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    Kaleidoscope at Asia House London: A New Perspective on Contemporary Pakistani Art

    Kaleidoscope Pakistani Art at Asia House London

    Written by: Samar F. Zia
    Posted on: November 25, 2016 | | 中文

    Saqiba Suleman - Oil & Acrylic on Canvas

    Kaleidoscope: A New Perspective on Contemporary Pakistani Art, inaugurated recently at London’s Asia House, exhibited to its credit paintings by a variety of Pakistani artists. Curated by Sophia Chaudhry and presented in collaboration with Lahore’s ‘The Collectors Galleria’ and Philanthropie Limited, the proceeds from the show will be used to aid mental health care and education for the youth of Pakistan.

    Kaleidoscope Pakistani Art at Asia House London

    'Boats at River Ravi' by Mughees Riaz

    Although the exhibition only showcased paintings, each artist’s work represented a different style and genre within the medium. Some paintings that outshone others did so either because of their original subject matter or their technique. Artist Mughees Riaz falls in the latter category. Much like his other works, the subject of his paintings, i.e. the River Ravi and its surroundings was constant in the work included in this exhibition. That being said, his painting titled Boats at River Ravi showcases his exceptional skill and beautiful rendition of the Punjab skyline and waterbody. Riaz’s interest in painting reminds one of the impressionists, who also studied the effect and play of light on the same scenes and subjects.

    Kaleidoscope Pakistani Art at Asia House London

    'Self to Self' by Aqeel Solangi

    Aqeel Solangi, a graduate of NCA, Pakistan, has four paintings in the exhibition. A complete contrast to the works of artists such as Mughees Riaz, Solangi brings mystery and vibrancy to the show with his surreal works. The painting Self to Self is a seascape of sorts, with a very Dali-like feel to it. Painted mostly in hues of deep blue, it relays a sense of mystery associated with late hours of dark nights. With water waves covering a large part of the canvas, one is unable to decipher the space or location of the painting. It seems as though the seascape has been viewed and painted from within a cave, as is suggested by the rugged framing of the water. Solangi’s fascination with the sublime elements of nature is quite evident in this painting, be it the waterbody, the cave or the larger-than-life flower on the right, which seems to be observing its own reflection in a small pool of water. Deciphering Solangi’s work is a task most exciting and inviting.

    Kaleidoscope Pakistani Art at Asia House London

    'Conundrum II' by Farrukh Shahab

    Farrukh Shahab is a portrait artist based in Karachi. He has three very dynamic and attractive works included in the show. Each piece seems conceptually balanced, with careful consideration given to composition, visuals and concept. To exemplify, his painting Conundrum II is a cross between the Cubism movement and the work of the great Sadequain. It comprises three small paintings on board that come together to make a whole. It is a figurative piece that lacks portraits, but illustrates disjointed limbs and the Rubik’s Cube. The division of colours in the background as well as the Cubist break in the painting’s surface reinforces the Rubik’s Cube, marking the piece as a wholesome success that grabs the viewer’s attention.

    Kaleidoscope Pakistani Art at Asia House London

    'Silence I' by Mudassar Manzoor

    Mudassar Manzoor, the only miniaturist in the exhibition, uses the medium and technique of miniature painting to a certain extent; however, his final visuals are nothing like a typical miniature painting. That’s not to say that his works aren’t good, but like many neo-miniaturists he has experimented with the historic medium and developed his own personal style. He uses the traditional medium of Gouache, but it is his use of pigment that is captivating. Silence I depicts an elephant emerging from a haze of bright aquamarine blue and orange pigment. The detail in the elephant’s face is noteworthy and represents Manzoor’s skills – probably gained when training as a miniaturist. Manzoor endeavours to create mystic images with a strong spiritual underpinning. The bold colours, combined with the elephant’s almost sad expression, evoke contradictory feelings in Manzoor’s audience.

    Another artist whose visuals are a complete take-off from the above mentioned works is Ahmer Farooq. Following a very abstract style of art-making, Farooq’s work is reminiscent of British-based Pakistani artist Anwar Shemza. Not only does Farooq’s work bewilder, but the titles of his paintings add further suspense to one’s interpretation of his artworks. At first glance, I was convinced that Farooq’s paintings titled It’s Not What It Looks Like – I & II, depicting geometric shapes, were actually Urdu letters stylised to make a pattern – an unrecognizable calligraphy of sorts. However, it takes one good look at the title to undermine your thought process and assumptions about the artist’s work. Undoubtedly, this play of words is even more inviting than his brightly hued geometric patterns.

    Kaleidoscope Pakistani Art at Asia House London

    'It's Not What It Looks Like' by Ahmer Farooq

    Also part of the exhibition are artists Abrar Ahmed, A.Q. Arif, Muniba Mazari, M.A. Bhatti, Qamar Siddiqi, Salman Farooqi, Sara Khan, Saqiba Suleman and Zahid Saleem. If you’re currently in London, the exhibition is up at Asia House till November 26th and provides a wide lens to look through and understand the diversity and development of paintings emerging from Pakistan.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021