Artwork based on the theme ‘The Bold Woman’, on display at the exhibition. PHOTO: EXPRESS
The space for contemporary artists seems to be expanding in the capital and beyond. As proof, two art galleries were launched simultaneously on Friday. Art and Soul Gallery is a physical space that hosted the opening of a group art show and the launch ceremony of the online art gallery, Me Art World.
A plethora of art pieces were displayed in the show, “Perceptions of Silence,” in the dimly-lit interior abuzz with people. Some even crowded a narrow staircase to take a good, hard look at the artwork that spiralled up into darkness.
The overhead lamps spilled uneven lighting over the art pieces below them. The ambience was accentuated by a pianist playing loud
notes throughout the evening. Along a side, there was an exhibition of exquisite gold-plated jewellery by “Polly and Me.”
“The idea was to give the place the feel of a collector’s home,” said Me Art World CEO Zainab Omar. She added that although the artists have websites, they don’t always get the desired mileage.
The virtual gallery is a platform from which the artists can build a clientele and interact with art collectors, she said.
Zara Sajid, the curator of Me Art World and a featured artist, is a textile designer. Instead of going down the traditional lawn-designing route, she chose to explore textile as a medium of art. “In the realm of art comes design as well. My pieces are an amalgamation of both,” she said.
Osama Sohail’s series is a play on local culture. Some of the illustrations in charcoal and pastels depict the country back in the 70s, with people watching films in cinemas and roaming the streets. His work ranges from traditional portraits such as that of a Kalash woman to a more retro theme.
Faizaan Ahab’s work is part of a larger narrative, a love story unravelling. He has used mixed media and acrylic to show an antagonist. The three multilayered pieces depict the complexities
and apparent charm of being in love.
Usman Ahmed’s work revolves around the reflection of freedom and veiled expression. His paintings of veiled women sporting sunglasses have reflections in them. In one of the pieces, there is a reflection of a woman changing her clothes. “I usually paint portraits of my friends but this work is very controversial as it deals with such ideas,” he said.
Rabia Ayub’s work is as vibrant as it is poignant. One of her paintings shows a woman sitting cross-legged under a cloudy sky. Ayub said she has painted her late aunt who suffered prolonged illness and the piece was a form of tribute to her dauntless spirit.
Mina Arham has translated her love for urban life into cityscapes. One of her architectural pieces is a view of a locality in Lahore with European architecture.
Arham believes the work is symbolic of the feeling of home that one harbours in their heart and is difficult to express.
Tanya Shah has sketched actual people in pen and ink. “These are random people you wouldn’t really look at normally. You wouldn’t take the time to get to know them,” she said. On closer inspection, the lines on their faces appear to resemble words.
When one reads them through the magnifying glass, one traces the intricately-written verses. Shah has used quotes as she loves writing poetry.
Shah Abdullah’s work speaks of the Hazaras’ deep-rooted anguish. Inside a box of mithai lies the mutilated body of a man. Abdullah’s other pieces feature the chest of a man, one with cracked skin. Other artists included Laiba Baig, Sanie Bokhari, Shahien Shahzada, Sarah Rajper and Mobeen Ansari.
The exhibition was inaugurated by PM Adviser on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz and will continue till September 16.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 8th, 2013.
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