Art Attack
A completely sold-out solo art show at Pakistan Art Forum Gallery, Lahore, Farooq takes us to a ‘A safe place’ which the marginalised communities of Pakistan have created for themselves. After being a part of various group shows all over Pakistan, USA, UK, and UAE the artist is back after a gap of 8 years for a solo presentation. The show sheds light on the concept of safe spaces within a society and the important role that they play in development of sub cultures.
Ahmer Farooq is a Lahore, Pakistan-based artist whose critically-acclaimed work explores the complex nature of developing one’s sense of self within a web of societal pressures. Farooq’s paintings evoke a range of emotions while mirroring the sociocultural tensions felt today in Pakistan. Formally, Farooq explores the connection between language and figuration by imbuing his canvases with a self-developed script of the Urdu language; language quite literally gives form to and frames his work. Akin to the Urdu language, these relationships are rich in essence, complex in construction, and ever-changing. Growing out of his experiences curating art exhibitions, Farooq’s practice has become increasingly interdisciplinary. This not only takes the form of employing a variety of media and mediums, but also incorporating fluctuations in authorship by having outside forces contribute to the works.
Show was opened by Mr. Alfred Grannas, the German Ambassador to Pakistan. Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, Norwegian Ambassador and Mr. William K. Makaneole the US Consul general were also in the attendance alongside different foreign diplomats and art enthusiast.
Challenging the homogenous view of society, ‘A Safe Space’ celebrates the ‘marginalised’. It pays homage to the spaces the ‘marginalised’ carve out for themselves, both as an act of resistance as well as a pressing need. These spaces become sites of inclusion, connectivity, and celebration of who these people are and the lives they choose to live.
The power imbalances in every society create a ‘self’ and the ‘other’, where the other is structurally, systemically, socially excluded. Women, queer community, ethnic and religious minorities often become these ‘marginalised’ groups, whose realities are demarcated, amongst others ways, by a lack of spaces, making it difficult to move, live freely and integrate in society.
The artist hopes that as art enthusiasts, collectors, curators we can bear witness to these largely unseen and often hidden spaces and lives. In acknowledging and appreciating diversity, ‘A Safe Space’ itself is a site of celebration, greater empathy and inclusivity.
The artist had 17 Paintings, 1 sculpture and 1 digital art at display. The artist used bright colours and various textures on the canvases to representing the celebration and importance of such spaces in the society. There are rich layers of meaning to the paintings on display, with the artist self-developed unique style of Urdu script running thought the larger works appearing to nod towards sub culture of marginalized communities. There are patterns and colours that carry symbolic meaning of emotions which member of such communities express when at such secure places. Farooqs immense ability to use the contrasting colours and to use bold colours to make a statement is praiseworthy. Not just that, he uses various textures to invoke reaction in viewer. The artworks translate the emotions, feeling and expression of joy such safe spaces bring to the marginalised community to a very powerful visual tool. In so doing, it opposes an ideology that sees society as flat, monotone and equal.