Colours and effect: Ali Abbas portrays Sindh’s Sufi inclinations
The works focus on the ancient tribes who have lived in the province for long
Ali Abbas’s artworks, currently on display at the Artscene Galleries, combine the use of colours such as red and green with black and white tones to produce a Sufi effect. PHOTO: COURTESY ARTSCENE GALLERIES
KARACHI:
Sindh’s relationship with mysticism and spirituality resonates in the artworks of Ali Abbas, currently on display at the Artscene Galleries.
British deputy high commissioner John A Tuckott inaugurated the solo show, titled ‘Haq Moujod’, at the gallery on Thursday. It will run till January 15.
Employing watercolours, Abbas has produced contrasting effects. His works depict how Sindh has been a land of Sufism since ages. The Hyderabad-based artist said he is very proud of his Sindh heritage and always took pride in studying its culture and heritage.
His latest works focus on the ancient tribes of Sindh who have lived in the province for long. “The land of Sindh has always welcomed visitors and guests because it is a land of spirituality and mysticism,” said Abbas, while explaining the nature and depth of his work. He said he tried to portray the people of nomadic and ancient tribes as they enhance the landscape with the brilliantly coloured costumes they wear.
Abbas, who has been displaying his works in solo exhibitions for a decade in Pakistan and abroad, is also the head of the fine arts department, centre of excellence in art and design, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro.
Talking about the colour palette he used, the artist said that he used shades related to Sufism. “I have used black and white tones along with some other bright colours as I feel these are connected to Sufism. I believe artwork depends on the mood and nature of the artist himself.”
The site of the exhibition complemented the masterpieces. The gallery was decorated by ancient Sindhi ornaments and the guests were given gifts of vibrant hand bands, beautiful necklaces and hats, all made of bright threads. A large number of people turned up at the opening of the show. Delighted by the presence of the many visitors, Abbas said he was really happy to see the young people observing the artworks so passionately. “Art is a growing field now.”
A lot of MUET students were present on the occasion. “I have come to Karachi only to see this exhibition,” said Yumna Chandio. “Sindh is the land of the Sufis and the artist has depicted it really well.”
Another visitor, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture assistant professor Hamir Soomro, said that ‘Haq Moujod’ is a representation of one’s soul if only people can understand. “Abbas alone is capable of creating such artworks.”
The use of colours and the balance greatly affected a student of the NED University of Engineering and Technology. “It’s amazing how the artist has used the black tone with other colours,” said Hafiz Taha. “There is not a single point where he has used a tone more or less.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2015.
Sindh’s relationship with mysticism and spirituality resonates in the artworks of Ali Abbas, currently on display at the Artscene Galleries.
British deputy high commissioner John A Tuckott inaugurated the solo show, titled ‘Haq Moujod’, at the gallery on Thursday. It will run till January 15.
Employing watercolours, Abbas has produced contrasting effects. His works depict how Sindh has been a land of Sufism since ages. The Hyderabad-based artist said he is very proud of his Sindh heritage and always took pride in studying its culture and heritage.
His latest works focus on the ancient tribes of Sindh who have lived in the province for long. “The land of Sindh has always welcomed visitors and guests because it is a land of spirituality and mysticism,” said Abbas, while explaining the nature and depth of his work. He said he tried to portray the people of nomadic and ancient tribes as they enhance the landscape with the brilliantly coloured costumes they wear.
Abbas, who has been displaying his works in solo exhibitions for a decade in Pakistan and abroad, is also the head of the fine arts department, centre of excellence in art and design, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro.
Talking about the colour palette he used, the artist said that he used shades related to Sufism. “I have used black and white tones along with some other bright colours as I feel these are connected to Sufism. I believe artwork depends on the mood and nature of the artist himself.”
The site of the exhibition complemented the masterpieces. The gallery was decorated by ancient Sindhi ornaments and the guests were given gifts of vibrant hand bands, beautiful necklaces and hats, all made of bright threads. A large number of people turned up at the opening of the show. Delighted by the presence of the many visitors, Abbas said he was really happy to see the young people observing the artworks so passionately. “Art is a growing field now.”
A lot of MUET students were present on the occasion. “I have come to Karachi only to see this exhibition,” said Yumna Chandio. “Sindh is the land of the Sufis and the artist has depicted it really well.”
Another visitor, Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture assistant professor Hamir Soomro, said that ‘Haq Moujod’ is a representation of one’s soul if only people can understand. “Abbas alone is capable of creating such artworks.”
The use of colours and the balance greatly affected a student of the NED University of Engineering and Technology. “It’s amazing how the artist has used the black tone with other colours,” said Hafiz Taha. “There is not a single point where he has used a tone more or less.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2015.