Pillar of strength: Redefining the teacher-student relationship

Artist Naveed Sadiq’s solo exhibition to continue till Sept 16

KARACHI: While using rice paper pasted on wasli and gouache, artist Naveed Sadiq depicts the relationship between a student and teacher in his latest exhibition at Sanat Gallery.

‘Perpetual Layers’ showcases how important the bond between a teacher and a student is and the impact they have on each other. This is Sadiq’s fourth solo exhibition to be held in the city. He graduated with a distinction from the National College of Arts, Lahore, in miniature painting in 2006.

The works have been influenced by the Mughal miniature style of painting. And some have sentences written on them in the form of composition which are reflective of the questions asked between students and teachers. In one of the paintings, it is written, “Aap ka kya naam hai? Aap kahan se hain? Hum toh Pakistan Sindh se hain? [What is your name? Where are you from? We are from Sindh in Pakistan?]”, which points towards the questions asked on the first day of school which is the first step towards developing a classroom relationship.



“The practice of surface making and material exploration leads me onto the path, where I search for meaning and expression. Through this journey comes the understanding of a multitude of directions that guide in the resolving of ideas, beliefs, origin, creed and a haunting childhood,” wrote Sadiq in his artist’s statement.

Sadiq is currently completing his Master’s degree at The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London and was not present at the exhibition. He explained the theme of the exhibition to The Express Tribune when contacted via email.

“This subject has multiple layers, like from history till today. Both the Eastern and Western worlds have different approaches towards the student-teacher relationship in the past and present. In my case, I have more or less experienced both schools of thought and know their advantages and disadvantages,” he wrote.



“On the other hand, coming from an Eastern background and experiencing first hand Western teaching methods I must say it’s not so different from mine,” he added in the email. “Through this process, I am developing a deeper understanding of this sacred relationship.”

Speaking about his choice of medium, he said “I can relate with the Eastern tradition more because of its origin and in my opinion it teaches you to respect your ustaad [teacher]”.

“Sadiq is a perfectionist. Very few contemporary artists in the country have an eye for detailing, as he does. As we have seen in here, there is perfection and minutest details are put into this art collection, making it a peculiar one to the core,” said Sanat Gallery owner Abid Merchant while speaking about the artist.

The exhibition will continue till September 16.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 4^th, 2016.