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    Deep in Abstract: Dr. Abid Malik Morphs into an Artist

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: September 25, 2023 | | 中文

    Dr. Abid Malik's painting on display at Artescape Gallery, Islamabad.

    The art world continually searches for forms of expression that go beyond representation and challenge the viewer to experience emotion, sensation, and imagination. Dr. Abid Malik's recent exhibition, "Deep in Abstract" is a testament to this search. His works are a fusion of color, form and texture, offering a vibrant and immersive visual experience. The exhibition, featuring large canvases filled with organic, flowing patterns, is curated at Artescape Gallery in Islamabad and invites viewers to explore the uncharted territories of their own perceptions.

    Painting by Dr. Abid Malik

    Dr. Abid Malik's art speaks the language of bold and bright colors. From intense reds and oranges to deep purples and blues, the palette he uses is rich and diverse. The colors in Malik’s works become the essence of each painting rather than being just a backdrop. The brightness of these colors suggests that the pigmentation of reds, blues, greens and yellows is used directly on the surface to create an intense effect as if they’re streaming out of the canvas. One could look from far behind and still identify the intricacy of the marbling and the textures he has skillfully incorporated into his art. His understanding of color theory and its emotional impact is clearly on display in the form of vivid hues that swirl and bend, creating dynamic compositions that lead to a range of emotional responses.

    A colorful painting by Dr. Abid Malik

    In one of the paintings, there is an explosion of purples, pinks and fiery oranges. These colors seem to dance and twist, pulling the viewer into the heart of the composition. The bold contrast between light and dark, warm and cool tones, creates a sense of tension and movement, almost as though the colors themselves are alive. Malik's choice of bright colors is purposeful and powerful, evoking feelings of energy, passion and intensity. This work is not just a random explosion of colors but a very controlled depiction of abstract, yet somehow recognizable forms. A part of the reason behind this is how skillfully the artist has included texture in his works with just paint. The textures in his art invite viewers to engage with the pieces on a tactile level, evoking the urge to almost touch the pieces to understand this depth.

    Dr. Abid Malik's painting

    The contrast within each piece is also worth noting, with some areas of the canvas being smooth and serene, while others seem to be rugged and chaotic. The intricate textures he builds in his works resemble natural forms. Some of the paintings look like the reflection of a green forest in water, while others resemble an enlarged reptilian pupil. Some remind viewers of the delicate veins of a leaf while others look like a scene from deep underwater. This tactile quality of Malik's work not only enhances the overall composition but also adds to the emotional aspect of the pieces, making them feel organic, as though they have emerged from the earth itself.

    Dr. Abid Malik's artwork

    Another part of the artist’s work that stands out is his remarkable control over the medium. Abstract art often appears spontaneous, but behind Malik's works is a clear understanding of the materials and the techniques. He handles the paint precisely and with fluidity, blending it to create smooth transitions and stark contrasts. Malik seems to understand clearly how paint behaves when it is mixed, layered or applied in varying viscosities. The transparency and opaqueness of different areas create depth, with layers underneath peeking through the surfaces, resulting in a work that feels both complete and evolving. Beyond color and texture, flow is a recurring theme in Malik’s work. His compositions are full of movement, with lines and forms that spiral, weave and stretch across the canvas. This sense of movement pulls the viewer into the artwork, guiding the eye across the surface in a fluid motion. The swirling forms in his paintings often appear to be in motion, as if caught in a moment of transformation.

    A painting by Dr. Abid Malik on display

    “Deep in Abstract” is a show that sheds much-needed light on how meaningful and impactful abstract art can be. It’s not just a random intermingling of colors and forms, but can also have a multitude of layers and textures that make the artworks look different to each viewer. Dr. Abid Malik’s works are not about depicting reality but evoking emotions, capturing the essence of transformation, and inviting the viewer to a dialogue of color, texture and form.


    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