Entertainment | Visual Arts
Magical spaces: Rana Begum
Despite their serious theological and geometric roots, every artwork is bright and playful and anyone can inhabit her magical spaces, as long as they don't stand still
- BY Inga-Marie Barnett, Features Writer, InsideOut
- Published: 00:00 October 1, 2009
Rana Begum is one of the hottest artists in London, so it makes sense that she should be one of Dubai's coolest. Her bright resin pieces burst onto Dubai's art scene in 2007 and The Moment of Alignment exhibition marks her return to this city. Held at The Third Line Gallery, this latest show consists of six large, colourful aluminium works and other three-dimensional pieces.
Despite their serious theological and geometric roots, every artwork is light-heartedly bright and playful too, demanding audience participation. As the viewer shifts from one side of the work to another, black surfaces morph into a colourful third dimension. Rana toys with the language of colour, exploring people's reactions to their surroundings. "The three dimensional aspect of sculpture allows me to play with form and composition in a very active way, requiring the audience to move constantly. "I use a lot of colour in the work, and try to create a visual plane where the viewer can enter. I also add the strong inspiration that I take from my urban surroundings," she says, "I look for things that catch my attention and excite me. I see my work as a constant progression; one piece raises questions that must be addressed in the next. This constantly generates new ideas."
Rana also gets inspiration from Agnes Martin, a Canadian-American painter. "She was a great influence when I was a student. I love what she can achieve using only a simple grid," she says. Although dissimilar to her own, Rana admires the styles of Tess Jaray and Conrad Shawcross too. "Nathaniel Rackowe, who happens to be my husband, is also a great artist," she says. If she had to compare her work, Rana would be unable to choose just one. Rather, it would be a combination of Mary Martin and Jim Lambie's contemporary visual styles.
Rana was born in Bangladesh, but came to England when she was 8. She graduated with a BA from Chelsea School of Art and completed an MFA from the Slade School of Fine Art in 2002. Since then, her work has been linked with culture, function, architecture, pattern and design. For the last ten years she has lived in London, a wonderful place for an artist, according to her. "It has some of the most exciting art there is, and I can't see myself living anywhere else right now." And how does Dubai rate? "I see it as a gateway to the Middle East, drawing people from all over the world. The art scene has developed tremendously over the last few years, spurred on by great international galleries such as The Third Line and events like Dubai Art Fair."
Rana's future is as bright as her work. She has a two-month residency in Beirut directly after this show. "Next year I have two solo shows in London, and various group shows worldwide," she says. "It's hard to predict exactly how I will developan artist, but hopefully there will still be people who are inspired by my art, and support what I do."
Rana Rates
- Nathaniel Rackowe, a wonderful artist specialising in light and space. He is also my husband.
- The '20s for the clothes and colours, and the '70s for that old school retro feel.
- Empire of the Sun - their music's so powerful and moving at the same time.
- Man on Wire, a documentary about a tightrope walker's Twin Towers routine.
- Gardening or seeing exhibitions. They both give me time to think and unwind.
Rana Hates
- Anyone overly conceptual. Those people always think they're right and know what they're talking about!
- RnB. There are some songs in this category that I like, but very few. I'm just not a bump and sway kinda girl.
- The '80s. Questionable music and style (shoulder pads, anyone?)
- All five Saw films. They were just so brutal. I don't even know why I watched them.
- Watching football. 22 men and a black and white ball? I'm not into it, not at all.
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