Interviews — NEWS — The Shanghai Art Fair

Kendra, born and raised in Australia, currently living in the United Kingdom is a fourth generation artist. Drawing on inspiration from her mother’s expressive paintings, her grandfather’s abstract works and her great grandfathers involvement in the German expressionist movement, she has been fortunate to witness the power of artistic expression in shaping culture, fostering connections, and expressing ideas.

"Tea with..." - Kendra Troschel

$1,500.00

Kendra’s work is largely allegorical and biographical. Themes include capturing the intense and visceral joys of life, looking deeper into the thoughts and feelings we have every day, and exalting the hope that lights even the darkest places where our internal and external selves meet.

Her star rises quickly having exhibited in Chongqing, London, and Hamburg, collaborated in various commercial projects, Solo exhibitions and features in Aesthetica, Parnass, and CANS contemporary art Magazine. She is currently completing a Master in Fine Arts at Falmouth University.

"Table for one" - Kendra Troschel

$2,000.00

What is so unique about your artworks? I strive to imbue my art with a sense of purpose, social and personal relevance. Themes of introspection and societal reflection through the female lens are woven through the fabric of my creations. It’s not just about what meets the eye; it’s about sparking a dialogue, provoking thought, and fostering connections between the observer and the artwork.

What drives you? The act of creation is a journey of self-discovery, a constant exploration of the depths of my emotions and nuances of the world around me.

Moreover, the desire to provoke thought and evoke emotion in others is a powerful motivator. Art has the ability to transcend boundaries, and spark conversations, which I think is just really cool.

Where do you get your inspiration? My inspiration comes from the world around me and how I interpret things. It comes from what it feels like to be a woman in the 21st century and how society and history has impact, shaped, and molded that experience.

How do you deal with artist's block? Artist’s block, or rather creativity block is difficult. For me, I find it’s best to be kind to myself. I don’t have to be constantly making. My mother once told me that you can’t make art in a vacuum and I 100% agree with this. So, when I feel a block I feed my soul. Eat good food, watch a great movie, go to a gallery.

Can you tell us what you have going on right now? I am currently completing a Master in Fine Arts and through this degree am exploring more with my art. Currently I am working on my visual language and exploring what womanhood means to me. The confusions, the ups, the downs, love, sadness, all of it.

""Perspective" - Kendra Troschel

$1,700.00

I know my artwork is finished when…? I’m not sure how to specifically answer this (chuckles). It’s a feeling… I suppose when it feels like I don’t want to add anything else. There’s a sort of harmony between composition and colour.

Which are your favorite artists? So many! I absolutely adore Eileen Cooper, Cecily Brown, Henry Matisse… actually the whole fauvism and German expressionism movements inspire me.

Greatest achievements so far…? I had my first solo art exhibition this year (June 2023) and I was just so proud to have created a body of work that celebrated the female perspective and the little moments we have every day.

Greatest person you ever met? My husband! To have not only have met a wonderfully supportive, hard-working, funny, intelligent and inspiring man, but also my best friend is truly an amazing thing.

Website url: www.kendra-troschel.com

Instagram: @kendratroschel

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/kendratroschelart

The Mysterious Letters, Realm of the Hidden, installation.

Artist Name: Shafaq Ahmad

Born: Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Live: Texas, United Stat

Website url: www.shafaqahmad.com

Shafaq Ahmad was born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. After Ahmad left Pakistan she lived in the United Kingdom, Iran and Denmark before settling down in the United States. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia in 1991 and a Master of Fine Art degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas in 2011. She has travelled around the globe visiting many countries in Asia, Europe and North America. Ahmad worked as an art glass designer from 1995 to 2003 and collaborated with several art glass studios in Czech Republic and Sweden. She also designed art glass for Barovier and Toso Czech Republic till 2003 for 8 years. Her art glass designs are in private collections in many countries. Presently, she works as a multimedia artist. She employs painting, 3D, digital media, print making, mixed media and onsite installations. Ahmad has participated in many solo and over 70 group exhibitions in the USA, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and United Arab Emirates. Her work is a part of permanent collections at the Sharjah Department of Art and Culture in the United Arab Emirates, Museum of Geometric and Madi Art in Dallas, Texas, Mercedes Benz Daimler Financial, Corporate Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas and other institutions. Ahmad’s work has been published in Dallas Morning News, Art Voices magazine, Studio Visit magazine, Islamic Arts Magazine, Emel magazine, Art Now Pakistan, Dallas Art Review, Star Telegram, Libas Magazine, Valassko, Vlastivedna Revue, VAIA, bont VOOR BINNEN, and Ceramic & Glass, among other publications.

Shafaq Ahmad, Artist Statement

I hope that my art brings a different point of view which most of the audience can relate to visually and spiritually. To most people my work may look very abstract and that is intentional but it is the spirit of the artwork that I hope people will connect as individuals and as a group. Also my work consists of repetitive writing or mark making, and layering which represents meditation of each thing on it’s Creator, in the cosmos. If you observe closely one finds this repetition in everything in the Nature from an atom to humans, animal kingdom, plant life, planets, stars, fractals and so on and so forth.

Firmaments Revolve and Merge, oil on linen

The act of creating serves as contemplative process through which I attempt to show the connection of the universal spirit of all living beings. The experience of being embraced by the universal spirit is expressed through luminosity of color and light, movement through gesture, richness through layering of color, and depth through intertwining mark making. The element of geometric shapes coming through manifests beauty through balance and harmony. The calligraphic mark with a sense of forever being repeated represents the infinite consciousness. The movement and the energy of the calligraphic marks show the constant state of flux of each thing.

How would you describe yourself? And your artwork?

My art work is inspired by the tradition of mysticism which is based on a belief in one Creator who is the prime source of all creation. I truly believe that I am but a vehicle for the creation of my artwork and do not ascribe any credit to myself. Mostly my paintings are spontaneous and not much planning goes into them. The painting evolves as the canvas start to dictate the progression. At some point I stop and move back from the canvas to look at it from a critical eye to evaluate the progression more formally. In other techniques apart from painting I have to employ more structure and planning for example the composition and layering of the images. The process is the most important in my work. I also feel that as I grow as a person my artwork evolves too.

What drives you?

The love for the Creator and the Creation in all its natural forms. Nature and the Universe itself is a great teacher. All one needs is contemplation and investigation. Actually I learn from everyone and everything around me every day.

What is your definition of art?

Art is an expression of each individual and in a way a portrait of the self, her/his inner struggles, aspirations and relationships. Art is a vehicle to connect to others and cross the boundaries of cultures and traditions. It is a perfect way to not only relate to people but also learn to be accepting of others and to open a dialog without seeming threatening or intimidating.

I know my artwork is finished when…?

My artwork is finished when I feel that adding or subtracting anything would not enhance the artwork in anyway.

Greatest person you ever met?

The most influential people in my life were my parents.
The brought me up with a good balance of belief system, cultural values, exposure to art and literature, work ethic and taught me how to take life as gracefully as one can and be accepting of others.

Have you ever had a spiritual happening?

I wouldn’t be who I am without them.

How do you work?

As an artist I work in my studio for few hours every day or most days. I paint and also work digitally to create artwork. I also employ other media as needed. The aim is to be consistent and work as hard as you can to make the best presentation possible. I prefer to work in in the morning in my studio when I feel most rested and relaxed. I also take mental notes when I am traveling and take photographs as reminders and documentary purposes.

I was born and raised in Pakistan which is primarily an Islamic country with a rich history and culture, including art in all forms and literature. Pakistan is also known for many important mystic figures and their inspiring writings. I grew up with exposure to rich textures, colors, sounds and diverse cultures, different ethnicities, costumes and many languages and dialects. Urdu is the national language of Pakistan. I was introduced to visual arts, music, poetry and literature from an early age and remember sitting with my parents and their friends, including well known artists during intellectual discussions and poetry sessions.

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

Artists must be true to themselves, and try to use original ideas, thoughts and inspirations. Sincerity is of the utmost importance in what an artist is portraying, for the audience to connect to the spirit of the work. They also must have a good

work ethic to consistently produce quality work. The artist must aspire to be the best at what she/he creates.

What work do you most enjoying doing?

I enjoy making art with different techniques and using various media, but I enjoy painting on canvas the most. I also enjoy creating digitally as it allows me to work at a much faster pace. It has helped me in creating installations in a much shorter period of time.

What themes do you pursue?

In my work process is very important. I use literature, contemplation, observing nature and research the sciences pertaining to the cosmos especially advancements in astronomy, astrophysics and the relationship between the micro and the macro in our Universe.

What’s your favorite art work?

One of my favorite series that I made is Forty Days Forty Nights. In this series I created one image per day for consecutive forty days, working few hours each day. This was a form of meditation inspired by a traditional meditative practice in my culture where the devotee isolates him/herself for forty days and nights to contemplate and try to connect with the Creator.

Forty Days Forty Nights, **Chillah** series of forty images

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

I owned an art gallery for 10 years after my undergraduate studies and worked as gallery director and curator. I represented many local and international artists in Virginia, USA. I also volunteered as an Art Director and curator for a non profit organization till last year in Dallas, Texas. We organized international exhibitions and symposiums to bring Islamic art to the local communities in cooperation with local museums, Universities and other art organizations. Now I have founded a new organization called Contemporary Islamic Art Forum. My aim is to bring contemporary Islamic art to the local community working with local and international artists and experts.

What research to you do?

I have a library in my studio where I have books to research and inspire me as an artist, including books on art, mysticism, science and philosophy. I also research the internet for the latest development in the arts, as well as in the field of astronomy and other sciences. During my travels I am always finding new information and inspiration from people, places and nature in general.