The Artscene Gallery in Clifton hosted a solo exhibition of paintings, titled ‘Glory in the dark’, by artist Salman Farooqi, drawing a large number of visitors.
Raza Haroon, secretary general of the Pak Sarzameen Party, and Arshad Vohra opened the show by cutting a ribbon at the inaugural ceremony last week.
Speaking on the occasion, Farooqi said: “My works represent, to a large degree, the school of cubism. I use its basic tenets to present the true essence and meaning of the scenes that I paint using abstract shapes and forms. I love paintings that have a profusion of colour, an abundance of energy and a whole lot of optimism.” He added that as an artist, he had created works with three attributes—artistic merit, intellectual worth and visual splendor.
“There is no benefit from painting in a realistic manner, using traditional techniques. I do not wish to create works that look like photographs—realistic and visually accurate but lacking in meaning, energy and significance.”
Farooqi added: “All my work is on black surface and I have not used white surface canvas for three reasons. I was very much inspired by boats. My style is cubic and I always try to make simple things according to my routine style that I have been following for the past many wears.
“Over the last 20 to 25 years, I have been an optimist and a believer in life. My works are, consequently, optimistic, bright and cheerful. I do not wish to convey sadness through art and I strive to depict beauty, energy and vitality that is not readily visible in everyday scenes.
“My paintings are designed to be celebrations of happiness, positivity and cheerfulness. I believe my paintings to have a great decorative appeal. They should add splendor to the rooms where they are displayed.”
According to the artist, the conceit that artistic merit, and not visual appeal, is the true gauge of a painting’s worth is, in my opinion, arrogant and flawed. “Artistic substance and aesthetic charm are not mutually exclusive. They work together to create objects of beauty. To me, the opinions of collectors, critics, scholars, fellow artists and regular people are all equally important, albeit in different ways.” He maintained that a good work was appreciated not just by a select few but by everyone in their own individual ways. The exhibition will continue till February 22.
