Show forges bridge between artistic, cricketing realm

Game Changer, a unique artwork by internationally acclaimed artist Imran Qureshi was unveiled in the federal capital on Sunday.

Islamabad United, the team in the Pakistan Super League history with the most title wins launched the artwork that ‘embodies the electric energy of cricket and celebrates the unwavering spirit of Islamabad United.’

“’Game Changer’ incorporates both the energy of cricket and the vocabulary of internationally acclaimed visual artist Imran Qureshi,” said Amna Naqvi, Co-Owner of Islamabad United.

“The figure is wielding a bat almost like a sword and it is composed of cricket balls which are covered with Qureshi’s floral-like motifs which are inspired by the landscapes of Indian Mughal court paintings.”

The stance of the batsman is as powerful as the team it symbolises, she said. Qureshi is a master of action painting and here instead of a brush, he throws six balls at the canvas to complete the ‘over’, she observed.

“The bounces and treads that the ball creates in this over across canvas, reveals the perineal contest between a batsman and a bowler. The batsman is present on the canvas while the bowler thought absent is very much ‘present’ in the form of his powerful throws.”

Artist Imran Qureshi said, "Creating artwork with new challenges and risks is always exciting for me. This was the second wonderful opportunity to work with Islamabad United. Exploring digital and painting mediums in the completely new context of sports, its energy, and power, was the true beauty of the experience, he said.

Through 'Game Changer,' I aimed to capture the raw emotions and energy of the game, while also introducing art to a wider audience.”

This project marks the continuation of the groundbreaking AANideasLAB #IQxIU collaboration between Islamabad United and Imran Qureshi. Launched in 2022, this initiative represents a historic first, forging a bridge between the worlds of cricket and art. The first collaboration in 2022 saw Qureshi's creative journey intertwined with Islamabad United players, for a multi-week visual art project. The resulting artistic output transcended the canvas, finding its way onto the team's official kits and other ventures.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2024.