‘Self Absorption’: A journey of question

Abdul Jabbar Gul opens his solo show at Khaas Gallery in which he delves into brighter shades of red, blue and green.

ISLAMABAD: Karachi-based artist Abdul Jabbar Gul opened his solo show “Self Absorption” at Khaas Gallery on Thursday. Known for his magnificent sculptures, the artist has ventured into the realm of painting to satisfy his fascination with figures. The nature of his work has also altered with this change.

His work started off as being monochromatic, using tones of grey and ochre but with this show he has delved into brighter shades of red blue and green.

“This show is unique because he has decided not to show in Islamabad for the next year and a half due to other projects,” said Alia Bilgrami, assistant curator at Khaas Gallery.

“It’s a great opportunity to see and buy his work now,” she added.

The collection revolves around the fusion of different religions when poised against an ordinary soul.

A monk-like figure re-appears throughout the collection depicting the “ordinary soul of an ordinary man”.

The artist takes the viewer through a journey of self-evolution as he combines religions and languages that bind the soul to the rest of the world.

The evolution of language is also depicted in the collection as Gul coins his own script that merges all the languages together.

The ancient symbolism of male and female also appear in the work on opposing spectrums throughout the work.

“This collection in totality sums up the issues I am facing and dealing with internally and they have come out on the canvas,” Gul said.

Samia Chundrigar, a lawyer from Karachi, said, “His work is not something I would buy but its very interesting and seems as if it has been done by a skilled old hand.”

Saadia Kaleen, another visitor, said, “I can conceive the idea the artist is trying to explain and even though the work is overwhelming I still find it very appealing.”

Gul on the other hand, explaining his inquisitive mind and the inspiration behind his work, said, “To me inquiry is life and while it exists questioning is the essence of it, if one is to keep moving and evolving.”

He added, “So much is happening around us that one cannot cease to question oneself, especially if you are an artist.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2011.