Removed from reality: Sculpture exhibition exudes universal appeal

'Musing on the self' comprises 10 sculptures made from wood, aluminium



ISLAMABAD: An exhibition featuring the work of prominent sculptor Abdul Jabbar Gull opened up at the Khaas Art Gallery on Tuesday. Titled “Musing on the self”, the exhibition comprises 10 sculptures created from wood and aluminium.

The highly-textured pieces combine tangible symbols such as replicas of Mohenjo Daro artifacts and some universal symbols such as flowers, numbers, alphabets and real foreign currency coins. The transient shades of blue, green and brown exude a metallic tent while the wooden sculptures in black are bold



Through his present work, Abdul is also talking about the historical and cultural connection of powers that influence and dominate. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY



Abdul elaborated on an installation-based sculpture titled, “Paradise”, saying that the symbols are reflective of one’s idealism, removed from reality.

“All of my work is about the two worlds we live in: the physical and the spiritual. It is also a comment on the political happenings around me, my reflections on the meaning and purpose of life and I’ve used both subtle and direct symbols to address these questions,” he added.

Through his current work, Abdul is also talking about the history and the cultural connection of the powers that influence and dominate.

Babar Gull, the gallery curator, said the current series was a continuation of Abdul’s previous work, adding that it is was more interactive since some of the puzzle-like pieces can be picked up and moved around.

Abdul’s extensive work in Africa and a recent sculpture symposium in Korea have widened his views of the choices man has to tread the path of materialism or seek spiritual guidance and understanding as a key element in life.

There are plates that carry letters and numbers that one cannot read, and Abdul relates that while in Korea, fellow sculptors recognised some of the shapes and made their sounds. Though Abdul has no conscious knowledge of these letters, they are strong motifs that support his belief in universal feeling, the humanity of the ordinary man.



Through his present work, Abdul is also talking about the historical and cultural connection of powers that influence and dominate. PHOTOS: HUMA CHOUDHARY



The reason that one does get to see too many sculptures, Abdul said, is because making sculptures is laborious and time-consuming work. However, he added, people were finally realising and acknowledging them.

Tofiq Pasha, an artist, commented on the exhibition saying it was a learning experience. “It definitely fascinates me, the materials he has used. I constantly wanted to touch and figure out what the material is,” he said. There are a couple of pieces I’ve seen here today that would definitely fit into my home, he added.

Abdul has worked as a commercial hoardings and cinema painter for several years. He went to study design including advertising, photography, ceramics and printmaking at the National Council of the Arts in Lahore for three years. More than half-way through, he decided to pursue Fine Arts and completed his BFA degree in Scripture. He has taught sculpture at Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVSAA) and is engaged with IVSAA and other institutes as a visiting faculty member. Abdul’s work has been displayed both at home and abroad.

The current exhibition will continue till October 18.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2nd, 2014.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ