Held Close

The new series by Aliya Abs examines the emotional terrain of romantic relationships, tracing the quiet moments that shape connection between two people. The works reflect on first encounters, the tentative process of getting to know someone, and the intimacy that develops through closeness and vulnerability. Equally present are the subtle shifts that accompany distance, endings, and the uncertain space between relationships. Through scenes of couples embracing, kissing, or simply sharing a moment of proximity, Abs considers the universal human desire for intimacy—one that exists beyond fixed roles or expectations.

Alongside these figurative moments, quieter compositions of still lifes and empty interiors evoke the emotional states that linger in the absence of words, where presence and solitude coexist. Cats appear throughout the series as recurring companions, introducing a symbolic element that speaks to independence and self-possession. In Abs’ paintings, they serve as subtle reminders of autonomy within the vulnerability of love. Together, these works reflect a distinctly contemporary experience: the anticipation of a message, the pause between responses, and the fragile tension of waiting. In capturing these intimate states, the series ultimately explores the beauty and risk inherent in allowing oneself to feel deeply.