Cultural trip: ‘Journey’ from an artist’s perspective

Hussain Chandio’s paintings debut in capital.

ISLAMABAD: Hussain Chandio is a well-known name in Sindh, but for the first time, his art was brought to the twin cities in an exhibition titled “Journey” at Gallery 6.

The artist, who earned a masters in fine arts from the University of Sindh in 1999, draws inspiration from his surroundings. The subjects of his paintings are people with ordinary lifestyles-often moving from one place to other, hence named “Journey.”

His paintings capture families, bicycles, trucks, horse-carts and motorbikes moving through the streets of Karachi and other areas of Sindh in a distinct manner. The figures, almost shadowy in black-and-white, are highlighted by strokes of bright, fluorescent colours. His paintings create a lively ambiance and take one through a cultural trip.

The scenes that he paints are not static. The most interesting aspect about Chandio’s work is the presence of movement in every scene — people moving either on motorbikes, tongas, boats or on foot. This is what draws the viewer deeper into the work rather than leaving the experience static and one dimensional.

This unseen movement in the paintings increases a feeling of curiosity and mystery that keeps the viewer engaged with vibrant colours.

“Chandio seems to have an extraordinary eye when it comes to observation, mastery on his technique, and a thorough understanding of his theme, to achieve spectacular results,” said Sana Shahid, an assistant curator at the gallery.

He presents his work through different angles, mostly aerial views. This is an unusual element for painters. Chandio says that if he had preferred a standard viewpoint, it would have been an injustice to his creativity and diversity as an artist.

He uses acrylics over other mediums to balances out the overall feel of his paintings by giving them appropriate breathing space. The techniques he uses are a visual delight.

The exhibition will be open every day from 11am to 7pm till August 8.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2015.