‘Sense and Insanity’ honours Rassam’s life and works 

Karachi 

From a small boy in Korangi who once rummaged through garbage for a door to put up in his family’s modest house, to a man who went on to paint Surrealist art and portraits of luminaries, Shahid Rassam can, perhaps, be considered fortunate to have a book on his life published during his actual lifetime. 

Written by noted art critic and historian Akbar Naqvi, ‘Sense and Insanity’, is an effort which not only explores Rassam’s art and its projection in his life, but also delves into the history of art and its evolution in the post-modern era. 

Moderated by actor Sajid Hasan, the book’s launch, held at the Arts Council on Monday, was graced by many known faces from the literati and art circles of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Fazil Jamili said that with Naqvi’s authorship, the book had indeed been endorsed by an authority. Praising Rassam, he said that his work depicted the raging fire inside him. “In Rassam’s work, one can find the idea of masquerading; as to how all individuals – be it the ruler or the ruled, the oppressor or the oppressed – is wearing a mask to conceal the true self from everyone.”   

Shehzad Sharjeel, who managed the editing of the book, said that Naqvi had weaved words with such mastery that entire art movements have been condensed yet brilliantly explained.

“This book is about life and should be a part of our school or college curriculum. It shouldn’t be limited solely to art colleges.”

Zehra Chughtai, a journalist and Naqvi’s daughter, said the book’s publication was a monumental task and took almost two years to complete, particularly because her father fell severely ill during this time period. 

However, she said, his perseverance brought his efforts to fruition and that, perhaps, this iron will was what helped him through the testing times.

Satirist and writer Anwar Maqsood, who also happens to be a painter, shared that he held Rassam in high regard because he had seen Rassam fought through tough times to reach a point in his life where a man like Naqvi has honoured him through his words.

“There was a time when the doors of Rassam’s small house remained shut because of purdah. The doors remain shut even today, but now it’s because the air conditioner is always on.”

Art critic Marjorie Hussain reminisced about how moved she was the first time she came across Rassam’s art; the piece, she shared with audience, was one of his depictions of a slave market where women were being sold. 

She said the subject and manner it was dealt conveyed that Rassam was sympathetic towards the feminist cause, which was a rarity.

Although Naqvi left early owing to his deteriorating health, he lauded Rassam and was hailed by the attendees for mustering the strength to come out in support of talented artists.

Given that satirist Mushtaq Ahmed Yusufi couldn’t attend the event, actor Talat Hussain read out a piece by Yusufi which not only praised Rassam but also revealed the tale of how the artist acquired his unique surname. 

According to Yusufi’s piece, the name originated from Jaun Elia – who also enjoyed a close relationship with Rassam – for artist Iqbal Mehdi. However, as fate would have it, Mehdi passed on the name to Rassam. 

The rest, as they say, is now recorded history.