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    Art Review: 'Through the Looking Glass and What Farhat Found There' by Farhat Ali

    Written by: Jovita Alvares
    Posted on: March 08, 2019 |

    This work by Farhat Ali seems inspired by Michelangelo's 'Pieta'

    Edward Said defined Orientalism as the West patronising representations of the East and through this, highlighted the exoticisation and generic labelling of the ‘Orient’ (East), which was a direct contrast to the ‘Occident’ (West). This ‘way of seeing,’ by the West, exaggerated Eastern cultures as backward, uncivilised and dangerous. Walking into Farhat Ali’s exhibition at Sanat Initiative, one had an almost instantaneous recollection of Said’s words, though it soon became evident that Ali had more of a story to tell.

    This work is inspired by the image 'Princes of Orissa, 1870'

    This work is inspired by the image 'Princes of Orissa, 1870'

    ‘Through the Looking Glass and What Farhat found there,’ opened on 5th March, 2019 and is Farhat Ali’s third solo exhibition. Ali, who graduated from National College of Arts, Lahore in 2015, presents an impressive body of monochromatic paintings, teeming with tales of history, pop and fiction. The works seem to evolve from similar themes that Ali has worked with in the past, where characters from distinct narratives were juxtaposed onto one surface. Much like his previous works, the black and white paintings were charged with humour and iconic imagery that invited the viewer in for a closer look.

    Throughout the oeuvre, Ali displays impeccable skill. His attention to detail, form and composition allows each character to seamlessly blend in with the other, causing the viewers to question whether their preconceived account of the character’s narrative was ever accurate. His choice to limit the colour scheme, aided in effortless composites, along with his soft rendering of each painting, made the works resemble vintage monochromatic photographs, thereby further mystifying historic authenticity.

    Untitled by Farhat Ali

    Untitled by Farhat Ali

    The artist is mindful of not only representing a specific person in his work, but also using the persona they have come to be known for. Judy Garland, as the innocent Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, is shown by Ali, near a skeevy and unsettling Pran Krishan, who became synonymous with villainy in Hindi films, at a certain time in his career. Disconcert in young Garland’s eyes as she peers at Pran was an astute choice by the artist, as it reinforces the basis of Orientalism.

    However, Ali does well to counter this in his other works. One such painting is of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French ruler, who stands proudly next to Anandi Gopal Joshi, the first Indian female to receive a degree in Western Medicine. Historically, both were impactful figures of the 1800s, and though one was more famous than the other, Ali resolves any form of racial bias by depicting them together in a ‘couple-portrait’ painting.

    (L) This work features Napolean Bonaparte and Anandi Gopal Joshi, (R) This work takes inspiration from 'Innocence' by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

    (L) This work features Napolean Bonaparte and Anandi Gopal Joshi, (R) This work takes inspiration from 'Innocence' by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

    Untitled by Farhat Ali

    Untitled by Farhat Ali

    Apart from the iconic imagery, the medium of Indian ink, used by Ali, seems to add another layer to the work. Named specifically for its origins, since it emerged around 4th century B.C. in India, Indian Ink is composed of ash, which gives it its carbon-like colour. He therefore, uses an ink of the Orient onto a paper of French or Occident origin, an amalgam that furthers the narrative the visuals are already dictate.  

    The title is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, and just as Alice enters another world of absurdity and otherworldliness, so does the viewer enter Ali’s fantastical realm, which leads to looking at oneself, history and culture, thereby inviting self-realisation. Ali merges narratives to a point of almost near realness, blurring lines between fact and fiction. His oeuvre presents itself as an archive of another world, brimming with its own milieu, making Sanat the exclusive custodian of its mystical secrets.


    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