Mixed media: Wandering Forms opens at Alhamra

Qureshi’s abstract art captivates viewers.

LAHORE:

Wandering Forms, an exhibition by Abdullah Qureshi, opened at the Alhamra Art Gallery on Monday. It will continue till October 16.

As many as 32 paintings were exhibited. The artist had used oil on canvas, enamel on canvas, gloss paint on photographs, oil and collage on canvas, oil and enamel on canvas and mixed media on canvas. Artist Aasim Akhtar was the curator. Nafisa Rizvi, an art critic, said, “Qureshi has used expansive canvases that are layered and luminous. His colour palette is diverse and he moves between impasto and wash.” She said that Qureshi’s work with paint was visceral and intuitive and his concerns universal.

Akhtar said, “Qureshi features in the evolution of Pakistani contemporary art as a crucial link between the past and future. He has inherited, extended and renewed its traditions.”

He said that Qureshi’s work embraced elements of tribal symbolism and searched for new meaning in aesthetics. He has captured the subtle changes of space, nature, light and shadow to create abstract worlds that are vivid and spectacular.

“Qureshi’s art is a unique development in the tradition of landscape painting and lyrical minimal style but at the same time portray his efforts to explore and fuse Eastern and Western styles,” said Akhtar.

Former NCA principal Nazish Ataullah said that she had enjoyed the show very much.

Shumaila Noor, a visitor, said, “Qureshi’s art has a lot of depth. It made me feel calm.”

Artist Aimal Asi said, “I’m always fascinated by the art paint spillage can create...The universe wants to move towards beauty.”

Cartoonist Muddassar Butt, said, “Qureshi’s use of wild colours is truly impressive.”

Qureshi was born in Lahore in 1987. He has an MA and a BA in fine arts from Chelsea College of Art and Design, London.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2013.