Textured look: Attock preserved in knife paintings

Self-taught artist could give most veterans a run for their money

ISLAMABAD: It is has become a norm to see recent art graduates exhibit their work at galleries in Islamabad, but it is rare to see artists from rural areas and smaller cities get prominent displays at the same galleries. This is precisely the reason an exhibition such as the one at Nomad Art Gallery attracts art enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

The exhibition features the works of Hamesh Gull --- a self-taught artist from Attock with a stunning hand. His work could give most veterans a run for their money. In this particular exhibit, his work features knife paintings, which gives a unique, textured look. “Knife work with oil paints gives a thick layer on the canvas, which also preserves pieces longer,” he said.

The retired Pakistan Railways worker’s paintings show a strong affinity for train stations. Several paintings in the exhibit featured different scenarios at the Attock railway station, particularly because the venue is close to the artist’s heart.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Gull said he is also passionate about preserving cultural sites and heritage buildings. “I believe my paintings will stay, even if the cultural sites do not remain. That is precisely the reason I paint --- to try and preserve heritage through my work,” he said.

His preferred medium is oil-on-canvas. Street life, rural life and old heritage buildings inspire his work. He has been practicing art for 40 years. “I started knife painting around 20 years ago. It takes a lot of practice to perfect knife painting, but the outcome is far more textured and beautiful than brushstrokes,” he added.

Speaking about his colour preferences, Gull said he is fond of using yellow because it represents light and adds life and energy to any painting.

He has previously been featured in group exhibitions in different provinces of Pakistan. He also painted a portrait of US President Barak Obama and his father, which was well appreciated and became his claim to fame.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 25^th, 2015.