Radiance: Calligraphy paintings go on display at My Art World

Four contemporary artists exhibit their work

ISLAMABAD: A group of four contemporary artists have showcased their calligraphy paintings at My Art World starting last Wednesday.

Among the artists whose work is on display is Muhammad Ibraheem.

Ibraheem completed his BFA from the University of Balochistan and has displayed his work in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Islamabad.

Despite his unique style, the artist does not showcase his work often and likes to spend a lot of time on each piece until it reaches the point where he has envisioned it before starting.

“My scope of art is based on the fact that Allah is present everywhere and I am trying my best to show the same through my art. I take inspiration from nature that surrounds me and build on my calligraphic landscapes with layers of overlapping Arabic text taken from the Quran. These layers are drawn with the infinite colour palette we see through nature as each season brings its array of hues and tones,” he added.

Mahjabeen Atif’s initial paintings were depictions of the objects in her surroundings that inspired her but soon she discovered her passion towards calligraphy.

Since then she has displayed her calligraphic paintings at a number of galleries in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Dubai.

“I feel like the calligraphic words in Urdu and Arabic flow through my fingers innately.

The compositions take form naturally as the “Alfaaz” start spreading across the canvas.

“They create their presence. I combine Lohe-e-Qurani, names of Allah and verses from the Quran in my work,” Atif said.

“A contemporary form of calligraphy is how I define my style. I have learnt and morphed traditional calligraphy into a style that is entirely mine. I use bold and vivid colours as these sacred words need to be aesthetically pleasing to the viewer,” she added.

Tayyaba Aziz works with complex forms and figures using oil on canvas as a medium.

Aziz, trained by Mansur Rahi, has exhibited her work in Islamabad, Karachi, Abu Dhabi and London with various galleries.

Her work has been featured in various publications both locally and internationally.

“Being an artist, I found myself very close to God. I am amazed by the beautiful creativity and artistry of the All Knowing. He, who creates everything balanced and proportionate has no competition with mankind,” Aziz said.

“In my humble effort, I have used these verses and alfaaz in my abstract cubist style. It was an experiment and a new experience, which appealed to my inner most self,” she said.

Rabia Dawood said that she attempts to highlight the Quranic verses using the same theme and concept that she works with, while painting other forms and figures.

The exhibition will continue till July 6th.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2016.