The role of ceramics in matters sublime
Karachi: Even the smallest, otherwise most insignificant of items can become our link with things most sublime and representative of an individual’s place within the cosmos and the universe, his correlation with creation.
This is amply reflected in the ceramics show at Chaukandi Art showcasing the works of emerging ceramists from Lahore, put together by Lahore-based artist of national repute, Sheherezade Alam, and comprising works by Asheena Jiwanmall, Habiba Omar, Kamran Maqsood, Bushra Fawad, Mahira Rana, and Sikandar Asghar.
A highly imposing work is the five Hamsa Hands, studded with bright red, turquoise, and other multi-coloured beeds, by Mahira Rana. The Hamsa Hand symbolises the hand of Hazrat Bibi Fatima (RA), daughter of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It denotes the five pillars of Islam and is a sign of protection. It brings the owner happiness, luck, health, and good fortune, as Mahira Rana’s note on the work says.
As Rana, from the National College of Art (NCA), a teacher trainer in art education, says in her artist’s statement, “My work reflects my thoughts and beliefs. It is a celebration of oneness with God. If we realise that this idea of oneness can resolve the majority of issues in our society, we could spread light, love, unity, and peace in our society.”
Then there is the series of works based on the peacock, a bird that is supposed to signify the beauty of nature and royalty, by Asheena Jiwanmall, an art teacher at the Lahore Grammar School (LGS). Her images of peacocks, in terracota and mixed media, are highly imposing indeed.
“The peacock is a symbol of integrity and the beauty we can achieve when we endeavour to show our true colours. In history, myth, and legend, the peacock symbolizes immortality, nobility, holiness, guidance, protection, and spirituality,” says Jiwanmall.
Then there’s the series of geometric designs in glazed ceramics by Sikandar Asghar, which at first strike one for the apparent simplicity of design but on further contemplation, one detects the beauty of these designs. The exhibition, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, runs up until January 16.
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