Mandy Zhang Art is thrilled to present ‘Is Someone There?’, the first solo exhibition by Pakistani artist Syeda Aatika Fatima, running from 9 October to 17 November 2024. In this exhibition, Fatima combines traditional artistic techniques and futuristic subjects, addressing the ethical complexities of digital surveillance, privacy, and the ubiquitous camera gaze in our tech-driven world.
Fatima’s intricate works blend gouache on wasli, a technique rooted in traditional miniature painting, with provocative depictions of modern life. Her intimate scenes often reveal domestic spaces through open windows and missing walls, inviting viewers to look in from one room to another - uncomfortably aware that the act of watching itself might be invasive. This creates a dynamic tension and contrast between the classic form and futuristic themes, reflecting the way our private lives are increasingly laid bare in a world shaped by CCTV, social media algorithms, target ads and surveillance technology.
A key influence on Fatima's work is her personal experience growing up in Pakistan. There, she felt constantly observed, not only by technology but also by her community. This sense of being watched, even in intimate spaces like her bedroom, has created a lasting paranoia and vulnerability. To this day, she keeps her blinds closed even during the day.
This anxiety is central to the exhibition's titled piece, 'Is Someone There?', inspired by Fatima's experience of mistaking a tree's shadow for a person lurking outside her window. The work encapsulates the internalised anxiety many of us feel in a world where we are constantly observed, whether by digital or social surveillance. Fatima is also fascinated by how not everyone shares this discomfort, as people's views on privacy are often shaped by their desire for connection and intimacy. Through her work, she questions what it means to be human in a tech-driven society where social norms are absent.
Visitors will also find Fatima's works characterised by recurring motifs of architectural spaces. Drawing inspirations from English architecture and landscapes, as well as Pakistani architectural details such as the arched windows, She delves into how socio-cultural factors influence the concept of home and the permanence of living spaces.
