Master craftsman: When art speaks against turmoil

Abstract artist Wasan Khurshid Khattak’s paintings and sculptures reflect Pakistan’s present-day predicaments.


Hidayat Khan January 11, 2014
Allah is part of Wasan Khurshid Khattak’s body of works. PHOTO: EXPRESS

PESHAWAR:


Wasan Khurshid Khattak sometimes speaks through his sculptures, other times through abstract figures in oil and watercolour. Art is the only outlet he knows for the many complexities of everyday life.


“Through paintings, sculptures and murals, I try to honestly untangle complex cultural and social issues of abuse, terrorism, political instability…” Khattak said in an interview with The Express Tribune. With calligraphy I express my spiritual inclinations, he added.

The artist believes there are three human faces in society: happy, sad and humorous. In present-day Pakistan the most common face is that of depression and gloom, he says.

The series of oil paintings titled “The Songs of Love” represent internal human contentment, while “Carnage in Pakistan” is a mirror to the violence faced by most Pakistanis.

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Khattak links himself to the Dadaist and Surrealist traditions - arts movements from the early 20th century. The traditions streamlined the artist’s own ‘irregular perceptions of everyday things’, into art.

Khattak’s acrylic painting Infinity represents the journey of art from realism to surrealism. Khattak did not confine his work to the region but exhibited art in other parts of the world.

The artist terms surreal art maestro Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Sadequain, Ustad Allah Bux, and Gulgee among many others as his inspiration.

Khattak first participated in a youth exhibition in 1987 at the Alhamra Art Gallery in Lahore. Since then, he has participated in dozens of national and international events, including the 9th and 10th International Exhibition at the House of Humour and Satire in Gabrovo, Bulgaria in 1989 and 1991. Khattak has also held six solo exhibitions around Pakistan.

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Inspired by nature, the artist collects stones, wood and fiberglass for his sculptures. “Stones, rocks and wood are already wrapped in figure and forms. I only unfold them so their new colour and shape speak from my imagination.”

If an artist has a deep connection with the society he lives in then creating a piece of art is not difficult, says Khattak, adding without these connections, artists will not be able to create anything. “Artists from areas where there is very little space for art have an added responsibility to make sure their work reflects the on-ground situation.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2014.

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