The artist’s eye: Shamsuddin Tanwari, Hira Zubair exhibit what they take in from surroundings

Tanwari depicts suffocation while Zubair focuses on issues such as internal conflicts, violence

KARACHI: Art is the outcome of sensitivities — it is the product of what an artist feels and eventually depicts. External stimuli, such as their surroundings, seem to affect them to a greater extent.

Two graduates of National College of Arts (NCA), Shamsuddin Tanwari and Hira Zubair, have exhibited different themes, yet drawn from the same source — surroundings. The show opened at Chawkandi Art Gallery on Tuesday evening.

A key feature of Shamsuddin's paintings is the lotus. For the artist, it is a symbol of growth. Exhibited through the medium of gouache on wasli, Shamsuddin has coupled the flower with the faces of common people. Talking to The Express Tribune, the artist says that this set of paintings is a follow-up of his previous series on suffocation. "You will find this in Indian miniature as well," he said, adding that the flower, being his favourite, symbolises purity and development.

Shamsuddin's work is also inspired by his hometown, Shikarpur, and Lahore, where he lived for some time for his studies. Talking about this, he gestured towards the painting of a woman who had polythene material beneath her, surrounding her in the front. "It represents suffocation," he explained, adding that the feeling persists for him at both Shikarpur and Lahore.

On the other hand, Hira has tried depicting matters of global relevance such as internal conflicts, violence and destruction, in her works. With circle being her symbol of reference, the artist has conveyed the message of continuity — what goes around comes around.

Another recurring element in her paintings is that of smoke, in its distinct, coiled-up appearance. "It symbolises resistance of people in every society," she said. "Resistance is there in the background but of little or invisible effect."

Hira's focus of work seems to have originated from Pakistan and extends to all other countries that are subject to violence. The sense of destruction is evident from the presence of everyday belongings of people — a pair of socks, a coat, nearly deflated balloons and slippers — it is all about what is left behind. "People leave. It's only their stuff that is left behind," said Hira.

The show will run till March 30.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2016.