Written by: Areej Ahmed
Posted on: October 17, 2019 | 
Adeel uz Zafar in his studio being documented by Ahmed Javed - Artist and Curator (diptych), 2019
Ahmed Javed’s artistic career began after he joined the National College of Arts. Born and raised in Lahore, the artist found his calling in the traditional Mughal miniature art style, with more modern themes and aesthetics. He was quick to learn the basics of miniature, and made it his own by developing a contemporary style and language.
In his recent exhibition “Lahorenama”, his painting called “Imran Qureshi Studio” was proclaimed the winner of the prestigious Sovereign Asian Art Prize in 2019. Working as an assistant under Imran Qureshi, the artist perfectly captures Qureshi’s method and art of miniature painting with equal finesse. Qureshi’s work is very gestural and bloody, painted by hand to represent present day violence, by playing on traditional methods of order and detail in miniature art. Ahmed perfectly captures that moment of stillness between Qureshi and his canvas, which provides an insight into both artists’ moment between Imran Qureshi and his canvas.
Imran Qureshi Studio
KarachiNama, an extension of Lahorenama, is a project that was inspired by the motivations and lives of the most famous contemporary artists in Pakistan. The exhibition serves as a “behind the scenes” look into not just their artwork, but the places from which artists seek inspiration. But now, the focus has shifted to Karachi as the artists’ main stage, as opposed to Lahore.
Javed took a step inside the lives of six artists who allowed him to document their entire process of creating art inside their workspace. These artists were namely Munawar Ali Syed, Nazia Khan, Shakil Saigol, Adeel uz Zafar, Adeela Suleman, and Javed himself. For an artist, allowing someone into their artistic process, is like allowing a stranger a look into their secret diary, not knowing whether the bystander would be able to fully comprehend them. This process of letting Javed into their innermost sanctum was in itself an artistic one, most likely fraught with insecurity and opportunities to learn and critique.
Nazia Khan in her studio, 2019
The result is a quirky, intricate collection of paintings, each mesmerizing in its attention to detail. Every little object has been rendered with utmost care and precision, and every face conveys a different reaction to the same artistic process.
While Javed’s paintings are large, he has added details using miniature techniques and surfaces, such as gouache on wasli paper. One of the pieces also documents the show’s curator, Adeel uz Zafar, working on a large-scale sketch as Javed himself documents him. The scattered tools and wires, and the organic composition of the piece, makes one feel as if they are vital to an artistic process as well. The piece also seems candid, with the artist sitting comfortably in his own chaotic and personal space, while Javed admiringly shoots him.
Muhammad Zeeshan at Darzi, 2019
“Muhammad Zeeshan at the Darzi, 2019”, is an interesting contrast to the painting of Zafar, because it captures the artist on a regular day. Known for his extremely loud and flamboyant sense of style, it is fitting to have Zeeshan as the most vibrant part of the whole piece. One can easily distinguish his clothes from those of the other clients, yet the overall color composition complements his clothes. One can tell that this tailor knows him well, as he carefully cuts the cloth for the artist. Judging by the deep gaze of the artist, perhaps Javed captured the exact moment inspiration struck the artist.
Shakil Saigol in an outdoor setting presenting him as a painter and art patroncollector, 2019
“Shakil Saigol in an outdoor setting presenting him as a painter and art patron/collector, 2019”, incorporates nature as something very important to Saigol. The sculpture is not only very soothing, but also a testament to his love for collecting art. It seems as though he is walking amongst the peaceful trees, in his most comfortable clothes. For him, inspiration comes from a place of serenity, tranquility, surrounded by natural beauty.
Javed shows that every artist goes through a specific creative process, which is particular to their inspiration, and perception of what is beautiful. Their process, and what they choose to surround themselves with, makes them who they are, as artists. Javed’s work provides an insight into their world, for fans of the artists and for the artistic process itself. One can see these paintings as modern takes on Mughal-era paintings of rulers surrounded by their possessions. This time, it is the life of contemporary artists and their freedom to create, that takes centre stage on the canvas.
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