'Journey from ancient memory to contemporary art'

Artist Rahat Ali's exhibition explores relationship between antiquities, literature

KARACHI:

For artist Rahat Ali, the past is not something locked away in a museum or preserved in the pages of history. It is something that continues to live, evolve and find new meaning through the eyes of the present.

His latest solo exhibition, Forgotten Sky, explores the relationship between archaeology, antiquities and literature, bringing historical objects and contemporary artistic expression into conversation.

The exhibition opened at Sanat Initiative, where Ali has previously exhibited his work. A graduate of the National College of Arts (NCA), Lahore, in 2018, the artist has spent years exploring how objects carrying traces of history can be reinterpreted through contemporary art.

"I am inspired by history. I have tried to connect my past with the present and give it a new meaning," Ali told The Express Tribune.

The artist's work incorporates materials including charcoal, pencil, stone dust and wood ash.

"I have used old wood and stone sculptures. I have brought the old 3D sculptures onto paper," he explained.

"My work is only complete when the viewer brings their own interpretation to it," he said.

Ali, who is from Badin, says his connection with art began in childhood. He has been working professionally since graduating from NCA.

"It is a passion for me. I have been interested in art since childhood," he said.

Holding a solo exhibition is particularly meaningful for the artist, who has built a body of work around heritage, memory and narrative.