Written by: Shameen Arshad
Posted on: November 10, 2023 | 
| 中文
Unicorn among Birches
“Shades of a Verdant Heart," the latest solo exhibition by Ali Zaidi, opens its doors to the public at the 8B2 Gallery in Islamabad on the 7th of November, 2023. The show presents an intimate and deeply introspective journey revealing the intricate relationship between nature and the human heart. The exhibition serves as a memoir of this intricate relationship, inviting viewers to explore the artist's profound connection with the natural world, while also presenting nature as mirroring the complexities and struggles of human existence.
The idea of preserving the landscape "as is", while acknowledging its inevitable and irrevocable change is an interesting aspect of Zaidi’s artistic process. It suggests that the artist's images serve as a time capsule, preserving a specific moment in the natural world's evolution. This approach can be seen as a means of documenting the impermanence and transience of nature. The titles themselves suggest a form of record keeping, not just of the spaces and objects captured but of the artist's own experience.
Backyard Tulips in ecstasy
Zaidi's work has an immersive quality, enveloping the audience in the oscillation of human emotions. The artist uses it as a tool of introspection while recreating palpable human emotions upon paper. Zaidi can be seen as traveling the world with an unswerving focus on the floral and fauna. In a way via the ubiquity of nature, he transcends geographical borders that are only represented by the titles of the pieces.
Viewers' curiosity is piqued by Ali Zaidi's deliberate selection of specific flowers and trees in his artworks, amidst vast landscapes. This curiosity allows the audience to further engage with the artist's creative process as it draws the viewer into a contemplative state and encourages them to actively interpret the art.
Garlic Blooms from my Backyard
The artist has used a broad spectrum of mediums, including watercolours, soft pastels, coloured pencils, charcoal and photography. His refusal to confine himself to a single medium allows him to preserve a sense of genuineness and immediacy in his work. Zaidi's approach is to select the medium that best captures his immediate connection with the subject at any given time, thereby retaining the spontaneity and freshness of his creative expression. This adaptability is also reflected in the diverse forms and styles his subjects encompass, ranging from traditional landscapes to more abstract and ambiguous imagery.
Ali Zaidi's artistic practice is reminiscent of the Romantic period, where artists sought to imbue their scenes with human emotions. In Zaidi's work, his subjects can be interpreted as mirroring human sentiments and experiences. For instance, the title "Watchful Birch", directs the viewer's attention to the central knot, which takes on the appearance of a vigilant and watchful eye. This anthropomorphic interpretation of nature as a sentient being observing the viewer, places the audience in a unique and vulnerable position. It hints at a power dynamic, suggesting that nature can have an equally reciprocated and active role in its connection with humanity.
Watchful Birch 01
In "Knotted Bark," Ali Zaidi skilfully uses wild and dynamic strokes to create a serene image. The tranquil composition emerges from the seemingly untamed and rugged lines, resulting in an intriguing contrast. The juxtaposition of these elements adds an element of complexity to the artwork, suggesting that the reality it portrays is not as straightforward as it may seem. Another form of juxtaposition is evident in "Lily's," where the artist brings together traditional techniques, such as watercolours and soft pastels, whilst also replicating the soft focus of a camera lens in the background.
The collection captures a diverse range of moods, presenting a nuanced and organic depiction of life within each frame. These artworks contain layers of time, contributing to a larger narrative rather than existing in isolation. For example, “Bare Oak”, has the look of an aftermath, whereas “Autumnal whisper” serves as a possible prelude.
Bare Oak
"Bare Oak" projects a sombre and almost menacing quality against a backdrop of dark and dreary landscapes. The piece seems to suggest that both the landscape and the artist remain subject to change as environmental conditions fluctuate, further highlighting the affinity between nature and the human psyche. A similar captivating energy is present in "Sunflower from My Backyard," which defies the flower's typically bright demeanour. In Zaidi's portrayal, it exudes a more tragic yet powerful aura. Viewers can almost discern the pulsating life within the plant, underscoring the quiet yet formidable power of nature. Conversely, "Autumnal Whisper", ushers in a different mood and perspective, infusing the collection with depth and complexity, mirroring the ever-changing nature of life.
Autumnal whispers
"Stone Lyrics" and "New Zealand Flax Blooms from My Backyard", transport the natural world into an ethereal and otherworldly realm. The sharp lighting, illuminating vibrant colours against a dark backdrop, elevates nature to the status of ephemeral beauty.
New Zealand Flax blooms survey from my backyard
In "Frozen 1-4," abstract organic forms are presented in a more enigmatic manner, offering viewers a microscopic view of the subjects. Although these forms may not be immediately distinguishable, the intricate and textured surfaces draw the viewer into these pieces. Ali Zaidi's zooms in on his subjects to showcase the delicate transitions of colours, intricate surface patterns, and tactile qualities of the subjects, subtleties of nature that often remain unnoticed by the casual observer. While presented in a more abstract manner, these pieces maintain harmony with the traditional watercolour illustrations, capturing the dynamic quality of their subjects.
These works underscore that the artist's connection to nature goes beyond a superficial appreciation for its beauty. They document the life of a man who actively explores and immerses himself in natural spaces, offering a profound and multi-dimensional perspective on the world. The exhibition is open for viewing until November 12, 2023.
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