Unza Saleem
Degree: Fine Art Painting
University: Camberwell UAL
Graduation Year: 2023
New Blood Art Commentary
Unza Saleem Saleem is painter in her final year of Fine Art Painting at Camberwell UAL.
Saleem’s work is reflective of her Indian and Pakistani heritage and the Punjabi and Gujrati values which shape her life. This is emphasised by her saturated use of colour and patterns. There is a specific prominence placed on faces and hands, visually and metaphorically symbolising identity, ritual, and connection. Saleem’s oil paintings vary from hyper realistic to abstract. This dichotomy of styles highlights the divide between internal and external. Her hyper realistic pieces blatantly depict community and outward displays of tradition, whereas her abstract pieces express inner emotions and experiences. Accordingly, Saleem’s painting entitled Ones-Self falls perfectly in the middle, combining both styles to encapsulate her overall identity.
Artist Statement
Unza Saleem is a South Asian Artist/painter born and based in London, UK. Her work depicts memories, experiences and emotions that have influenced her life and perspective. She derives her inspiration from her heritage and culture whilst using traditional elements and symbols to create stories that her audience can relate to. Being Indian and Pakistani she has access to a vast understanding of Punjabi and Gujrati values which she uses to create her unique pieces.
She sees South Asian women as powerful and strong entities which she paints in a beautiful light to showcase their presence in an overwhelming society.