Rohtas 2: Work of US-based artist on display

Exhibition of Khalil Chishti’s works will continue till December 17.

LAHORE:

An exhibition of paintings by Khalil Chishti, a New York-based Pakistani artist, is underway at the Rohtas 2 Art Gallery in Model Town.

Chishti, who likes to experiment, is no stranger to art collectors and critics in his homeland where he regularly exhibits his work. Commenting on his latest work on acid free paper, Chisti said it was a reaction to the death of his mother earlier this year. “I am not sure about the darkness and melancholy in my work. I paint what I see and experience.

Some art critics declare anything …as dark and morbid. For me, the purpose of art is more than what art schools or museums tell you”, said the artist.

Asad Hayee, an art curator, said: “The skill of the artist was demonstrated by the precision with which he achieved the required effect in his work.”

He said Chishti has not named his works instead he has attached clipboards to them to let the viewers decide their name”.

The exhibition will continue till December 17.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2011.