Print

    Art Review: My Soul Turns Toward Your Light at Numaish Gah (Exhibition Hall)

    Written by: Muhammad Hamza
    Posted on: September 05, 2024 | | 中文

    Mentor of the Scholars (Detail)

    In today’s episode, Lahore’s gallery Numaish Gah has hosted an award-winning artist of 2023, with his own unique style of miniature art, expressing Sufism and self-exploration with expressions of love and nature. Zafar Ali has made an incredible contribution to artworks of Sufism in visual format.

    Zafar Ali has stood strong as a major representative of Sufism in miniature paintings. His vivid colours, contrasts and research into stories and influences from various Sufis have made his work stronger than ever.

    Noble Among the Attained (Detail)

    Interpreting stories and key elements in his paintings, Zafar focuses on birds and human figures from ancient times, which were enriched by Sufism. The clothing, actions and more of this ancient culture of self-discovery are depicted vividly. One can never achieve the highest standard of self-discovery, as it requires a certain degree of understanding and patience, a level that these Sufis were able to reach.

    Zafar has ensured that his artworks follow metaphoric guidelines, while also leaving elements showcased in gaps to let the tension build up, creating a "dots" situation. It clearly shows that Zafar has explored in vast detail, focusing on leaving the characters in their most raw form, through profound and unique acts of kindness or bravery.

    When it comes to reading books for stories, it may take time, but Zafar has provided us with a visual representation of a few stories and monumental moments highlighted during the lives of Sufis such as Farid-ud-Din Attar, Kabir, Ibn Arabi, Nizami Ganjavi, Baba Bulleh Shah, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Guru Nanak Devji.

    Mentor's Divine Doctrine (Detail)

    These Sufis have played a vital role in offering recipes for self-exploration and expression. We have been influenced by the best of them; the words and techniques that have helped humankind have made an impact on our lifestyle and improved our understanding of communication within human ecology.

    Zafar has made a few artworks that are the highlight of this exhibition. Although the whole series has significantly contributed to the art world and storytelling, one artwork that stands out is: Orbit of the Ecstatic. This specific artwork is a blend of human ecology with birds of mythical origin and times, where the ecstatic nature revolves around a human, breaking the barrier of understanding. The peace and harmonic balance between nature and humans revolve around each other.

    Orbit of the Ecstatic (Detail)

    The detail in Zafar Ali’s elements is marvellous, showcasing advanced techniques to create detailed patterns of drapery and colour, bringing together the concept of self-expression and the joint venture between nature and artistic freedom. One can only imagine the extent of thought that Zafar has put into these pieces.

    Mentor of the Scholars speaks for itself: a group of individuals on a journey to explore and spread knowledge related to self-satisfaction and the importance of The Higher Power. Zafar’s powerful imagery highlights this concept. The birds flying overhead have a tale of their own.

    Mentor of the Scholars

    Zafar’s artwork, such as Sol for the Enlightened, is unique and powerful, evoking strong emotions. It captures the journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Just like when we seek or share enlightenment, his art represents the profound connection between us and the universe. It shows how individuals navigate their own paths while still being part of a larger whole.

    Sol for the Enlightened (Detail)

    Zafar’s paintings teach us about love through the lens of Sufism, as seen in works like Lord of the lovers. His use of fish, birds, and human figures creates a deeply intimate sense of beauty. His art awakens the spirit of love, emphasizing sincerity and honesty in our craft. This unique artistic expression helps us connect our thoughts with our hearts and souls, enhancing our relationships with our partners and the life we share with them.

    Lord of the Lovers (Detail)

    Such artworks produced by Zafar, like Yearning Peregrine and the Mont of Mercy and Omnipresent, are proof that Sufism can never die out. It has been a key element in people’s lives, helping people engage in spiritual healing and self-reflection. The study of self-awareness is ongoing; it only helps the mind manage contemporary emotions in a profound way. Sometimes, a hint of a metaphor is all we need to explain ourselves to the outside world, and visual representation often makes it clearer.

    Gallery

    Yearning Peregrine and the Mount of Mercy (Detail)

    Orbit of the Enlightened (Detail)

    Orbit of the Content (Detail)

    Restive Peregrine and the Blazing Crag (Detail)


    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