Written by: Muhammad Hamza
Posted on: December 13, 2024 | 
| 中文
The Illuminated Path by Salman Imam
In this episode of December, Numaishgah hosted three unique artists whose diverse art styles ranged from curved canvases to binary dot patterns, and abstract shapes as a language to converse with the viewer. Curator Irfan Gul Darhi has shown a profound appreciation for showcasing such a variety of artistic styles and works at his gallery, making it a truly thought-provoking space. His ability to bring together a wide spectrum of art demonstrates his deep understanding of how art can transcend traditional boundaries.
Embodied Tapestry by Qasim Bugti
We have long been fascinated with revisiting our memories through different sensory experiences, and Komal Hira explores this idea through the concept of olfactory hallucination, known as phantosmia. In this phenomenon, the viewer is discreetly drawn into an abyss of mysterious energy, reconnecting them to a cosmic background. Through her art, Hira invites us into this world of sensory exploration.
Her artworks combine various shapes of canvases, with a pastel color palette, where abstract imagery gradually recedes into the background. The conversation with the audience is not through a traditional flat canvas but rather through the curvature and shape of the canvas itself, which draws attention to every detail. The viewer is invited to explore each unique curve and form, creating an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
There is a certain emotion that flows throughout Hira's works, as she directs the viewer's thoughts towards a specific moment or feeling through scent or visual experience. This engagement activates an emotional response that is more immediate and concrete than any other sensory input. The association of a particular emotion with a person or a memory could be attributed to her ability to tap into the subconscious connections between scent and emotion.
The subtle green hue in this piece catches the eye in a delicate way, with the abstraction taking over in a unique shape that invites further exploration. The hues align with a specific style of expression, and as the viewer gazes upon this artwork, different imagery emerges, encouraging a deeper understanding of what the piece might evoke. The curves of the canvas draw us into a nostalgic experience, as we seek to interpret the emotions it stirs in us.
The forms in this artwork are powerful, and the dark sea-blue hue adds a sense of depth and mystery. The composition resembles the bulbous antenna of an anglerfish, which illuminates to attract its prey. Similarly, this artwork pulls the viewer’s attention, evoking a variety of thoughts and emotions as they navigate through the scenic abstraction of the canvas. The dark tones create a sense of gravity, making it a striking piece that leaves a lasting impact.
Untitled 2 by Komal Hira
Qasim Bugti is a seasoned veteran in the realm of miniature art, known for his meticulous attention to detail and his signature style of painting. He has dedicated much of his career to exploring the miniature cracks and textures found in tree bark, creating artworks that invite the viewer to engage in a visual journey. Bugti’s pieces are not just static objects; they are an invitation to participate in a mesmerizing and intimate experience.
Through his work, Bugti positions himself as a bridge between humanity and nature, creating an emotional connection to the experiences of a tree. Like tree bark, which undergoes different stages of decay, his art reflects the cycles of life, showing how nature can be both merciless and nurturing. His miniature paintings delve into the spiritual and mythological roots of art, forging a deep connection between human nature and the natural world.
In this artwork, Bugti uses a soft, subtle hue that radiates warmth, almost as though it is emanating from the heart of the piece. When viewed from a distance, the piece evokes an image of a forest, where light filters through the branches. The peaceful atmosphere created by the soft light in the piece invites the viewer to imagine themselves in the heart of a serene forest, bathed in the gentle light of nature. Bugti used archival pen and pigments on Arches sheet, creating a timeless piece that feels connected to the eternal cycles of the earth.
Shadows of Among Trees by Qasim Bugti
In Roots of Eternity, Bugti continues his exploration of nature’s cycles, using delicate details and subtle colors to reflect the eternal life force that runs through the earth. The roots, though small and intricate, speak to the deep spiritual connection between humans and nature. The viewer is encouraged to reflect on their own relationship with the earth, considering how we, like the trees, are part of a larger cycle of growth, decay, and renewal.
Salman Imam is a self-taught artist with a background in various artistic disciplines, including photography. However, it is his abstract paintings that he identifies as the key to connecting him with his spiritual journey. Through vivid strokes and abstract imagery, Imam’s work explores figures, geometric structures, and the deeper connections between them. His works are immersed in dark tones, which represent his abstract style, one that the viewer must decipher, but once understood, it reveals profound meaning.
Imam’s use of materials like coffee wash in his piece ‘Travel’, adds another layer of depth to his work. This combination hints at duality and beauty, creating a complex yet beautiful contrast. His background in photography and music informs his painting style, with elements of rhythm and visual harmony weaving throughout his works. The contrasts in his pieces, such as bold strokes and soft details, create a dynamic interplay that reflects his feelings of being connected to the cosmic flux.
Travel by Salman Imam
In Enigma, Imam combines coffee and acrylic to create a captivating visual effect. The earthy tones of the coffee wash blend seamlessly with the bright, sharp strokes of acrylic, creating a sense of movement and depth. This combination enhances the mystery and complexity of the piece, as though the viewer is peering into a hidden, enigmatic world. Imam’s flowing style in both life and art is reflected in this work, which captures the essence of a cosmic journey.
Enigma by Salman Imam
The collective works of Komal Hira, Qasim Bugti and Salman Imam offer a window into the spiritual language of abstraction. Each artist uses their unique medium to communicate profound, personal messages about the cosmos, nature and the human experience. Their work invites the viewer to engage with abstraction in ways that transcend the visual, encouraging introspection and connection with the larger mysteries of existence.
In the end, these three artists remind us that life itself is an artwork, full of randomness, abstraction and beauty. Through their work, we learn to appreciate the essence of life’s unpredictability and to find meaning in the abstract moments that shape our journey.
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