landscape when interacting with them. Rather than conveying a unidirectional message, I aspire for my works to be the start of an intimate and personal conversation, where each observer can find resonances and meanings of their own.
Huma is wearing SUSSIMA blazer, SUMATRA pants and JEWEL cap.
