Sneak peek: ‘Homecoming’ gives a glimpse into Karachi long gone
Artist Rasheed Araeen’s retrospective exhibition on display at VM Art Gallery
KARACHI:
If you want to catch a glimpse into early Karachi that is hard to find now, visit the retrospective exhibition of Rasheed Araeen.
Titled ‘Homecoming’, the exhibition is on display at VM Art Gallery till January 7. The collection includes paintings, drawings and prints that show Karachi from 1952 to 1963. It also includes Araeen’s distinctive drawings and sculptures that he made between 1970s and 2013. They have been brought from the United Kingdom for display for the very first time in Pakistan.
Araeen, an artist, inventor, writer, initiated minimalist sculpture in Great Britain. With his artistic and personal journey starting from 1950s, a peek into Araeen’s childhood is evident from his work. It all sources from the time when visits to Gandhi Garden and USIS library were a norm for him, said a statement released by the gallery.
Araeen, young and passionate, didn’t conform to the rules of artistry. “My work showcases lines that are irregular to the extent of extreme frenzy with the structures showcasing minimal sculptural work,” said Araeen in his press statement released prior to the exhibition.
Among the many works on display, boats are present both in their absolute and abstract form. From their bold, linear construction to geometrical expressions in watercolours, these boats signify ‘Boats at Keamari’ and ‘Boats at Rest.’ The journey of absolute, linear boats into a more lively, motion like presence of a wave can be seen in the painting, ‘Boats Towards Abstraction’ (1958-62).
“Water is very important in Araeen’s work,” explained Amra Ali, the curator and co-publisher of his book on the history of modernism. “It is evident from the vast imagery of boats and waves.”
The use of watercolours is not only abundant but more of a sign of abstraction for his works, ‘Boats at Rest’ and ‘Waves at Sandspit’. “Form and aesthetics have been interlinked and evolved into what we see in contemporary art,” said Ali. “He has extensively used mediums such as watercolours, steel, woodcuts and metal. But it is the aesthetic course of his work that has challenged Western modernism and that is rare in itself.”
The month-long exhibition will not only be highlighting an insight into Karachi’s history but will also host learning sessions for art lovers and students on December 8, when participants from different institutes of the city will create pieces from 100 cardboard boxes, followed by a discussion.
“I think it should be more than a simple exhibition,” said Ali. “That’s why, we have arranged these small activities so that people, especially students, get to learn and feel involved in them.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2014.
If you want to catch a glimpse into early Karachi that is hard to find now, visit the retrospective exhibition of Rasheed Araeen.
Titled ‘Homecoming’, the exhibition is on display at VM Art Gallery till January 7. The collection includes paintings, drawings and prints that show Karachi from 1952 to 1963. It also includes Araeen’s distinctive drawings and sculptures that he made between 1970s and 2013. They have been brought from the United Kingdom for display for the very first time in Pakistan.
Black & White III, 1962, from Boats Towards Abstraction
Araeen, an artist, inventor, writer, initiated minimalist sculpture in Great Britain. With his artistic and personal journey starting from 1950s, a peek into Araeen’s childhood is evident from his work. It all sources from the time when visits to Gandhi Garden and USIS library were a norm for him, said a statement released by the gallery.
Araeen, young and passionate, didn’t conform to the rules of artistry. “My work showcases lines that are irregular to the extent of extreme frenzy with the structures showcasing minimal sculptural work,” said Araeen in his press statement released prior to the exhibition.
Among the many works on display, boats are present both in their absolute and abstract form. From their bold, linear construction to geometrical expressions in watercolours, these boats signify ‘Boats at Keamari’ and ‘Boats at Rest.’ The journey of absolute, linear boats into a more lively, motion like presence of a wave can be seen in the painting, ‘Boats Towards Abstraction’ (1958-62).
Untitled, 1960, from Boats Towards Abstraction
“Water is very important in Araeen’s work,” explained Amra Ali, the curator and co-publisher of his book on the history of modernism. “It is evident from the vast imagery of boats and waves.”
The use of watercolours is not only abundant but more of a sign of abstraction for his works, ‘Boats at Rest’ and ‘Waves at Sandspit’. “Form and aesthetics have been interlinked and evolved into what we see in contemporary art,” said Ali. “He has extensively used mediums such as watercolours, steel, woodcuts and metal. But it is the aesthetic course of his work that has challenged Western modernism and that is rare in itself.”
The month-long exhibition will not only be highlighting an insight into Karachi’s history but will also host learning sessions for art lovers and students on December 8, when participants from different institutes of the city will create pieces from 100 cardboard boxes, followed by a discussion.
“I think it should be more than a simple exhibition,” said Ali. “That’s why, we have arranged these small activities so that people, especially students, get to learn and feel involved in them.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2014.