Faiza Butt: Paracosm

About

Children wielding weapons, turbaned warriors glorified in a cloud of gadgets, muscled men locked in erotic embrace; these are some of the uneasy images that characterise the work of Faiza Butt. Truly contemporary in her practice, Butt addresses the anxieties of today’s world: the loss of innocence, the prevalence of violence, gender polemics, decadence and the demoralisation of society and the fetishism of consumer goods. These unsettling themes are disguised by a virtuosic style of painting while a pastel sugar-coating further renders them alluring, colourful and accessible.

In Butt’s work, images drawn from the press and advertising combine with Indo-Persian miniatures to create an effect that is both dream-like and hyper-real. Her practice occupies a fascinating space that combines both eastern and western artistic influences creating a visual language which is both refreshing and unique.
Above all, Paracosm intends to capture Butt’s ability to provoke thoughts on subjects that are too often hidden from view and to use art as a means to trigger positive societal change.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Faiza Butt lives and works in London where she is represented by Rossi & Rossi and Grosvenor Gallery.
A New Art Exchange Touring exhibition made possible through financial support of the Arts Council.

‘Artists have a purpose in society. You do not make art to make anyone comfortable or to amuse people. Art is a language, a code through which you hope to make a difference.’
Faiza Butt, 2014