Rana Begum

This/these artworks are part of Ways of Seeing, a partnership between Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 and the Government Art Collection. Ways of Seeing turns the borough into a gallery with 33 internationally renowned artists displayed in 28 unexpected locations.

These four vibrant sculptures by Rana Begum aren’t made from origami paper, but plywood. 

This artist is interested in the way we experience colour and light. New tones and reflections are created as you move around. Begum challenges the idea that there is only one way to look at an object. 

The sculptures also play with gravity and balance. They seem like they could topple over at any moment. Imagine if they were scaled up to the size of a building, how would you feel standing next to one? Begum loves to ask questions, leaving things open for you to answer in your own way. 

Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, Rana Begum developed a keen sense of light and colour at an early age. She studied at Chelsea College of Arts and the Slade School of Fine Art, London. Her work blurs the boundaries between painting, sculpture and architecture. You might have seen her public art commissions in Granary Square in King’s Cross or at Lewisham Hospital. 

Tell us what the artworks make you think and feel using #wfculture19