Is bliss found in the pursuit of interpretations or in the simple act of being? 

Fahd Burki’s painting is an intuitive work, characterised by symbols, spaces and symmetry. It is an introspective piece delving into the age-old question of how one should go about meaning-making, whether in life or with art. The translucent acrylic wash paired with narrow lines isn’t aggressive in calling for attention, but rather gently moves the viewer’s eyes to take in the geometric patterns and shapes with its soft spaces and strange yet intriguing misalignment. Burki’s practice is heavily influenced by his love for music and the simplicity of hearing and feeling music. Similarly, he wishes to not follow any fixed narratives or contexts—but simply, to sit with the feeling created by seeing the piece of art, instead of diving into interpretations or intellectualising the work.

His use of a pastel colour palette creates an aura of soothing energy, with the canvas showcasing a rhythmic composition. At the centre, there is a stick figure who, through the thin black lines, appears weightless and blissful. As the artist is averse to providing a pre-deciphered meaning, there is a curiosity created by the ambiguous stick figure who seems to be at rest, something which does not come as easily to people in today’s age. Being blissful requires a restful mind, not involved in navigating meanings from every sign or symbol, but rather simply in letting go of these pursuits and focussing on being/existing.