WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES NOVEMBER 4, 2021 3
Woodhaven-based artist to debut new artwork
BY KAYLA WONG
EDITORIAL@QNS.COM
@QNS
Mahfuza Shammy Rahman,
known as MSR, unveiled
new works of art at the Kings
Manor Museum on Saturday, Oct.
30.T
he exhibit, called “Abstract Landscapes,”
is a retro-futuristic series of
work, said the artist, which echoes
the European geo-movements of the
past and draws them into the contemporary
era.
The Woodhaven-based artist with
Bangladeshi roots uses nature as the
grounding force to explore the human
condition on Earth and infuses themes
of self, identity and femininity into
geometric patterns.
“It was my intention to use geometric
abstraction to simplify the powers that
enable us to live on this Earth,” MSR
said.
In this series of work, MSR deconstructs
powerful natural forces that
guide the world, such as gravity, light,
lands, skies and sea.
“In previous works, I have heavily
relied on nature to be the backbone of
my inspiration and it is no diff erent
here, portrayed instead via symbolic
shapes — circles, hexagons and other
polygons — and directional lines that
guide your eye across the paintings,
drawing you in, and bold color
schemes and composition,” MSR said.
“Each of these works is a painting one
can get lost in, with the hopes that you
see more of yourself the deeper you
look.”
MSR’s mission through her art is to
inspire a world with more compassion
and create a sanctuary for those who
feel they have nowhere to turn.
The artist is a recipient of the New
York Artists Corps grant and a member
of the Woodhaven Artist Circle,
an organization that seeks to highlight
the artistic and cultural talents of
Woodhaven residents.
She was most recently featured in
an exhibition called “Women of Art
Haven,” sponsored by Assemblywoman
Jenifer Rajkumar, and had
a solo show in June at Geordies Joint
with the help of the Woodhaven Cultural
and Historical Society. She has
also participated in a pair of group
shows held at the Greenpoint Gallery.
Her works vary from large-scale oil
and acrylic paintings on canvas and
wood, painted pottery and a series of
small watercolor paintings, most of
which can be viewed on her website.
The reception was held outdoors
from noon to 3 p.m on Oct. 30 and was
accompanied by live music, a photo
wall and free refreshments in Rufus
MSR, a Woodhaven-based artist, unveiled her new works of art at the
Kings Manor Museum on Oct. 30. Courtesy of MSR
King Park, the grounds surrounding
the historic King Manor house.
“Abstract Landscapes” will be open
for viewing from Oct. 30 of this year
to Jan. 9, 2022. The exhibit is free to the
public during museum hours from 11
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and
Thursday to Saturday.
Happy Veterans Day
CONGRESSWOMAN
GRACE MENG
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