Art exhibition” Steeped in Sufi mysticism, paintings on display at Tanzara

“Motherland” (3ft x 8ft), is the largest painting in the collection.

ISLAMABAD: Time and place become immaterial in the realm of mysticism, where there is only eternal love. This seems to be the core theme of a painting exhibition by internationally-acclaimed artist Mohsen Keiany that opened at the Tanzara Art Gallery on Friday and continues till October 17.

Keiany is currently based in the United Kingdom and was born in Shiraz, a city traditionally celebrated for its eminent poets and Sufi masters, most particularly Hafiz Shirazi, Sheikh Saadi, Mansoor Hallaj and Baba Kohl.

All 24 pieces that are on display are painted using a rich colour palette, with prominent tones of aqua blue-green, warm gold and bronze. They depict swirling dervishes and musicians, warriors and lovers, architecture and animals. Over the intricate patterns, there are transparent spirals that leave an oddly calming, almost hypnotic impact on the senses. Calligraphic inscriptions from select verses of Rumi, Hafiz and Ghazali are penned down on the canvas to give the effect of a manuscript wherever relevant.

“Mohsen’s imagery is steeped in Sufi mysticism and architectural forms that echo a worldwide Muslim heritage. His canvases exude a spiritual quality, lending an insight into his Sufi thought and Persian culture,” said the gallery’s curator, Noshi Qadir.

When asked about his creative process, the artist said there was none that he could focus on particularly. “I sit in front of the canvas and paint from my imagination. The impact of calligraphy comes from Persian miniature.” It had taken him about four months to complete the largest painting (3ft x 8ft) in the collection, titled, “Motherland.”

Horses recur quite frequently in the paintings. “They symbolise freedom, since they are running wild,” said the artist. “My art can contribute not just to the aesthetic pleasure that people will experience but also enhance their understanding of diverse art traditions and the human condition,” he added.

The artist has trained as a fine arts teacher and lecturer. He obtained a PhD, from the Birmingham City University, focusing on rural and nomadic symbolic arts, crafts and architecture. He did his MA and BA degrees in Fine Arts (Painting.)

Shimza Kamal, an art student, appreciated the lively hues and the geometric shapes in the paintings. “I like the juxtaposition of the cool and warm hues through which the artist has plotted messages of love and harmony. It is a very engaging visual narrative,” she added.

The exhibition is open to visitors everyday from 11:30am to 7pm, excluding Sundays.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2013.