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    Art Review:In a Hundred Silent Ways at Gallery 6

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: January 13, 2017 |

    A stunning painting by Sadaf Farasat

    ‘…In a Hundred Silent Ways’ is the latest exhibition at Gallery 6 in Islamabad, which focuses on Sufi thought, practice and mysticism. The show was inaugurated on 12th January, 2017 by Belgium’s Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Johan Casaer and the wife of the ambassador, Mrs. Mookda, and features the work of four eminent artists: Sadaf Farasat, Shafiq Farooqi, Khusro Subzwari and Farrukh Shahab.

    Gallery 6 Art Exhibition: In a Hundred Silent Ways

    Belgium’s Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Johan Casaer and the wife of the ambassador Mrs. Mookda inaugurated the show

    Gallery 6 Art Exhibition: In a Hundred Silent Ways

    An artwork on the concept of Sufism by Sadaf Farasat

    The title and concept of the exhibition is taken from Rumi’s verse, “Closed my mouth and spoke to you in a hundred silent ways”. Rumi is considered one of the greatest Sufi Ustads in history, and his message is preached all over the world. The theme of the exhibition centers on one of the main Sufi practices, which involves submitting one’s soul to God through Zikr or through the practice of Whirling.

    Sadaf Farasat is a painter who has been informally trained under renowned artist Saeed Akhtar in Lahore. Although she never received a formal education in the arts, it was sheer devotion and immense hard work that enabled her to paint with such skill and passion. Rumi is Sadaf’s ultimate source of inspiration. “As a follower of Rumi, I do Whirling on canvas with the strokes of my painting tools. I continue my own Sema on canvas until a piece is created which gives me satisfaction”, she explains. Sadaf has converted Rumi’s verses into visuals, making them easier for people to comprehend. Her imagery and style of painting speaks to the viewer, and it seems as if her paintings call out to one’s inner soul, conveying a message of pure love for God. 

    Another eminent artist, Shafiq Farooqi, while celebrating his 75th birthday, has followed the same theme. His artworks reflect Rumi’s verses in a colourful and expressive manner. The paintings depict various aspects of enlightenment, where all worldly bounds are broken and the soul is purely connected with God. This state represents the highest form of submission, depicted through subtle colorful strokes in the background, with the foreground consisting of whirling dervishes in mystical reunion with God while floating in the air.

    Gallery 6 Art Exhibition: In a Hundred Silent Ways

    Shafiq Farooqi's paintings depict Rumi’s verses in a colourful and expressive manner

    Khusro Subzwari, a prominent painter who has worked on the Turkish practices of Sufism, was first introduced to mystic Sufi practices when he visited Istanbul. He was deeply inspired by the Sema Ceremony and the strong spiritual aura of the whirling dervishes, which provided him with a new language of meditation. Since then, he has been depicting whirling dervishes in his works while using vibrant colours in the background to make the white figures stand out on the canvas. Khusro’s artworks exude spirituality and a have a meditative quality to them. They demonstrate a sincere and beautiful bond of an artist with Sufism. “This suits the movement of the dervish, because this is the way that the whole universe moves, and I believe that this is connected to spirituality, and the higher powers which are unknown to us”, he explains. 

    Gallery 6 Art Exhibition: In a Hundred Silent Ways

    Khusro Subzwari's take on Rumi

    Gallery 6 Art Exhibition: In a Hundred Silent Ways

    Faqirs' Series by Farrukh Shahab

    Conversely, Farrukh Shahab has portrayed Faqirs who are in search of divine truth and love. Everything from their clothes to the gestures of their hands and feet evokes a sense of simplicity. It portrays the start of a journey in the way of God, free from all worldly pleasures. The Fakirs seem satisfied with whatever they have in this world, and appear to be in constant search of their inner self. 

    The exhibition will continue at Gallery 6 till the 19th of January. Art lovers, critics and students in the twin cities are encouraged to take some time out and embark on this spiritual journey with these talented artists. Whether or not you are a follower of Sufi thought and practice, the soothing artworks on display are likely to leave you with feelings of inner peace and satisfaction.


    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