Written by: Sana Shahid
Posted on: September 25, 2023 | 
Dr. Abid Malik's painting on display at Artescape Gallery, Islamabad.
The art world continually searches for forms of expression that go beyond representation and challenge the viewer to experience emotion, sensation, and imagination. Dr. Abid Malik's recent exhibition, "Deep in Abstract" is a testament to this search. His works are a fusion of color, form and texture, offering a vibrant and immersive visual experience. The exhibition, featuring large canvases filled with organic, flowing patterns, is curated at Artescape Gallery in Islamabad and invites viewers to explore the uncharted territories of their own perceptions.
Painting by Dr. Abid Malik
Dr. Abid Malik's art speaks the language of bold and bright colors. From intense reds and oranges to deep purples and blues, the palette he uses is rich and diverse. The colors in Malik’s works become the essence of each painting rather than being just a backdrop. The brightness of these colors suggests that the pigmentation of reds, blues, greens and yellows is used directly on the surface to create an intense effect as if they’re streaming out of the canvas. One could look from far behind and still identify the intricacy of the marbling and the textures he has skillfully incorporated into his art. His understanding of color theory and its emotional impact is clearly on display in the form of vivid hues that swirl and bend, creating dynamic compositions that lead to a range of emotional responses.
A colorful painting by Dr. Abid Malik
In one of the paintings, there is an explosion of purples, pinks and fiery oranges. These colors seem to dance and twist, pulling the viewer into the heart of the composition. The bold contrast between light and dark, warm and cool tones, creates a sense of tension and movement, almost as though the colors themselves are alive. Malik's choice of bright colors is purposeful and powerful, evoking feelings of energy, passion and intensity. This work is not just a random explosion of colors but a very controlled depiction of abstract, yet somehow recognizable forms. A part of the reason behind this is how skillfully the artist has included texture in his works with just paint. The textures in his art invite viewers to engage with the pieces on a tactile level, evoking the urge to almost touch the pieces to understand this depth.
Dr. Abid Malik's painting
The contrast within each piece is also worth noting, with some areas of the canvas being smooth and serene, while others seem to be rugged and chaotic. The intricate textures he builds in his works resemble natural forms. Some of the paintings look like the reflection of a green forest in water, while others resemble an enlarged reptilian pupil. Some remind viewers of the delicate veins of a leaf while others look like a scene from deep underwater. This tactile quality of Malik's work not only enhances the overall composition but also adds to the emotional aspect of the pieces, making them feel organic, as though they have emerged from the earth itself.
Dr. Abid Malik's artwork
Another part of the artist’s work that stands out is his remarkable control over the medium. Abstract art often appears spontaneous, but behind Malik's works is a clear understanding of the materials and the techniques. He handles the paint precisely and with fluidity, blending it to create smooth transitions and stark contrasts. Malik seems to understand clearly how paint behaves when it is mixed, layered or applied in varying viscosities. The transparency and opaqueness of different areas create depth, with layers underneath peeking through the surfaces, resulting in a work that feels both complete and evolving. Beyond color and texture, flow is a recurring theme in Malik’s work. His compositions are full of movement, with lines and forms that spiral, weave and stretch across the canvas. This sense of movement pulls the viewer into the artwork, guiding the eye across the surface in a fluid motion. The swirling forms in his paintings often appear to be in motion, as if caught in a moment of transformation.
A painting by Dr. Abid Malik on display
“Deep in Abstract” is a show that sheds much-needed light on how meaningful and impactful abstract art can be. It’s not just a random intermingling of colors and forms, but can also have a multitude of layers and textures that make the artworks look different to each viewer. Dr. Abid Malik’s works are not about depicting reality but evoking emotions, capturing the essence of transformation, and inviting the viewer to a dialogue of color, texture and form.
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