Dark yet delicate portrayal of Balochistan’s cultural degradation

ISLAMABAD: Akram Dost and Jamil Baloch impress upon new realms of depicting social change and distortion of culture in Balochistan. The new collection presented by these brothers from Nushki proves their merit as the most original duo in Pakistan.

The two-person show opening at Khaas Gallery on Tuesday delicately touches upon some pressing issues faced by our society.

Jamil Baloch is a name not unknown to Pakistan’s art community. The famous sculptor, residing in Lahore as a professor of art at National College of Arts, has produced work that highlights social and political issues tormenting the country. For his recent collection, his inspiration travels all the way back to his native province of Balochistan as he depicts the distortion of culture and the expansion of the class divide through his weaving patterns.

Using acrylics on paper as his medium of choice for most of the collection, the artist further expands his sphere of medium by adding a few pieces on canvas and a life-size sculpture depicting the same imagery. ‘Koh’, the textured and multilayered sculpture standing at 8.5 feet, embodies the essence of mountains in Balochistan.

The weaving patterns emanate traditional values while the black-washed top shows the gradual death of culture and tradition in the area.

The artist uses black acrylic to emphasise the treatment. Even though it may seem that the images are tough and hard on the eyes, the artist ensures the presence of sensitivity and aesthetics in his work. The linear and colourful wall-based works exude dynamic creativity with an impact that draws the observer into the brilliant lines and depth of the artwork.

Akram Dost, currently based in Quetta, highlights social issues related to women empowerment and the distortion of their image in our society.  Using mix medium on paper, the artist portrays the darker side of the demeaning circumstances that reinforce the lack of humanity with which women are treated.

His recent work divulges the plight of the helpless flood victims as he depicts the human experience with fragility and shows an ambience of enforced desperation.

Dost presents his work as a compendium of the on-going issues that make-up Balochistan. However, his style is modern and forces no limitations upon his imagery or the way he chooses to express his emotions. The artist addresses the human experience in all its fragility.

Exhibiting till January 15, the installation is a must-see.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2011.