Bringing together three female artists whose work on paper are an exercise in both skill and beauty, Butterflies in my Stomach celebrates both the surreal and the natural.

Debjani Bhardwaj's paper cutouts illustrate dreamlike scenes drawing reference from children's literature, film, Hindu mythology, Indian miniatures, botanical drawings and contemporary culture. Bhardwaj is a visual storyteller whose labour intensive works often depict the human form, the artist's humour and playfulness is evident within the various characters who coexist in the same frame, oblivious to one another. Bhardwaj moved to Oman in 2007 and has been exhibiting regularly in regional group shows; her first solo exhibition was in Tashkeel House Bastakiya in 2011.

Saba Masoumian's mixed media works on dyed paper are a study on habitat, movement and growth. Beautifully delicate works are held between acrylic, allowing the viewer to see both sides of the pierced, dyed paper. Masoumian, born in Iran, has studied in both Tehran, Iran and Bologna, Italy; exhibited in group shows in New York, London, Dubai and Italy as well as holding several solo shows in E-Azad Art Gallery in Tehran. Masoumian has been awarded The Belgrade Golden Pen in 2007 and in the same year was the runner-up for the Noma Concourse Japan.

Barbara Wildenboer's paper constructions using books, maps and photography explore the impact of humankind on the natural world. Wildenboer lives and works in South Africa and has participated in several international group exhibitions. She held her 7th solo exhibition at Amelia Johnson Contemporary, Hong Kong, in 2013. Wildenboer is currently preparing for an exhibition in The Reservoir at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum in Bloemfontein opening July 2014. Wildenboer has been awarded several international residencies as well as being awarded the Public Choice Prize in 2011.

-XVA Gallery

Image: © Barbara Wildenboer
Courtesy of the artist and XVA Gallery