Styled heading

The world made
upside down
by Ferha Farooqui

Ferha Farooqui’s exhibition 'The world made upside down' is a study on the contemporary urban experience, shining a light on the pace, energy and emotional nature of urban living.

Ferha's solo exhibition showcases a number of thought-provoking paintings about the contemporary urban experience. The works are made in acrylic glaze on wood panel and watercolour on paper, and are entirely composed and painted upside down to capture the urgent pace, ‘drama’ and energy of urban living, reflecting upon the nature of living today. 

Her paintings observe the confluence of diverse populations and offer perceptions of the ’theatre’ of the streets, exploring some of the urgency and anxieties of contemporary urban life. This includes observations on the ‘gig economy’ and the ‘invisible’ workforce of London. This exhibition also includes reflections on how people navigate the impermanent, limited supply and short notice nature of present-day housing, with individuals moving around frequently carrying their entire world.

Ferha’s challenging style of inverted composition allows for more active study on the subject, finishing a work through struggle with the formal structures of painting (like perspective and focal point). The use of the inverted arrangement is a way for her to convey the energy and dynamic movement of the contemporary urban condition. 

Ferha has been painting since the early 1980’s and is an Associate Member of The Royal Watercolour Society (ARWS). Her work can be found in the V&A Print Collection, The Royal Watercolour Society, The Guildhall Art Gallery, Google Art & Culture, the London Borough of Newham Heritage Archives amongst many private collections.

Find out more about Ferha on her website.