Hamra Abbas (Pakistani, B.1976) Pinups

Hamra Abbas (Pakistani, B.1976) Pinups 2005 mixed media installation including terracotta top section: 63.5 x 50 cm; lower section: 105 x 33 cm each figure comprises a separate upper and lower section. Footnotes: Provenance Property from a private collection, UAE. Acquired from Bonhams, The Walid Juffali Collection, 26th March 2018, lot 289. Hamra Abbas is a contemporary artist whose work transcends boundaries, blending diverse cultural references, mediums, and artistic traditions to create thought-provoking and visually captivating pieces. Born in Kuwait in 1976 and raised in Pakistan, Abbas' multicultural background plays a significant role in shaping her artistic vision, resulting in a body of work that delves into themes of identity, spirituality, and the universal human experience. With an extensive and versatile artistic practice, Abbas exhibits a profound understanding of both traditional and contemporary art techniques and materials. Drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources, including Islamic art, specifically miniature painting, pop culture, and everyday objects, she challenges the conventional notions of representation and symbolism. Her exploration of contrasting elements often leads to a playful yet contemplative artistic expression, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex interplay between the ancient and the modern, the sacred and the secular. Abbas' large-scale installations, an example of which can be seen in the present lot, titled Pinups have earned her critical acclaim. By transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary assemblages, she re-contextualizes familiar items, encouraging viewers to question the significance of the mundane and the profound. This series is a bold and subversive exploration of gender representation and societal norms. In this thought-provoking body of work, Abbas reimagines the concept of the traditional pin-up, which historically depicted glamorous, idealized, and often hyper-sexualized images of women, and transforms it into a platform for critical commentary on gender roles and cultural expectations. Through 'Pinups,' she empowers her subjects by presenting them as strong, self-assured individuals, all of whom are crowned with a neon halo and resist objectification and embrace their diverse identities. Moreover, Hamad Nassar has suggested in the book 'Hamra Abbas: Object Lessons' that 'Pinups' 'explores the popular miniature subject of Krishna and the gopis (cow-herd girls), where Krishna takes away the bathing gopis' clothes and hides himself to revel in the scene. The gopis according to Hindu theology, exemplify unconditional love. In the sculptural depiction of their coy, self-conscious reception of the male gaze, Abbas' exaggeration of the female form highlights the acquiescence of the gopis in the act of looking.' Throughout her artistic career, Hamra Abbas has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally, earning recognition for her exceptional talent and innovative approach to contemporary art. Her thought-provoking works continue to inspire audiences worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural interconnectedness and the rich tapestry of human experience. Bonhams extends their gratitude to Anita Dawood with assistance in cataloguing this work. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: W W Lot is located in the Bonhams Warehouse and will only be available for collection from this location. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing