Titled “Tactile Journeys”, the paintings depict a “visual travelogue”, where the artist focuses on symbols and influences garnered from his experiences, rather than run-of-the-mill figurines and silhouettes.
The paintings are reminiscent of the artist’s interest and inspiration while attending a residency workshop in China.
“My current body of work has been inspired from my visit in China last year,” said the artist. The Forbidden City was the Chinese Imperial Palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, located in the middle of Beijing. There, the beautiful Lotus hand railings fascinated him and one sees the references of in his paintings.
His paintings resonate of his journey in time. Various events, stories and travels shape this voyage. The visual travelogue — where time and place are significant but at the same time meaningful —as the resulting image creates a different but increasing story. His play with colour often creates an ambience which can result in changing the time of an actual location.
While observing elements around him, Solangi transforms visuals into an “other location”, which might not relate to the physical world: his belief that every place carries an enigmatic aura itself comes into play. Thus, familiar becomes unfamiliar and known becomes unknown.
Ancient beliefs, rituals and collective wisdom are the threads connected to human existence globally. Most often, one finds contemporary art rooting from these human sensibilities. Addressing these visual and conceptual concerns, his work results in symbolic visuals like stones, tree trunk, flags, alighted lamps, ancient well and tents — all ingrained back from history.
Constantly in dialogue with nature, the artist believes that every object in nature has its own emotional, historical and cultural relevance, whether it’s an apple, lotus, periwinkle, chrysanthemum, cactus, cloud, tree trunks, stone, seed and bird, etc.
He employs various painting techniques from wide-sweeping brush strokes to finely-detailed objects. His treatment of surfaces and textures is understated, almost meditative.
Noshi Qadir, the gallery curator and owner, dubbed Solangi’s exhibit a strong body of work with imagery steeped in mysticism that addresses itself through a soul-searching process.
“His visuals are powerful, yet subtle with symbols and signs woven into the multilayered paintings on canvas and paper.”
Ahmed Habib, artist and art teacher, commented on Solangi’s work, complimenting the fine detailing and the skill of the artist. “He works calmly and that reflects on this canvas which exudes a soothing effect,” said Habib.
The gallery was brimming with art lovers including a large number of Solangi’s students.
Solangi has received the National College of the Arts (NCA) – Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust Art Bursary of the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London in 2006. Currently, he is an art professor at the NCA Rawalpindi.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2014.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ