Written by: Mehr Jan
Posted on: November 02, 2020 | 
| 中文
Obaid on his Rooftop
In this evolving world, people are recognizing the need for self-expression more than ever. Talented individuals are investing in new mediums that can stimulate their creativity and help them stand out in the public eye. Street Art is one such upcoming medium that is taking over public spaces in Pakistan, filling the otherwise dull streets of major cities, with bright and colorful murals.
Many major cities in Pakistan have murals that are often dedicated to sending political or socially conscious messages as they are often made by students or organizations. However, some see murals as a creative space to push the boundaries of their craft. One such artist is Obaid ur Rehman, a muralist and a pioneer of 3D and Anamorphic Art from Karachi.
Obaid at the International Street Art Festival in 2016
Spearheading what he considers ‘Happy Art’, the promising artist aims to bring moments of awe and wonder to those who don’t have much time to look or talk about art. This kind of 3D Art is still a relatively new concept for Public Art in Pakistan, although it is a common practice in the rest of the world. But its use of color and clever perspective allows Obaid to create pieces that are thoughtful yet lighthearted. Obaid’s humble journey started from his own rooftop, which he developed into this large-scale and publically-engaging practice.
Speaking to Youlin, he recalled how art had fascinated him for as long as he could remember, but his real interest developed when he went to university to study architecture. However, he soon realized that art was his true calling, and he need not be bound by the conventionalities taught at art school. Dropping out of university, he began to spend his time practicing or studying art on his own. It was no longer a hobby or a side activity, but a means to achieve his dreams of becoming a respected, full-time artist.
Obaid's Floor Crack Mural
He began drawing large compositions on his walls again, and when there was no space left, he searched for other mediums. By chance, he stumbled upon tutorials for 3D and Anamorphic Art, which became quite popular around the world through social media. “The first artwork happened by chance, because all I was doing was following a YouTube video to create my first 3D drawing,” he recalled. “I received an overwhelming response to it on social media. That was an incentive to study the medium further and learn the proper techniques of creating 3D artworks.”
Obaid’s practice involves the technique of Anamorphism, an ingenious perspective technique that had initially begun in films as a way to use camera-angle perspective to create a wider view than actually present. It involves distorting an image to make it appear normal when viewed from a particular angle, or reflected in a curved mirror. Fascinated by the technique’s potential, he delved into its theory and practice. He was also supported by renowned 3D Street artist, Tracy Lee Stum who served as a mentor throughout Obaid’s self-discovery. Stum is a graffiti artist and interactive painter, who once held the Guinness World Record for the Largest Chalk Painting created by an individual.
'The Abyss' for the opening of the first Karachi Art Summit at the National Museum Karachi
As a way of challenging himself, he expanded his portfolio from simple cartoon characters, to eccentric pool drawings, to much more complex interactive compositions which played with depth and color. Before long he was showcasing his work to the public, and creating his first commissioned 3D image for a mall in Karachi in December 2014.
He continues to hone his craft and showcase it on international platforms. He has been the only Pakistani street artist to represent the country in a series of international street art events, like the 6th and 7th International Street Art Festival in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, in which he participated in 2016 and 2017. He owes his success to the support and encouragement of his family, who allowed him to make a career out of what most would consider a hobby.
Obaid's Painting for the International Street Art Festival
Currently, he is showcasing his work domestically, with exhibitions at the Sanat Initiative Gallery in 2017 and International Public Art Festival (IPAF) 2020. He still has a few international 3D/anamorphic art and mural projects underway, ranging from public art to private commissions. Obaid has also become something of a mentor for many local artists, as the only Pakistani artist who paints animated murals.
Artwork for Karachi Art Festival
His work is featured in various graffiti and street art magazines, including the book, “The Art of Chalk” by Tracy Lee Stum. Obaid believes that Pakistan is filled with passionate and creative emerging artists, many of whom are willing to forgo conventional art spaces to explore untouched terrains and mediums that are more inclusive and grassroots. “There is a lot of room for anyone who has good skills, new ideas and passion for arts,” he stated.
As a strong advocate for experimentation and unconventional pursuits, Obaid always advises his mentees to give into their passion without worrying too much about the consequences. When asked for advice, he said, “Try to find your inner voice in whatever you do. It’s fine to make mistakes as mistakes are part of the process. Keep on trying and trying until you get it right, and listen to your calling.”
From the 'On my way to Wonderland' Exhibtion at Sanat Gallery
Public Art and Mural Art continue to be fascinating spaces for self-taught artists like Obaid to actively engage with and inspire people to pursue their passion for grassroots arts. One looks forward to more such interesting projects that change the way Pakistanis interact with their public spaces, treating them as viable sites to promote artistic activity.
You can follow Obaid’s work on Facebook and Instagram.
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