Magnetic pieces: Full of expressions, Moeen Faruqi’s work mesmerises art lovers

Artist’s stylised figurative works are narrative, with titles being an important feature.

ISLAMABAD: It feels as if one has walked into a room full of people. The intriguingly busy ambiance created with gripping abstract portraits by Moeen Faruqi conceals the walls of Khaas art gallery at an exhibition on Tuesday evening.

Faruqi’s magnetic pieces infused with vibrant hues are compelling. The self-taught artist from Karachi brings an alluring collection to the capital --- with each piece narrating a powerful story. It is not just dazzlingly bright tones that catch ones attention in a glimpse, but the impactful use of natural expressions on faces in a social setting is the most relatable.

The artist’s stylised figurative works are narrative; hence titles are an important feature in his practice.



He has managed to capture complexities of social gatherings in big cities. An observation of people and situations around him, his acrylic work ‘Karachi Kahani’ on canvas beautifully captures the true essence of the city.

The mysteriously haunting expressions of portraits is intense and gripping in the single portraits ‘man’, ‘woman’, and ‘the corner’. The vibrancy of strokes in his work reflect the electrifying busy city culture, however, the depth of the expression drawn very skillfully narrates their tale.



The artist said his work is open to interpretation. The protagonist in his paintings, usually staring out of the canvas, represents himself. “I want the viewer to decide for themselves who they are,” Faruqi told The Express Tribune. “You can be from Karachi, Bombay or even New York. This can be anyone’s story from an urban modern city” said Faruqi.

“These paintings are of modern people living in big cities,” said Faruqi, adding that these are people affected by relationships. The depth of the work is strong and absorbing.



A large number of art enthusiasts came to see the show. “I saw myself in so many paintings,” said Amen Sheikh who had come to see the exhibition with her friends. Momina Latif, an art student visiting the exhibition, said that the work was colourful and attracts viewers in a single glimpse.

Faruqi’s work is on display at the gallery till December 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 3^rd, 2014.