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    Art Review: 'Hum-Kalaam' at Studio Seven Gallery

    Hum-Kalaam at Studio Seven Gallery Karachi

    Written by: Nageen Shaikh
    Posted on: March 17, 2017 | | 中文

    (L) 'Azzad-e-Izhaar' by Rameez, (R) 'Gosh-e-Aafiat' by Hureen Akram

    'Masnavi' by Sana Nezam - Hum-Kalaam at Studio Seven Gallery Karachi

    'Masnavi' by Sana Nezam

    These artworks are the artists’ way of conversing with the visitors. They are open to interpretation”, says Zayyana Kamran, curator of Hum-Kalaam at Studio Seven Gallery in Karachi. The show opened on March 14, and displays a range of impressive artworks by 11 artists. Hum-Kaalam (Urdu for ‘In Conversation’) attempts to bring together the creative energies of the participating artists, who have used their artworks as a tool to communicate with their audience.

    Works done in painting, sculpture, furniture and mixed media come together for a diverse yet harmonious exploration of ideas, while providing a visual language for visitors to interpret the art as per their understanding. In this regard, some of the best work comes from Sana Nezam, an alumna of the Visual Studies department at the University of Karachi, who recited a verse from Rumi’s Masnavi to me when I inquired about her work. Light-brown wooden textures fill the canvas with painted keyholes, which, according to Sana, represent instances where one can learn. The key is to open one’s eyes, so that one is released from anguish and taken towards the path of learning. With birds painted as a sign of tranquility, Sana’s two pieces exude wisdom and offer a pleasant and peaceful aesthetic.

    'Between the Beliefs' by Zehra Fatima - Hum-Kalaam at Studio Seven Gallery Karachi

    'Between the Beliefs' by Zehra Fatima

    Ayesha Naveed showcases the theme from her thesis show in 2016. Her work features intricately layered blue canvases intermingled with lines that appear like couches, inducing feelings of comfort and nostalgia in the viewer. Zehra Fatima has painted on three chairs, which are titled Between the Beliefs, Deep Anguish and Acceptance. Her pieces show images of human forms and ropes, reaching out to something invisible. The artworks seem to depict pent-up aggression, with flashes of hope that arises from amongst dark clouds of angst.

    Towards the corner of the gallery is a head sculpture of a horse made with fiberglass, by Dubai-based artist Mariam Mushtaq. “Mariam loves horses, and has chosen to communicate with the audience as one through this piece”, explains Gallery Manager Ahsan Mohiuddin.

    Works by Mariam Mushtaq, Amir Raza and Hureen Akram - Hum-Kalaam at Studio Seven Gallery Karachi

    (L-R) Works by Mariam Mushtaq, Amir Raza and Hureen Akram

    Hureen Akram uses striking shades of golden in all of her art pieces. She portrays the significance of different growing stages of children in their parents’ lives. Bisma Raffat uses charcoal drawings of cages, which were also part of her thesis work.

    'Divine' by Syed Abdullah Ali - Hum-Kalaam at Studio Seven Gallery Karachi

    'Divine' by Syed Abdullah Ali

    Syed Abdullah Ali uses neon blue paints in his canvases with a figure of an old man, which can be understood in many ways. To me, it communicates the power of wisdom and inner peace that we all yearn for; however, it also signifies a sense of deception that arises from people who falsely claim to be “divine” in this regard.

    Other participating artists include Batool Zehra, Amir Raza, Tariq Luni and Rameez. The show will continue at Studio Seven till March 24, and is truly worth a visit.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021