Diverse talent
By: Peerzada Salman
KARACHI: Artists in Pakistan have become prolific. This is a good sign simply because even if a small amount of quality work comes out of a lot of artworks being produced at a fair clip, it will hold Pakistani art in good stead for the time to come. It is important that art and artists are encouraged so that they keep coming up with whatever they feel like. A group show of five established artists’ works commenced at the Grandeur Art Gallery on Thursday. Despite the fact that the subject matter of a couple of artists is more or less what they’re known for, the diversity in style and technique is appreciable.
A.S. Rind’s rustic women have changed over a period of time. The colours are brighter and the expressions are bolder. It is noteworthy how he makes his subject relatable to even those who do not have a fair understanding of different ethnic backgrounds. The lines across the bodies of the women are something which the artist has recently added to his creative repertoire. It looks good. But one feels the juxtaposition of Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s quartets and poems with the exhibits is a tad superfluous.
Mehtab Ali’s fascination with demure girls continues and, in spite of getting repetitive, has its charm primarily due to the artist’s skill and craft. The lines he draws are firm and the contours of the subjects are fine, which is essential for the pen and ink medium that Mehtab Ali seems to be fond of.
Sabiha Nasruddin paints landscapes that evoke not a tradition-laden picture of countryside but one that reminds the viewer of lightness of ideas and an unburdened life. It’s pleasing to the eye.
Nisar Ahmad’s bright and vibrant (not loud) colours go well with women that he paints (oil on canvas). The viewer can look at his artworks in entirety as well as in terms of synecdoche, where one particular feature eclipses the rest of the body. Henri Souffay’s tribute to some of the better examples of architectural from this part of the world is impressive. One of the reasons for this is that the artist puts emphasis on the motifs used in those buildings.
The exhibition will remain open till Nov 25.
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