Eternal quest: Nirvaan — exhibiting devotion, spirituality

Ahmad Habib puts his sculptures, paintings on display at Nomad

ISLAMABAD: An exhibition of sculptures and paintings by contemporary artist and teacher Ahmad Habib open at Nomad Art Gallery on Saturday (today).

Titled ‘Nirvaan 2’, the show is an extension of Ahmad’s previous collection of artworks revolving around the themes of devotion, spirituality and an eternal quest for tranquility. As the title suggests, the art pieces are a manifestation of Nirvana – a path that leads to divine knowledge and fulfillment. It also alludes to the story of Gautama Buddha and his letter to his wife Yasodhara upon abandoning her before embarking on his spiritual journey which Ahmad has penned from his own perspective.

Besides the matte charcoal sculptures, the exhibition also features five acrylic and charcoal paintings which complement the sculptures in a visually-appealing presentation. The sculptures are highly stylised, nuanced with deeply personal struggles and emotions. There is a power play of the spiritual solace intertwined with worldly desires. Each piece tells a story and as a whole, they combine into a philosophical narrative.

Although the large sculptures take up considerable space in the gallery, their essence remains minimalist, muted and provocative. “This is a vibrant exhibition of brilliant sculptures and intriguing forms which are repeatedly reflected on the five sensitively executed paintings in this show. The fragments of human anatomy and the symbolism appear to reflect and encapsulate a burden of emotions and existence,” said Nageen Hyat, the gallery curator.

Ahmad has revealed his poetic side in the art pieces, many of which are inspired by his own verses. “The exhibition literally forced me to experiment with metal, fiber and wires. I tried to mold my poetic compositions on these media in an attempt to express my innermost emotions,” said the artist, talking about his work.

He has related the juvenile innocence and infatuation with the metaphor of a paper yatch, obsession and pure love with a crimson flower and hope and discovery with lanterns, some of which light up in fiber glass to give off a red tint, inscribed by folk love poetry. He has also depicted the webs of ego that inhibit personal development and the power of love which serve as guiding forces for the soul. The exhibition continues till December 22.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2014.