Written by: Muhammad Hamza
Posted on: December 18, 2024 | 
Untitled 8
In this week’s edition, Khaas Gallery in Islamabad hosted one of the most prestigious contemporary artists in the world of art installations and sculpture in Pakistan: Umar Nawaz. His solo exhibition showcased works that encapsulate the essence of the past decade, featuring a combination of evolutionary pieces and his latest creations. In this article, we will delve into the core conceptual thought process behind Umar's work presented at this exhibition.
Umar Nawaz is an artist unafraid to experiment with the mediums of his craft. He is known for using stainless steel sheets to carve canvases and frames, which he later transforms into textured surfaces using heavy grinders and blades to create unique patterns.
Untitled 1 (detail)
His style is defined by the imperfections in his technique, where he blends error with discipline. He has mastered the ability to control the tools while embracing each imperfect stroke. He explains that his body responds more to the pattern that emerges after each stroke, rather than adhering strictly to precision. Sometimes, Umar explores matte sheets, meticulously crafting intricate details in their corners. His ability to shape and transform these sheets into art demonstrates an extraordinary balance between error and perfection.
Several sculptures in the exhibition reflect his industrial approach, showcasing the intricate moulding process of twisted pipes. This process is both time-consuming and unforgiving, yet it highlights Umar’s creative prowess. His skill shines through as he moulds solid pipes into sculptures with precision and ingenuity.
Untitled 5 (detail)
Umar has been working on sculptures and similar pieces for over a decade, but his evolution as an artist is evident. His minimalist approach has become more profound, delving deeper into the sheets and incorporating a unique fusion of imperfection and perfection. The grains visible in his works form a textural, iridescent effect when viewed from different angles.
One of the standout pieces was a tower-like structure created from compressed aluminium foil. However, the piece is not actually aluminium foil but steel hammered and shaped to resemble it. The effect is a remarkable illusion that challenges the viewer’s perception, turning what could be seen as an error into a skilfully crafted work of art.
Untitled 6 (detail)
Umar’s life’s work has continuously evolved, with each piece representing a new level of refinement. The blending of grounded strokes made with a heavy grinder is a patient and meticulous process, reminiscent of miniature painting. The impressions left on the surface are often less than a millimetre thick, leaving viewers in awe of the sheer precision and detail.
The surfaces Umar chooses conjure vivid images, typically associated with sleekness, durability and a polished sheen that reflects light in captivating ways. Initially, viewers may expect the material to convey the cold, industrial feel typically associated with stainless steel. However, upon closer inspection, this expectation shifts. The work challenges preconceived notions and invites viewers to explore the essence of the artwork. It becomes an artistic journey, encouraging a fresh perspective and revealing the limitless possibilities of the material in creative practices.
Untitled 4 (detail)
Umar has stated that his belief in error is key to creating artwork that communicates in a language that can be felt rather than heard. His pieces offer a visual experience, allowing viewers to connect emotionally through the art. Some works feature black backgrounds, creating a daring depth, with fine, miniature details that change depending on the viewer’s angle, adding a hint of iridescence.
One particular wall hanging stood out in this exhibition. It featured handcrafted steel balls arranged in a pattern that resembled fungi growing on the wall, breathing life into the space. This piece spoke a language of emotion through the individual, adjoined pieces that formed a cohesive whole, each piece varying in size yet contributing to the overall composition.
Umar began his journey by moulding shiny steel plates that distorted the visual appearance of anything placed in front of them. These interactive pieces became more distorted the closer the viewer got to them, yet the fine straight lines of the moulds highlighted the refraction phenomenon, where light would hit the surface and reflect in angular directions.
Umar Nawaz, the artist
Umar Nawaz has made a significant impact on Pakistan's contemporary visual art scene. His exhibitions offer a unique experience for viewers, immersing them in a world where the beauty of error and the precision of craftsmanship coexist. His works are a language all their own, speaking volumes without uttering a word.
Through his art, we learn the importance of allowing room for error and embracing imperfection. Just as languages differ, everyone’s perception of detail and angle matters, and the intricacy of our lives is not measured by perfection but by how we make peace with what we create. In this way, Umar’s work is not only a visual journey but a philosophical reflection on the beauty of imperfection in our lives.
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