Artist Statement

My work explores life - both my own and life in general. I am fascinated by its dual nature and the broad spectrum of emotions we experience, both individually and collectively. I dive into contrasts such as light/dark, day/night, good/evil, and life/death, recognising that each concept relies on its opposite to exist. Achieving balance between these forces, both internally and externally, is essential.

Through abstraction, I express these ideas, using colour, shape, and texture to convey my understanding of life, human emotions, behaviour, and our perception of reality. I trust the process, balancing intuition and instinct with logic and artistic principles. My paint application is spontaneous, while my pattern cutting and layering are intentional. Choosing a title that captures the essence of each piece is purposeful as well, guiding the viewer towards the feelings I aim to encapsulate.

Primary colours and bright hues have always been central to my work, symbolising pure human emotions and their intensity. Patterns, which have evolved over time, play a significant role in expressing who I am and where I am in life.

Artist Bio

Sana Dar is a Pakistani abstract expressionist artist who has been creating art for over a decade. Her prolific body of work includes more than 200 original pieces, showcased at various gallery shows both locally and internationally.

Sana’s work has been featured at respected venues such as Asia House in London; 8b2 Gallery, Gallery6, and Artescape Gallery in Islamabad; Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore; and Full Circle Gallery in Karachi. Her unique perspective and technical prowess earned her a shortlist for the prestigious Arjumand Painting Award in 2021, and in 2017, she attended the renowned Ox-Bow Art and Artists’ Residency in Michigan, USA.

Sana currently lives in Islamabad, Pakistan, with her husband and two cats. In her free time, she enjoys photographing nature and animals - a hobby she’s quite skilled at, though she never pursued it professionally. Outside the studio, she enjoys baking, watching Friends re-runs, and listening to house music. 

Sana is both ambidextrous and an ambivert, traits that fuel her curiosity about life’s inherent dualities.