Written by: Dr. Arjumand Faisel
Posted on: February 02, 2023 | 
| 中文
Asif Hussain
The curtain rises on "Burgeoning Icons" today (Friday, 02 February 2024) at Gallery 6 Islamabad, which will be inaugurated by H.E. Guillaume Dabouis, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France. The exhibition is showcasing the works of 11 outstanding emerging artists who are rapidly establishing themselves in the vibrant art scene of Pakistan. They are Abid Aslam, Amna Waqas, Asif Hussain, Ghafar Mohiuddin, Hafsa Habib, Hamza Qazi, Imran Baloch, Mariya Shaikh, Saba Zahid, Samra Cheema and Yumna.
Abid Aslam, driven by an intimate engagement with the concept of 'miniature,' employs engraving techniques that mirror the meticulous nature of traditional miniature painting. His current series reinterprets ancient tales through a contemporary lens, resulting in aesthetically elegant artworks. In contrast, Saba Zahid's latest series, titled "The Calling," delves into the exploration of personal belief systems and the comprehension of the divine. Each painting in the series shares a profound connection in meaning, bringing depth and insight to her artworks.
Abid Aslam
Amna Waqas, a surrealist artist, defies reality by ingeniously juxtaposing realistic objects and forms, conjuring dreamlike images infused with profound significance. Her paintings exude serene mystery, capturing the attention and imagination of viewers. While Mariya Shaikh's artwork traverses the dimensions of time and space, articulating the intricate interplay between mortal and immortal stages. Her multi-gradient paintings create a visually captivating journey through various layers of human existence.
Amna Waqas
Asif Hussain delves into the interconnectedness of human-landscape textural variations, capturing the visually captivating textures inherent in both. His depictions of rugged mountain ranges mirror the roughness of human skin, conveying a profound sense of strength and resilience in two powerfully executed paintings. Hafsa Habib's passion for aged papers leads her to explore memory through discarded, used, and damaged papers. Her textured surfaces evoke a profound sense of hopes and memories, providing viewers with a tangible connection to the past. While Yumna transforms emotions into a perceptible visual dialogue by employing the stamping method to craft drops on canvas. Through the cryptic language of drops, she constructs a space where pain and beauty harmoniously coexist, offering a visual sanctuary for those attuned to the unspoken stories within each carefully placed imprint.
Samra Cheema
Ghafar Mohiuddin, recognizing clay as a resonant medium, draws inspiration from the traditional lifestyle, architecture and culture of Lahore's historic Walled City. His sculptures serve as visual narratives, paying homage to the intricate details and timeless stories embedded in the city, showcasing well-designed pieces with immense appeal. Imran Baloch, also utilizes clay as his medium. His artworks focus on the declining use of Urdu and other regional languages, and expresses concerns about the distortion of national and regional identities. His crafted letters convey a powerful message presented in a beautiful and attractive manner.
Imran Baloch
Hamza Qazi, in pursuit of heightened visual realism, portrays figures as intricate arrays, exuding a pronounced existentialist essence. His paintings offer a unique perspective on the profound aspects of human existence, captivating attention through mysterious banality. While Samra Cheema's paintings evoke recollections of childhood, inspired by specific locations saturated with sentiments. Her unique style, characterized by thick layers of paint, captures the essence of history and memories associated with physical landmarks and monuments.
Hamza Qazi
"Burgeoning Icons" stands as a testament to the richness of artistic expression, showcasing the diverse and burgeoning talent within Pakistan's contemporary art landscape.
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