Written by: Muhammad Hamza
Posted on: July 29, 2024 | 
| 中文
Patrol By Imran Mughal
Curated by Irfan Gul Darhi, "Parallel Sphere" at Numaish Gah (Art Gallery) presents a captivating exploration of figurative art, subtly infused with a touch of miniature. This exhibition invites viewers to immerse themselves in the dreamlike realms crafted by three distinguished artists, each offering a unique vision of existence across parallel dimensions. The show contemplates the idea that alongside our contemporary reality, there exists a parallel timeline, a realm we are often unaware of but endlessly curious about. Each artist guides us through this intriguing journey, allowing us to experience a diverse range of emotions and states of being. Join us as these artists reveal their interpretations of what it might feel like to exist simultaneously in multiple realities.
The artists. (L to R) Imran Mughal, Khadijah Rehman and Fizza Hussain
Fizza Hussain, a talented visual artist and painter, delves into the world of tarot visuals through her miniature paintings, exploring the figurines that embody unique emotions and offer insights into both future and present experiences. In this group show, her work centers on human connection as a central theme, aiming to bridge and reflect contemporary experiences. The vivid contours in her paintings play a crucial role, highlighting the significance of color as a means to express and convey unspoken feelings. Through these dynamic hues, Hussain’s art connects deeply with viewers, evoking a rich tapestry of emotions and shared experiences.
The Death Tarot Card by Fizza Hussain
In Fizza Hussain's work, the canvas stretched on an embroidery frame becomes a metaphor for a warm, internal embrace. Her bold acrylic strokes, adorned with miniature flowers that extend in and out of the frame, create a striking composition in her piece titled The Temperance Tarot Card. This work is a testament to her ability to weave emotion and symbolism into her art. Similarly, her piece The Moon Tarot Card, captivates with its delicate hues of pink and blue, evoking an ambiance that softly penetrates the soul. The gentle tones and serene imagery offer a profound impression of her connection with the moon on a quiet night, reflecting a deep, introspective tranquility. Fizza Hussain’s artworks invite viewers into an immersive experience rich with depth and detail, often evoking a sense of enchantment and the possibility of discovering their own fortunes within the paintings. Her fascination with tarot has led her to create these artworks as personal reflections and offerings to others, allowing each viewer to engage with them through their own unique experiences. Her piece The Temperance Tarot Card, stands out vividly, featuring a phoenix-like bird ablaze with fiery, dynamic strokes. This striking representation of death captures the transformative essence of the tarot card, with animal imagery serving as a core element in her art. Through her exploration of human psychology and connectivity, Hussain’s work becomes a compelling highlight of the exhibition, showcasing her ability to merge personal symbolism with universal themes.
The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Card by Fizza Hussain
Imran Mughal's contemporary art practice blends folklore, pop art, cultural values and indigenous traditions with themes ranging from taboos to mythical tales. His work delves into these diverse subjects to provoke a deeper consciousness within the viewer's mind. Mughal believes that exploring our rich history through varied perspectives and bold elements can reignite a profound sense of belonging within contemporary culture. By weaving together these diverse threads, he invites viewers to reconnect with and reflect on the intricate drapery of our shared heritage. Imran Mughal’s intricate miniature paintings are distinguished by their human-like figurines set against expansive, abstract landscapes. These settings, adorned with a variety of windows and openings, evoke the sense of being transported to a distant galaxy. His work offers a remarkable immersive experience, drawing viewers into a universe where color and form intersect in captivating ways. In his piece Patrol, Mughal features a four-legged, winged animal set against a sky of vivid red hues. This striking imagery suggests that our worlds are safeguarded in mysterious ways. The artwork captivates viewers with its depth and intrigue, inviting them to explore the underlying themes of protection and the enigmatic connections between realms. Through his unique visual language, Mughal’s art continually engages and enthralls.
Edge of Time and Space (detail) by Imran Mughal
In Divine Expedition, Imran Mughal creates an otherworldly atmosphere through tribal spirit markings and patterns that illustrate a divine journey. The artwork features a sky imbued with a singular, vibrant hue that draws the viewer's gaze and emphasizes the piece's spiritual quest. The interplay of these elements evokes a profound sense of purpose and exploration, inviting viewers to contemplate the sacred path depicted in the painting. Mughal says: “that the inherited cultural codes and taboos freeze thinking to a certain degree, and may not encourage any shift from established rules. In order to break that monotony, one has to question ancient beliefs and re-invent contemporary aesthetic experience”. He believes that it is possible to attain a higher consciousness of immense creative human potential by being more receptive to multiculturalism and diversity. Mughal describes his work as “unconscious dictation,” viewing it as a spontaneous expression rooted in indigenous art. His creations, while seemingly spontaneous, offer a sense of direction and the potential for revelation. By engaging with his art, viewers can experience a profound sense of peace, fostered by a deeper understanding of diverse heritage and cultural norms. Mughal’s approach encourages a meaningful connection to the rich tapestry of human history and tradition, promoting a greater appreciation of various cultural sects.
Arrival by Imran Mughal
Khadijah Rehman reflects on womanhood through her art, intricately using gouache and matte tints to create striking contrasts. Her focus about representing woman in daily life, but with a dreamscape of an alternative reality. Her paintings showcase a certain texture that gives a liminal sensory experience. The patterns in the backgrounds are inspired by Mughal and Persian miniature art. While her figures lay around the sheet, the night hour in Khadijah’s paintings aims to relate the otherworldly beauty and realism in the life of a woman, where she has the ability and power to hold sway over her surroundings. For Khadijah Rehman, visual elements drawn from memory and dreams coalesce to form a patchwork of imagery. Motifs like doors, screens, and archways serve as visual devices, creating tangible layers within her works, as if each setting were a stage. As in many dreams, oddities emerge.
Celestial Sisters (detail) by Khadijah Rehman
The love and longing that permeate her artworks reflect a deep yearning for connection, suggesting that while everyone seeks love, it often remains elusive. In pieces like “The Vanishing Years,” daily rituals are depicted through two women engaged in household chores on a stage-like setting. The patterns of flowers on their clothes further emphasize the ritualistic nature of their tasks, infusing the scene with a sense of both routine and reverence. The depiction of women as central figures in Khadijah Rehman's work offers a profound experience, as exemplified by Celestial Sisters. In this piece, women journey by boat through a nightscape that evokes a dreamlike, blue-tinted memory. This portrayal underscores Rehman's initiative to highlight and prioritize the evolving roles and challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Her work serves as a poignant commentary on the ongoing struggles of young women, who often find themselves navigating the same demanding circumstances as the generations before them. Through her art, Rehman brings attention to the need for a deeper understanding and a re-evaluation of women's experiences and roles in today's world. The exhibition serves as a striking reminder from all three artists, who emphasize the significance of culture and heritage through their unique retrospective views and visuals. Engaging with their work offers a profound experience, where each piece invites us on a breathtaking journey of introspection.
The Vanishing Years by Khadijah Rehman
In this dreamlike state, where the confluence of life unfolds between stars and seas, we are encouraged to elevate our consciousness and determination. The art mediates the mind and revives emotions, offering a chance to escape chaos and despair. It prompts us to reflect on our sense of belonging and to appreciate the existence that is ours to live.
You may also like:
