Suffering in silence: Using art to depict abuse

AS Rind's exhibition at ArtCiti Gallery ends tomorrow

KARACHI: ArtCiti Gallery's exhibition showcasing AS Rind's meaningful paintings in a solo show titled 'Poetic Palette' ends on Wednesday (tomorrow).

Using the medium of acrylic on canvas, the artist predominantly focuses on the image of women. The figurative drawings depict the plight of women who constantly face abuse and violence. From women longing for freedom to women being offered as sacrifice, the paintings give an insight to understanding the pain of these entrapped souls.

The paintings also incorporate Urdu poetry, featuring verses by Ghalib and Faiz, which narrate the ordeal of these women. "Tradition has it that we feel for the people we love. The endless rooted concept of a lover and the beloved is what I dwell on while painting these images," said Rind while speaking about the importance of poetry.

He uses other symbols such as fish, ravens, leaves, musical instruments and moon which give Rind's works an added layer of meaning. "Rind believes that all these symbols have different meanings, interpretations and significance for different people. Similarly, these carry special meanings for him", states the press statement for the event.

Speaking about the art of painting, he remarked that art is produced by letting paints talk on the blank canvas. "However there will be days that it won't talk to you and in times like these the painting can't be formulated."

When asked how he understands the concept of reality, he said "I don't know what reality is. Let the Lord be the judge. It can even be exploitation of one kind or another."

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