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    Art Review: 'Insta Loves II,' by Abdullah Qureshi at Satrang Art Gallery

    Written by: Sana Shahid
    Posted on: October 06, 2017 | | 中文

    'Insta Love: Obaid Being Obaid' by Abdullah Qureshi

    When it comes to art, creativity often preys on our surroundings for inspiration, and such is the case with Abdullah Qureshi. A solo exhibition of the artist, titled “Insta Loves II” opened on 4th October, 2017 at the Satrang Art Gallery, Islamabad. As one of the most renowned contemporary artists of Pakistan, Qureshi has had the honor of having his work exhibited multiple times, both locally and internationally. Other than being an artist, he is also the founder of Gallery 39K in Lahore.

    Director Satrang Art Gallery, Asma Rashid Khan, welcoming guests at the opening

    Director Satrang Art Gallery, Asma Rashid Khan, welcoming guests at the opening

    'Mahnum' by Abdullah Qureshi

    'Mahnum' by Abdullah Qureshi

    Abdullah Qureshi seems to have developed a distinguished style over the years, which involves using washes of enamel paints on large-sized canvases. The content of his work is simple, yet each painting has a certain depth to it. The way that all his figures have been painted shows the comfort level of the artist with the medium.

    Dripping paint and bold strokes are evident in his work. This technique displays the high level of confidence with which Qureshi, despite using a very difficult medium, allows his hand to take over the canvas rather than limiting himself. He turns around the medium’s restrictions to his advantage, and creates what is true to himself.

    'Awais II' by Abdullah Qureshi

    'Awais II' by Abdullah Qureshi

    There is a sense of ambiguity in the portraits, but the human figures are proportionate, with just a slight bit of distortion. The ambiguity arises from the fact that Qureshi’s portraits are featureless. And yet his portrayal of gestures and the body language of human beings is such that the paintings turn into stories of pain and trauma; a visual diary of Qureshi’s experiences. The painted canvases seem to be an outlet he can fully express himself through. Even though Qureshi has used a bright colour palette pretty much throughout his series, grief is a prominent theme in every piece. The gestures he has chosen to paint are not necessarily grotesque; many of them are simple, casual moments, but the way they are painted captivates the viewer. The people in his paintings seem vulnerable and often broken, made more apparent by Qureshi’s use of dripping paint, which makes the canvas look like it’s been scratched at from certain angles. A visit to the exhibit is a humbling experience due to this, because it makes you think about the fragility of human nature, and how certain events can break you.

    Though Qureshi’s work falls into the category of abstract expressionism, “every one of his portraits still manages to completely encompass human existence,” says the curator of the exhibition, Zahra Khan, who has brought his thought provoking work to art lovers in Islamabad. It can be said that Qureshi’s experimentation with expressionism has paid off spectacularly, because he has succeeded in putting his ideas and concepts on the canvas, using nothing but gestures, and his unique technique.

    'Self Portrait II' by Abdullah Qureshi

    'Self Portrait II' by Abdullah Qureshi

    Everyone with an interest in expressionism is strongly advised to pay a visit to the show at Satrang Art Gallery before it ends on 17th October.


    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