Humaira Abid: The Shape of Life

Greg Kucera Gallery is excited to present our third exhibition with Pakistan-born artist, Humaira Abid. The show’s title, The Shape of Life, refers to an individual’s unique path and purpose in life. The artist is also painfully aware that how our life takes shape depends not just on our choices, but also on the political, social, and religious turmoil that surrounds us.

Employing intricately detailed wood carving and miniature painting, the works in this exhibition address the protests of women, children living and dying in times of war, and the plight of refugees and immigrants.

“We make meaning of our lives in the way we tell our stories. This show/series is focused on the current situation in the world and how it’s shaping our lives.” –Humaira Abid

Taking center stage in the exhibition is an installation including 24 carved wood sculptures called THE SHAPE OF WAR, atop child sized desks. The series explores the aftermath of conflict, particularly focusing on the loss of young lives in war-torn countries, and the earth-shattering effect on the mournful families of these children. In each sculpture, the artist depicts a rehal, an X-shaped book-rest used to hold religious scriptures. Displayed on the folding lectern are prayer beads, symbolizing prayers for the loss or death of a loved one, and a flower, symbolizing the youth and innocence of children. Each piece is accompanied by the transcribed story of a child who lived and died in a time of war. The stories and pictures are located in the desk drawers.