Light, colour and clean lines are combined with economical simplicity in the work of Bangladeshi-British artist Rana Begum. She is currently showing her first solo exhibition in a UK public space at London’s Parasol Unit.
Begum’s works take influence from western traditions of minimalism and constructivism, as well as the geometry of traditional Islamic art. Her sculptures are architectural in places, in this case working with the generous space of the gallery itself. Hard lines meet with softly diffused light, and colours are bright in places—occasionally verging on neon—and pastel in others.
The artist’s sculptural and painting practices work smoothly alongside one another with easy transitions between the two; paint taking to flat MDF and strips of aluminium, as well as jutting steel surfaces and birch ply. Despite the hardness of many of the lines there is an overall meditative sense to the works, with glowing tones merging softly into one another.
‘Rana Begum: The Space Between’ is showing at Parasol Unit until 18 September
Rana Begum No. 563, W Fold, 2014 Veneer and paint on birch ply 198 x 125 x 80cm/ 78 x 491⁄4 x 311⁄2 in Courtesy of the artist and The Third Line Photography by Philip WhiteRana Begum No. 531, 2014 Paint on powder-coated aluminium 200 x 295 x 5cm (30 sections)/ 783⁄4 x 1161⁄4 x 2 in Courtesy of the artist and Jhaveri Contemporary Photography by Philip WhiteRana Begum No. 680, Painting, 50 Panels, 2016 Acrylic paint on MDF 80 x 25 x 4cm (each painting) with a 10cm space between. Grouped: 200 x 260 x 3cm / 311⁄2 x 10 x 13⁄4 in. Grouped: 783⁄4 x 1011⁄2 x 11⁄4 in Courtesy of the artist Photography by Philip WhiteRana Begum No. 394, L Fold, 2013 Paint on mild steel 147 x 92 x 36cm/158 x 361⁄4 x 141⁄4 in Courtesy of the artist Photography by Philip WhiteRana Begum No. 489, L fold, 2014 Paint on mild steel 146 x 119 x 48 cm/571⁄2 x 47 x 19 in Courtesy of the artist and Jhaveri Contemporary Photography by Philip WhiteRana Begum No. 161, 2008 Paint on powder-coated aluminium Each of 16 pieces: 250 cm (981⁄2 in) high Photography by Philip WhiteRana Begum No. 480, 2013 Paint on powder-coated aluminium 200 x 155 x 8cm (20 sections)/ 783⁄4 x 61 x 31⁄4 in Courtesy of the artist Photography by Philip White
