The poet’s muse: Exploring the feminine mystique

Raja Changez Sultan is known for his shadowy female figures.

An exhibition of paintings from the collection of the critically-acclaimed artist and poet, Raja Changez Sultan, opened at the Tanzara Gallery on Thursday.

The current exhibition highlights, besides his signature series “Himalayan Odyssey” and “Divided Self,” his most recent series, “The Wood Nymphs,” which bring a delectable combination of shadowy female forms in the backdrop of sun-kissed mountains.

The artist does not necessarily adhere to a particular creative process. “There is no rational decision, it has more to do with what moves you at a given time,” said Sultan. “This is how you orchestrate it in certain emotive states. Over a passage of time, you keep refining your aesthetic, as more time passes, more aware you become and you will notice subtleties in your work.”

In figurative paintings, the artist seeks a certain mystery. Any relationship between varying moods – the figure must be expressive and yet contained, embody sadness and yet not to be obvious, suggest movement and yet be still, which brings divergent elements together. These are his visual concerns.



The Himalayan Odyssey employs a rich palette, blending an eclectic mix of peacock colours, aqua and neons, bright ochre and bold reds. In fluid strokes, the artist paints multiple layers which creates a peculiar translucence.

The landscape merges in smooth gradients, blending in effortlessly with the colours of nature. The paintings evoke a feeling of being surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the misty environ as clouds descend, blurring landscape into a surreal setting.

“The Divided Self” delves into human consciousness, showing dusky women, who exude an ethereal, haunting essence. Whereas it shows the forlorn expression in various states, it does ornament the subjects with necklaces or earrings. “I try not to regionalise their features because the soul has no face. Also I don’t want to limit my paintings to just Pakistan, art is a medium that bridges different cultures,” said Sultan, who is frequently asked if he paints his daughter.

While the latest series follows Sultan’s distinct style which results from the techniques he has employed, there is some element of minimalism in his canvasses which are composed of thin layers of oil paint and the result is a translucent light that permeates all around. The finished pieces lend one a captivating, mystical experience, wherein one sees a fusion of colour, dissolving spaces, dismantling and unveiling of figures and forms with an air of timelessness about them.

“Raja Chagez Sultan embodies a unique vision. Mercifully free of any imitation, his work stands apart from his contemporaries by virtue of his technique and style,” said Noshi Qadir, the gallery curator.

Having exhibited his art at home and abroad for over four decades, Sultan has also served as director general of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts.

The exhibition, inaugurated by Romanian Ambassador Emilian Ion, will continue till March 15 every day from 11:30am to 7pm except Sunday.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 1^st, 2014.