Adia Wahid (b. 1971) is a Karachi born British artist whose practice explores the interaction between the technological mechanised world with which the human body and mind are faced, and the possible reactions (harmonious or discordant) that arise from this encounter. Spanning painting, textiles, drawing and print making Wahid’s work is process and materials driven. Wahid is currently studying for her MA at the Royal College of Art and ‘Adia Wahid’ at Alice Black gallery marks the artist’s first solo show.
Wahid’s background in economics and mathematics served to stimulate an interest in the globalisation of technology particularly with regard to the textile industry which employs predominantly women. This has led to a further interest in the application of binary numbers in mechanised looms and later on in computer coding and the contribution of Ada Lovelace as the first computer programmer. Wahid’s works often incorporate the weave and web found in both handcrafted and machine produced textiles and also allude to musical scores, concrete poetry, Jacquard loom cards, IBM punch cards and architects’ blue prints.
The merging of different techniques of application allows her to translate her ideas. Directional lines drive themselves vertically, horizontally and diagonally, or are truncated: intersecting and dissecting to form new structures and divisions. Linear disruptions are often at regular intervals forming new yet interdependent areas in order to make up the whole: the intention is to create subdivisions that both support and oppose.
Parallels can be drawn between Wahid’s practice and such artists as Anni Albers, Agnes Martin, Eva Hesse, Mira Schendel and Charleyne Von Heyl. Wahid is interested in reflecting on the progression of abstract painting from an unavoidable historical context of Modernism through to Post Modernism and then to the present day. An interest in this historical reflexivity is central to her practice.
Forthcoming & past exhibitions include: Abstract Project, Paris, Intercontinental Line 2 (2018); Second Floor Studios, London, Three 100 (2017); Turps Gallery, London, Turps Summer Show (2016); Rye Creative, Rye, Correspondence Show (2016); The Artworks, Halifax, Correspondence Show (2016); Turps Banana End of Year Show, London, Correspond (2014); Chelsea College of Art and Design, London, Degree Show (2012).
