Homecoming: Artist Jamil Baloch weaves a tale from his childhood

He takes inspiration from old rugs, Balochi embroidery and sculpture

KARACHI: Sanat Gallery has opened its door for viewers to enjoy the aesthetically delightful works of artist Jamil Baloch.

About his works, Baloch writes in his statement, “As an artist, I always tried to work with issues that concern mankind and nature … and to explore diverse media and a variety of themes, which are somehow related to one another and through them to me.”

In his new show, titled ‘Beyond’, two large size canvases and two wooden structures, which have been inspired from old rugs, along with as many as 14 other works have been put on display.

Using the mediums of acrylics on canvas, paper and even wood, he depicts his childhood. He recalls the time when he was a 12-year-old boy residing in his home town of Nushki in Balochistan. “The boost of confidence that I got as a young kid has stayed with me till now. Hence, I feel confident about my drawings.”



He further said, “I have taken cue from old rugs, Balochi embroidery and sculpture to create these designs.”

He remarked that there are artists who are usually stuck in time and space and create only one thing. “[However], I travel beyond the moving track of that time, as I don’t feel the need to inhabit a boundary line; my art goes on in a different direction.” I have always maintained a flexible attitude when it comes to creating designs of a painting or sculpting, he maintained.

Baloch further explains his works. “There are numerous concepts and stories behind these images you see on the wall. It’s with lines, grid and curves that I am able to speak.” My artwork is a multifaceted project and since I do paintings, sculptures and video installation and explore various mediums, it adds more meaning to it, he added.

The gallery owner, Abid Merchant, said that Baloch has been teaching sculpture-making at National College of Arts and his is a completely different body of work. “His works are a continuation of his previously exhibited diverse works. It’s remarkably stunning and goes well-beyond.”

The show will continue till December 24.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2016.