Exhibition: The finesse that patterns weave

“Converging Lines” links together the work of 12 well known artists.

ISLAMABAD:

A first of its kind drawing and sketch portfolio was put on display at the Khaas Art Gallery here on Wednesday. Titled “Converging Lines”, the exhibition brought together the work of 12 well-known artists from across the country.

Despite holding high expectations from the event, the exhibition did not turn out to be an art lover’s cup of tea. An underlying theme was felt missing, while the only common factor among the drawings was the paper used (Montval Canson). Each portfolio contains 15 limited edition offset prints, individually signed and numbered.

A sketch titled “Persona” by RM Naeem showcased a mask being peeled off a man’s face, perhaps hinting towards the mask we all wear to hide our real selves.

Another sketch by Waseem Ahmed, portrayed a woman with her bare back to the view, with a large lotus flower depicting the essence of womanhood. The sketch was smudged here and there to produce a refined effect.

Nazia H Khan’s sketch was about a glass globe with drawings of modern architecture depicting transformations of geography with time. Throughout history, old structures have had to make way for development and change. Although the artists work was meant to impress, many felt that it lacked basic lines and aesthetic technique that would have otherwise set each artist apart from one another.

“Where are the lines? Drawing beautifully is easy but to an experienced artist’s eye, each work needs to show lines that are imperative to drawing,” commented Hajra Mansoor, a renowned artist. While seconding her opinion, her husband and renowned artist, Mansoor Rahi stressed on the fact that artists nowadays lack basic line-making technique including the work that was being showcased at the exhibition. “There are hundred types of lines that are taught and practiced by artists who practice drawings, although the work present is good to look at, it lacks those lines and creativity,” he said.

The exhibition is a collaborative project of the gallery and art critic, Aasim Akhtar. Other participating artists are Adeeluz Zafar, Anwar Saeed, Farrukh Saeed, Meher Afroz, Moeen Faruqi, Naheed Raza, Naiza H Khan, Salima Hashmi and Tariq Gill.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2012.