A world of infinite horizons

AMMAN — Among the first images to meet the eye is the circle, this perfect shape, symbol of infinity, of never-ending cycles, of life. 

It then unfolds to become thick, textured vertical stripes of paint that boldly aim at unseen heights somewhere in the universe artist Hind Nasser created on her canvases for this latest exhibition at Wadi Finan Art Gallery.

It is, the artist says, a parallel universe, one "where human perception can travel into no time or place", one of "Zero horizon", which is also the name under which the works are exhibited.

In this world of hers, minute, familiar images can be seen alongside massive cosmic explosions, the birthing process of a universe still being created and that has no place yet for horizons.

The abstract works in colours of remarkable beauty are the product of the latest stage in the artistic career of this prolific, versatile and forever progressing painter. They mark, one would say, an introspective phase in which Nasser's images pose questions "about the origins, the beginnings, the infinite, the quintessential, life… and my life".

Some questions might be answered. After all, the circle is the quintessential symbol of life, there is beauty and order in the apparently chaotic universe around, life does progress and we with it.

Others may give food for thought or stay obscured, subject to philosophers', gurus' or enlightened people's rationalisations. 

But that should not bother the viewers who will, to their delight, discover that flowers — irises, poppies, tulips, it is up to one's imagination to identify them — have found their way in Nasser's universe, delicate, familiar, aesthetically pleasing.

The flower, the artist says, is the first thing the Creator made, and as such, it is a prototype of perfection and worthy of being immortalised.

It is, also, a delicate counterbalance to the raw, vaguely familiar, cold and distant universe the tiniest corner of which we inhabit. And she managed to render both in eerily beautiful imagery that keeps one glued to it in hopes of deciphering its meaning.

The artist succinctly summarises the gist of her endeavour. 

"My works might reveal some answers. They may elicit introspection and contemplation. Or they might simply be taken as aesthetic projections of my state of mind. Whatever the case, they are merely one more station on the journey of life, which is in constant change. As are we."

Her artistic life is definitely one in constant change, and that is proof of talent and great imagination. 

To warm one's heart on a cold winter day, one may view Nasser's works, which are on display until December 30.