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    Art Review: Reading Between the Lines at Sanat Initiative, Karachi

    Written by: Jovita Alvares
    Posted on: December 05, 2017 | | 中文

    Untitled by Sidrat ul Munteha

    A line is, quite possibly, the single most important factor in a visual. It allows differentiation of elements that make up an image, as well as creates forms and instructs the eye to follow. A line organizes the human world, physically, emotionally and mentally. It can also be chaotic and abstract, difficult to understand but at the same time it is independent of all these visualizations. In fact, the pictorial experience of unrest or peace, abstraction or representation, can sometimes just be determined by the direction of a line.

    Aamna Hussain is curating a group show at Sanat Initiative that showcases works of upcoming graduates from various art institutes in Pakistan. Titled, ‘Reading Between the Lines’ the curator brought together an assemblage of talent whose concerns were propagated through their interpretation of line. The gallery displayed art by six various artists, with visuals that varied in size, medium and visual.

    Untitled 1 by Rehman Younas

    Untitled 1 by Rehman Younas

    An artist that captured immediate interest was Beaconhouse National University (BNU) alum, Rehman Younas. With a degree in textile and fiber studies, Younas’ interest lies in the materiality of the objects used in textile. By experimenting with fiber, the artist created multiple visuals where the audience could marvel at the appeal of something that would usually go overlooked. His focus and attention to detail was evident; one particular piece consisted of almost invisible, slender strands of yarn, delicately stretched around a wooden hoop that, ordinarily, would be used to help embroider and cross-stitch fabric. The work embodied a contrast of sensitivity and power, as the fine material displayed strength through its display, while drawing out linear patterns.

    Wajeeha Batool was another BNU graduate participating in the show. Her digital prints played around with grids commonly seen on graph papers. By amalgamating geometric forms with colour, distortion and addition of elements, Batool attaches layer to the simple form and produces an exciting new optical. The rigid, mechanical form is broken with a warm play of rainbow-like hues and illusive warping that changes the grid into an organic abstraction. Further creative destruction that was particularly interesting in a piece, included squares cut in a linear pattern which somehow led the eye to believe a circle was drawn, even though it wasn’t.

    Circle by Wajeeha Batool

    Circle by Wajeeha Batool

    Also working with the layering of geometric form was artist, Sidrat-ul-Munteha. Coming from CEAD MUET, Munteha captured the attention of her audience with the painstaking layering and definition of her handmade drawings. Multiple circles deeply layered on each other filled the canvases and the lack of colour in each piece, allowed the depth of linear forms to remain the focus.

    Following a similar colour scheme, Minahil Hafeez’s pieces consisted of multiple short lines that collectively created a large impact. Her method of ‘mark making’ highlights the chaos and complications that everyone faces in their daily life, and the process of simplifying and combating the issue. By breaking down a scenario into smaller parts, it becomes easier to tackle. Hafeez’s work is a visual representation of that; that huge complicated gradients can be simplified to basic lines.

    When colours turn to grey by Minahil Hafeez

    When colours turn to grey by Minahil Hafeez

    Them & Us by Onaiz Taji

    Them & Us by Onaiz Taji

    Besides the abstract and geometric, two artists challenged the lines of the human form. Onaiz Taji’s drawings appear to be linear organic shapes but on closer inspection are actually made up of numerous figures drawn with great detail. Trained in Indo-Persian miniature, his interest lies in capturing the disorganization of a crowd and how each individual present is unique, even among the vast numbers. His work aims at understanding the dynamics of the masses during a social event or crisis, how they come together for a common cause.

    Untitled by Abdul Aziz Meer

    Untitled by Abdul Aziz Meer

    Abdul Aziz Meer stood out for his life size impressions on paper. Done in mixed media, the artist created fossil-like images of his body in various forms and distortions. The work, like a scanned print, captured the softness of the skin and hair while creating a beautiful contrast between figuration and ambiguity, as well as cleverly encasing the moment in time.

    The show is highly commendable for its exploration of line through these artists and their different representations. The visual experience from one work to the next moved smoothly, almost as if one oeuvre blended into the other but still managed to hold its own.

     

    The show continues till 7th December 2017


    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