The meaning of life and death

Artists delve into meaning that objects give to life

KARACHI: A group of artists believe that objects redefine life, death and things in between. They put up this belief on display at the Canvas Gallery in an exhibition, titled ‘Social Objects’.

Using oil on fiberglass, Ehsan Memon depicted the image of a wrapped painting – in reality, it was a sculpture. PHOTO: COURTESY CANVAS GALLERY

Delving into the philosophy of understanding, the artists attempt to engage with the meaning of life and death – the meaning that mere objects give to life. As many as 20 pieces of art are on display at the gallery – the exhibition allows the viewer to see and perceive how objects ply on the note of life and death. The show continues till June 1.

Using oil on fiberglass, Ehsan Memon depicted the image of a wrapped painting – in reality, it was a sculpture. "Isn't this how we make objects and parcel them?” he asked. “And then there are those objects that get damaged while getting to the gallery itself."



Meanwhile, Ahsan Javaid painted the image of the founder of the country on blurred lines. He used fabric in acrylic box to create his piece.

Delving into the philosophy of understanding, the artists attempt to engage with the meaning of life and death – the meaning that mere objects give to life. PHOTO: COURTESY CANVAS GALLERY

Hamid Ali Hanbhi’s oil on canvas works were a reflection of his experiences as a cinema and signboard painter. "I find people [and] their ideas sometimes scary and at others naïve [when they] paint and construct another identity on cultural, religious-politico lines. I personally believe [this] shouldn't happen. Hence, my work depicts the same rationale on that same cringe-worthy note."

On the other hand, Arslan Farooqi’s installation depicting a dying man with the use of oil and print on canvas reflects on the dichotomy of life and death. "There is but a thin line dividing the two philosophies,” he said. “The transcendence from life towards death alone needs to be well-understood – that is the only true moment between life and death."