Written by: Sana Shahid
Posted on: January 03, 2023 | 
| 中文
Passionate Attachments by Zara Asghar
The evolution of the body has been seen and discussed throughout the centuries in multiple matters like politics, religion and art. The human body is quite an inspiration and creative force for artists, be it in its physicality, sexuality, environments, or intangible concepts associated with it.
One can say that the body is in a form of multiple layers, and it’s ravishing to uncover those hidden layers as well as the objects and concepts connected to them. ‘The Body Displaced’ is an exhibition that vastly depicts the tangibility, myths, concepts and layers of the body. It’s a group exhibition of 11 talented artists from different parts of the country, with their line of work connecting them. It’s amazing how people see the same object, the human body, in a different light and represent it in uncanny techniques to the viewers.
Inspired by the human form, Jahanara Faheem depicts figures in an abstract and deconstructed manner. Her work pushes the boundaries regarding the size and technique of oil painting. The high-contrast colour palette and the strokes of the brush incorporate an element of depth in her work. The figures are merged with the brush strokes, causing the eyes to travel along the canvas and get lost in the non-traditional human forms. Her work challenges the perfect proportions of the human body and exaggerates the organic nature of its anatomy.
Karmic resurrection by Jahanara Faheem
Taking the human body as a metaphor for exploration, Sehrish Mustafa connects it with her perception of it. Her works revolve around abstract imagery, and the translucent effect of the colours depicts delicate, yet empowering forms. She starts a debate about the “making of the body”, where she draws inspiration through her personal experiences, along with sexual and divine connotations associated with the body. Her unique way of thinking leads to the creation of remarkable artworks that are not only pleasing to look at, but also stir a discussion within minds.
Zara Agher’s beautiful etchings with exaggerated figures are the epitome of creativity. Her work explores the connection between genders and sexuality, with prospective places. She questions the boundaries of some places that deny the inclusion of certain types of people, as well as the authorities behind implementing those boundaries. This concept highlights the issues of today’s world where discrimination is inevitable. Based on this powerful concept, Zara’s works depict bold imagery of figures intertwined with each other to convey a message of unrest that she feels within. The use of crisp lines is a testament to the artist’s command of the medium. Her imagery keeps the viewer occupied while stirring constructive debates in their minds.
Waleed Zafar explores the topics of colonialism and racial identity. His works take one back to the era of colonialism where millions of people were displaced based on their racial and religious identity. The panoramic work titled ‘Now where do they stand?’, portrays the effects of colonial disputes and the hardships that came along with it. The black and white collages represent well-researched artworks with thought-provoking concepts.
Now where do they stand by Waleed Zafar
Intrigued by the surroundings, Farsam Zafar and Hifsa Farooq highlight fascinating objects and trivial acts all around us. Hifsa treasures beauty in found objects that reflect the personalities of their owners in the past. She believes that found objects comprise unique characters, with multiple layers to them. On the contrary, Farsam perceives simple objects as ironic that exist in our daily life. Her artworks are well-balanced and playful with intriguing textures. Both of these artists illustrate the surroundings in opposite ways, sparking a very interesting dialogue.
Silsila series I by Farsam Zafar
Taking a more personal approach, Faraz Amer questions his existence and place in this humungous universe. From the abstract depiction of the heart and soul to the detailed and high-contrast drawings, Faraz has managed to showcase his exquisite skill and talent to the viewers.
Anushka Rustomji takes the viewers on a trip to the Gandhara Civilization. She gets her ideas from colonized and displaced societies, historic cultures, and primeval eastern imagery. Her artworks truly reveal her command over graphite as a medium. The technique of drawing the drapery makes it seem almost real to the touch. Every fold is an embodiment of intricacy and delicacy, with even a hint of Chantelle cloth.
Scalloped Gandhara Figurine by Anushka Rustomji
Instead of drawing, Laiba Aslam displays the usage of a real Chantelle garment, connected to the idea of intimacy. The artist explores all types of intimacy, whether it is between two human beings or between the human body and the textiles that cover it. Her artworks portray a unique style of painting where she has used actual Chantelle fabric to add a 3-dimensional effect to the works. This concept is assertive of a bold and dynamic approach, taking a different angle to the interpretation of the human body.
Second Skin by Laiba Aslam
Depiction of minimalism is approached by Mehmil Ishtiaq. The artist forms concepts considering self-reflection, the surroundings, and the universe. Mehmil creates interactive works for the viewers, so they don’t just get captivated by the beauty of her artwork, but instead interact with it. The circular shapes and forms depict the circle of life, with vibrant and contrasting hues portraying the different colours of life.
‘I never out-grew my doll-house’ stated the artist, Sahyr Sayed, who is reminiscing about a feeling of nostalgia through her work. The artist sheds light on the importance of connections with the objects, be it the objects found at home or somewhere outside. She has used a female figure to demonstrate the norms and traditions associated with women since ancient times. The playful imagery symbolizes the idea of femininity and domesticity by using warm colours and patterns. Her work is iconic and full of depth for the viewers.
Artists take it upon themselves to portray the negative and positive sides of the universe, in the form of their personal, social, political, and economic experiences. This exhibition is a testament to the way professional creatives perceive the world, and put their feelings out for the world to grasp along with shedding light on some essential matters. ‘The Body Displaced’ showcases some talented artists and is worth a visit to appreciate their line of work. A huge round of applause to the Full Circle Gallery for curating such an insightful show, and bringing forward the talented youth of the country.
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