Written by: Shameen Arshad
Posted on: October 25, 2024 | 
Ghost Net
The "one-word story" exercise, rooted in improvisation, begins with the phrase “Once upon a time,” followed by each participant contributing a single word to form a cohesive narrative, without any one person controlling the direction of the story. The exhibition Diptych, which opened at Tanzara Art Gallery in Islamabad on October 10th, echoes this sense of spontaneity and playfulness. The artworks reflect an embrace of spontaneity, suggesting an artist’s ease with the creative process and a deep confidence in one’s handle over their chosen mediums.
Creating such works demands openness and trust, both in the process and in collaboration. In Diptych, both artists, Atif Khan and Sarah Hopkin, engage in a creative dialogue, and the audience is invited to participate in this playful exchange. The resulting pieces are inventive, allowing the artists to blend seemingly diverse elements while taking artistic liberties, as seen in works like Plinth and Conversation, which refuse to adhere strictly to reality, embracing instead a freer, more imaginative approach.
Plinth
The exhibition's title, Diptych, typically refers to two painted surfaces connected by hinges, but here, it signifies the merging of two distinct artistic worlds. The word, which literally translates to "two-fold," reflects the melding of the artists' individual perspectives to explore broader human experiences.
The artworks oscillate between grand societal themes and the small, often-overlooked nuances of everyday life. This duality grounds the fantastical imagery within a framework of lived reality. In Tea Dance, for example, the mundane event of a fly landing in a cup of tea becomes a focal point, a familiar yet trivial occurrence that speaks to the small annoyances of life. This piece, like many others, prompts viewers to reflect on the ordinary moments that are often overlooked but still deeply resonate. Similarly, the lightheartedness of Watchdogs, an image of delicate porcelain dog figurines on a windowsill, adds a whimsical touch to the exhibition while provoking contemplation of everyday objects and their meaning.
Watchdogs
The dynamic collaboration between Khan and Hopkin excites viewers. The distinct visual styles of each artist are present, yet their combination gives rise to an entirely new visual language. The works are rich with symbolism, drawn from the varied cultural worlds the artists inhabit, challenging the viewer to consider the intersections of these perspectives. The titles of the works function as anchors, offering thematic guidance while still leaving enough room for personal interpretation. For example, Heirloom directs the viewer toward ideas of legacy and inheritance, yet remains open-ended enough for the audience to reflect on their own experiences and understanding of the concept.
Heirloom
One of the exhibition’s key strengths is its ability to communicate profound meaning through simple imagery. By avoiding overcomplication and excessive embellishment, Khan and Hopkin allow the works to breathe, giving each element space to communicate its significance. The straightforward elements, such as jugs, teacups or windows, take on new significance when viewed through the dual cultural perspectives of the two artists. The familiar becomes extraordinary, inviting viewers to engage deeply with objects that might otherwise be dismissed as mundane.
In Flock, the fusion of clouds drawn from Persian miniature painting, motifs from South Asian truck art, and aerial views of European residential areas creates a powerful statement about international cultural intersections. The piece transcends the limitations of geographical borders, reflecting a broader global experience. By focusing on just a few visual elements, Khan and Hopkin encourage the audience to slow down and consider the symbolic weight of each, crafting a more intimate and thoughtful engagement with the work.
Vista
Color also plays a crucial role in the emotional tone of the exhibition, further enriching the narrative. In Smog, for instance, a dusty rose sky introduces a sinister atmosphere to the landscape, while the cross-pollination of pink and blue hues creates a sense of unease. These tonal shifts hint at an underlying tension within the work, offering another layer of meaning for the viewer to unpack.
The artists’ choice of mediums also enriches the works, with the combination of digital tools and traditional techniques such as screen-printing adding literal and conceptual layers to each piece. Each artwork is constructed both digitally through the use of software like Photoshop and manually, with layers of colored ink applied via screen-printing. This interplay between digital and traditional methods enhances the visual complexity of the works, while also adding depth to their thematic concerns.
Freedom
The contrast between modern digital tools and manual printmaking methods brings a rich texture to the exhibition, highlighting the dialogue between precision and hand-crafted imperfection. This juxtaposition offers a deeper commentary on the evolution of contemporary artistic practices, where technological advancements coexist with time-honored craftsmanship.
For those familiar with the distinct styles of Khan and Hopkin, it may be surprising how seamlessly their works blend together. In pieces like Barcode, the fluidity of their collaboration makes it difficult to discern which artist contributed what, showcasing the symbiosis of their creative process. This sense of artistic harmony is a testament to their adaptability, as they push the boundaries of their practices while honoring each other’s unique voices.
Diptych demonstrates Khan and Hopkin's ongoing evolution as artists. Rather than settling into comfortable techniques, they continuously redefine their practices, reflecting their growth, changing life experiences, and fluctuating environments. This evolution makes the exhibition an authentic representation of their artistic journeys, a snapshot of two artists in motion.
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