Wasi Haider’s work at Jharoka

ISLAMABAD: A Solo exhibition by renowned Karachi based artist, Wasi Haider, opened at the Jharoka Art Gallery this Saturday. Known for his mastered usage of the pointillism technique, Wasi has worked with many different mediums and his works focus on a vast array of subjects.

Pointillism, a refined form of painting challenges the artist to use only the tip of the brush to translate the image onto canvas, has been mastered by few in Pakistan.

The minimalistic style of the Jharoka Art Gallery was an ideal choice to house his work as the surroundings did not over power the art work itself.  His current exhibition focuses on female faces and flowers.

The infusion of the two portrays a very unique imagery of the individuality of a woman with the fragrance of a flower.

“The artist shows great command over the brush and aesthetic sense.

The images show that the fragrance of the women and flowers is merged together,” Nahida Raza, owner and curator of Jharoka Art Gallery, told The Express Tribune.

Using black and white as the prime colours for the collection Wasi shows the distinctiveness of the work produced.

The use of black and white not only shows simplicity but also gives his artwork a very classy touch.

“Even though the subject of each painting is the same, each piece has a distinct quality to it,” Raza said.

Priced between Rs14,000 - 30,000 Wasi’s art is termed as a ‘collectors dream’ and is bought by many.

“It is very disheartening for an artist to see that people can afford to buy a bag worth Rs200,000 but are unwilling to pay smaller prices for quality art work,” Raza added.

Nahida feels that as an artist and a curator she has noticed a deflating trend in not only the purchase of art work but also in its viewing.

She feels that people are not coming as often as they used to and due to this she is planning on having private viewings of the exhibit for collectors from around Islamabad.

“I feel it is a waste if such excellence is not properly showcased. The word needs to get out regarding the fineness of this collection and the only way I can achieve that is by inviting collectors individually to analyse and experience the collection.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2010.