Zara Saganic exhibition ‘Penned’ 12-20 July
The thematic core of Zara Saganic’s practice is time, loss, control and the relentless pursuit of perfection (Kodawari); Time is measured through activity and manifests through a range of activities with outcomes as documents of time, Control explores a discourse with links to repeated acts in a Sisyphean pursuit of perfection. This initially stemmed from an interest in acts of contrition linking to absurdism and ‘the Myth of Sisyphus’, leading to work with repetitive actions, performance and drawing that has evolved from drawing as process to drawing becoming the resolution; a visual language to articulate time and control.
A desire to control and attain perfection in order to achieve a purity of drawing (or exploring this goal) and therefore of self. An attempt to atone for errors, misjudgements in order to control impulses and achieve discipline and quiet. It is not meditative as the voices are still loud when the mouth is silent, voices become a visual language with links to Asemic language via a visual communication from a place of isolation. It is a solitary activity, yet readable by others who bring their own language of experience to their viewing of the work. Interpretations are varied and permissible as one learns to see. Definitions of drawing is something that both challenges and excites Zara
Techniques and processes are multidisciplinary and have included: ink, sculpture, line, mark, data, performance, paper cut, animation, print and colour, all within the remit of drawing, as the means of drawing are constantly being refined and redefined. Precision and detail feature strongly, along with exploring negative and positive spaces with equal attention. Analogue and digital technology are utilised to create work with potentially infinite acts. Zara has exhibited both nationally, internationally; as a finalist at Wells Art Contemporary with a 9-metre drawing. This led to participation in a drawing symposium with Drawing Projects UK, an interview of BBC Radio Solent and a short film with AUB. Zara’s work has also featured at Bournemouth Emerging Arts Fringe (BEAF), She has also featured in Spud works ‘Open’ (2023/24), exhibited in London, Liverpool, Atlanta and at many Dorset events. In addition she has surface designs associated with her design business ‘Littlezart’ with colourful designs aimed at promoting the world of entomology.
