Art exhibition: In sunset hues
Paintings depict landscapes in around the capital.
ISLAMABAD:
Just when you think the landscape movement has long gone, along comes an artist to woo you back into the folds of trees blowing in the wind and lush green fields.
Asif Wajahat an Islamabad-based artist showcases his love for his hometown as he paints landscapes in and around the capital with abandon. His work — that went up on display at the Rawalpindi Arts Council on Wednesday— is a nature lover’s honest expression in that it concentrates more on the scenery than style or technique. For those more interested in finesse and technicality, the paintings on display, two of which capture the view from Pir Sohawa and Daman-e-Koh, may not prove enjoyable. What makes his work more interesting than the run-of-the-mill landscape exhibitions is perhaps his choice of timing.
“I like to paint mostly when the sun goes down. I keep visiting the place till my painting is done so my work is all on-the-spot except for a few,” said the artist.
A collection showcasing an artist’s impression of scenic views. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
Usually, painters prefer to paint during the day in order to capture the effect of sunrays on their canvas, but for Asif it’s perhaps the sinking rays of the sun meshed with the violet and pink fluffy clouds that attract his interest.
Some of his oil-on-canvas works seem to give an almost crayon effect.
Although mainly self-taught, Asif has studied from Iqbal Hussain for six months and taken tutelage under Colin David. “It’s all about one’s own interest; a teacher can’t hold your hand and force you to paint,” he said.
Besides landscapes, the artist has forayed into abstract but seems to fall slightly short on the element of mystery which is a necessary ingredient.
The exhibition will continue till the end of this week.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2012.
Just when you think the landscape movement has long gone, along comes an artist to woo you back into the folds of trees blowing in the wind and lush green fields.
Asif Wajahat an Islamabad-based artist showcases his love for his hometown as he paints landscapes in and around the capital with abandon. His work — that went up on display at the Rawalpindi Arts Council on Wednesday— is a nature lover’s honest expression in that it concentrates more on the scenery than style or technique. For those more interested in finesse and technicality, the paintings on display, two of which capture the view from Pir Sohawa and Daman-e-Koh, may not prove enjoyable. What makes his work more interesting than the run-of-the-mill landscape exhibitions is perhaps his choice of timing.
“I like to paint mostly when the sun goes down. I keep visiting the place till my painting is done so my work is all on-the-spot except for a few,” said the artist.
A collection showcasing an artist’s impression of scenic views. PHOTO: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/EXPRESS
Usually, painters prefer to paint during the day in order to capture the effect of sunrays on their canvas, but for Asif it’s perhaps the sinking rays of the sun meshed with the violet and pink fluffy clouds that attract his interest.
Some of his oil-on-canvas works seem to give an almost crayon effect.
Although mainly self-taught, Asif has studied from Iqbal Hussain for six months and taken tutelage under Colin David. “It’s all about one’s own interest; a teacher can’t hold your hand and force you to paint,” he said.
Besides landscapes, the artist has forayed into abstract but seems to fall slightly short on the element of mystery which is a necessary ingredient.
The exhibition will continue till the end of this week.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2012.