Artist Dr Sophiya Umer, who started painting the sky in her initial work, has now evolved to painting oceans, signifying depth and abstractness in sober and stable colours.“The concept and visualisation of vastness inspire my artistic process,” she says while talking to The Express tribune.The artist’s 40 artworks in acrylics on canvas are currently on display at the Alhamra Art Gallery, the Mall. The exhibition 'Evolution of Art', sky, galaxies and the world beyond are the dominant themes of her work.According to her, she has also explored new techniques in acrylic mediums in her latest body of work. Most of the work on display was done during her stay in France, she adds.The Lahore College for Women University’s Visual Arts and Graphic Design/Fine Arts Head, Professor Zammurd Safdar says the elements of space play a significant role in Dr Umer’s paintings, her use of cool serene colours in the sky being emphasised by elements such as butterflies, jets, planes, planets and balloons.He says the variety of skies and clouds painted by her have an ethereal effect. Safdar was of the view that Dr Umer, who belongs to the city of shrines, has spiritual effect in her work.“She has amalgamated two cultures, Pakistan and France, from where she completed her PhD in Fine Arts and exhibited her first solo work as well,” he says. “Especially the rendering clarity, brilliance of dust free sky with the purity of atmosphere is captivating.”According to Safdar, Dr Umer’s stay in the cross-cultural society has opened a vast spectrum of colours, space and environment, which has a positive impact on her mind. “Over all, the paintings by Dr Umer created a charismatic impact.”Dr Umer is currently working as an assistant professor at Multan College of Arts at Bahauddin Zakariya University.Published in The Express Tribune, September 9, 2017.