Written by: Muhammad Hamza
Posted on: September 05, 2024 | 
| 中文
Mentor of the Scholars (Detail)
In today’s episode, Lahore’s gallery Numaish Gah has hosted an award-winning artist of 2023, with his own unique style of miniature art, expressing Sufism and self-exploration with expressions of love and nature. Zafar Ali has made an incredible contribution to artworks of Sufism in visual format.
Zafar Ali has stood strong as a major representative of Sufism in miniature paintings. His vivid colours, contrasts and research into stories and influences from various Sufis have made his work stronger than ever.
Noble Among the Attained (Detail)
Interpreting stories and key elements in his paintings, Zafar focuses on birds and human figures from ancient times, which were enriched by Sufism. The clothing, actions and more of this ancient culture of self-discovery are depicted vividly. One can never achieve the highest standard of self-discovery, as it requires a certain degree of understanding and patience, a level that these Sufis were able to reach.
Zafar has ensured that his artworks follow metaphoric guidelines, while also leaving elements showcased in gaps to let the tension build up, creating a "dots" situation. It clearly shows that Zafar has explored in vast detail, focusing on leaving the characters in their most raw form, through profound and unique acts of kindness or bravery.
When it comes to reading books for stories, it may take time, but Zafar has provided us with a visual representation of a few stories and monumental moments highlighted during the lives of Sufis such as Farid-ud-Din Attar, Kabir, Ibn Arabi, Nizami Ganjavi, Baba Bulleh Shah, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Guru Nanak Devji.
Mentor's Divine Doctrine (Detail)
These Sufis have played a vital role in offering recipes for self-exploration and expression. We have been influenced by the best of them; the words and techniques that have helped humankind have made an impact on our lifestyle and improved our understanding of communication within human ecology.
Zafar has made a few artworks that are the highlight of this exhibition. Although the whole series has significantly contributed to the art world and storytelling, one artwork that stands out is: Orbit of the Ecstatic. This specific artwork is a blend of human ecology with birds of mythical origin and times, where the ecstatic nature revolves around a human, breaking the barrier of understanding. The peace and harmonic balance between nature and humans revolve around each other.
Orbit of the Ecstatic (Detail)
The detail in Zafar Ali’s elements is marvellous, showcasing advanced techniques to create detailed patterns of drapery and colour, bringing together the concept of self-expression and the joint venture between nature and artistic freedom. One can only imagine the extent of thought that Zafar has put into these pieces.
Mentor of the Scholars speaks for itself: a group of individuals on a journey to explore and spread knowledge related to self-satisfaction and the importance of The Higher Power. Zafar’s powerful imagery highlights this concept. The birds flying overhead have a tale of their own.
Mentor of the Scholars
Zafar’s artwork, such as Sol for the Enlightened, is unique and powerful, evoking strong emotions. It captures the journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Just like when we seek or share enlightenment, his art represents the profound connection between us and the universe. It shows how individuals navigate their own paths while still being part of a larger whole.
Sol for the Enlightened (Detail)
Zafar’s paintings teach us about love through the lens of Sufism, as seen in works like Lord of the lovers. His use of fish, birds, and human figures creates a deeply intimate sense of beauty. His art awakens the spirit of love, emphasizing sincerity and honesty in our craft. This unique artistic expression helps us connect our thoughts with our hearts and souls, enhancing our relationships with our partners and the life we share with them.
Lord of the Lovers (Detail)
Such artworks produced by Zafar, like Yearning Peregrine and the Mont of Mercy and Omnipresent, are proof that Sufism can never die out. It has been a key element in people’s lives, helping people engage in spiritual healing and self-reflection. The study of self-awareness is ongoing; it only helps the mind manage contemporary emotions in a profound way. Sometimes, a hint of a metaphor is all we need to explain ourselves to the outside world, and visual representation often makes it clearer.
Yearning Peregrine and the Mount of Mercy (Detail)
Orbit of the Enlightened (Detail)
Orbit of the Content (Detail)
Restive Peregrine and the Blazing Crag (Detail)
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