Artscene exhibition depicts philosophy of Sufism
By: Ahtesham Azhar
KARACHI: The Artscene Gallery recently organised a painting exhibition titled ‘Whirling and Healing’ of an artist Dr Mohsen Keiany, at its premises in the metropolis.
Dr Keiany is an artist from Iran, whose personality comes through his paintings based on the philosophy of Sufis and his experience in the Iraq-Iran war. His work covers a range of spiritual contemplation, humans and the natural world and human sufferings.
Whirling and healing, a paintings exhibition, which gets its influence and inspiration from spiritual dance or ‘Sama’ of dervishes, is also known as Sufism. Sufism is defined as the inner and mystical dimension of Islam. It is in facet a discipline and a system of education that facilitates the journey of self-knowledge, a journey that enables individuals to discover their stable reality, and eventually the reality of the religion or whatever they believe.
Sufism, thus, is considered as a way of life in which a deeper identity is discovered and lived. This deeper identity, beyond the already known personality, is in harmony with all that exists. Sufism believes that the deeper identity or essential self has abilities of awareness, action, creativity and love that are far beyond the abilities of superficial personality.
According to Sufi tradition, people have never been separate from these abilities, as they belong to a greater life and being which they need to individualise them in their own unique way.
On the occasion, 28 paintings were put on display, featuring Sufism of pleasure, the battle of Delhi, hilarity, the village of jollity, passion, narration, social dream, direction, Sufis of Zabol, Sufis of Punjab, and many others.
Talking to Daily Times, Dr Keiany said that he completed those 28 paintings in 18 months. He visited Punjab and other sides to capture the Sufi culture in his paintings, he said.
He used calligraphy in his paintings, which was not giving any particular message but still every painting had a message or Sufi culture. Talking about the culture of Iran and Pakistan, he said: “I always feel comfortable working in Pakistan, as our countries have a similar culture.” Exhibition will continue till October 31.
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