‘Rediscovering the lost spirituality’

Karachi
Aristotle said, “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
We are fast losing the softer side of our lives in a rapid-moving city like Karachi. It is the dire need of the time to exhibit meaningful art and craft to showcase the lost spirituality and inner satisfaction.
Art is something that can entice a shattered soul to feel the beauty and sanctity of life to rescue peace and tranquility. It should be a work where fine strokes and vibrant colours could communicate the untold truths of life, which could not be presented in the frame of words.
Chawkandi Art Gallery, knowing the importance of promoting arts, organised a group show on Tuesday where fine art of renowned artists was at display.
The elite panel of artists included Adeel Uz Zafar, Afshar Malik, Anwar Saeed, Nahid Raza, Ali Azmat, Naima Dadabhoy, Naiza Khan, Mughees Riaz, Munawwar Ali Syed, Shakil Saigol and Unver Shafi.
Talking to The News, Afshar Malik said his focus was to inculcate love for art in society, and especially in youth, by projecting his paintings on contemporary lines. “This is the era of fast communication where everyone comes across so many stories every day watching movies and dramas. Instead of telling a single story, I use minimal elements in my work to let viewers build their own narrative,” he said.
Malik’s one of the two paintings titled ‘Within Yourself Or Among All’ is showing a number of strange masks in different colours. A lady whose face is not shown in the painting is sitting at the back, having a smiling mask on her lap.
The artist criticised the artificial life of the materialistic world and the act of faking our relationships with each other.
Anwar Saeed’s painting titled ‘Everyone an Island’ spoke the fact that despite being closer to each other, humans maintain a distance as everyone has created his own imaginary world in his mind.
“Modern technology and urbanisation are the prime reasons for creating psychological distances among us, but I do not blame them entirely. In their absence as well, people had long interspaces in old times even when sitting together and talking with each other,” Saeed said, talking to The News.
He said a painter should paint his strengths and create his own imaginative distinction. “An artist must follow his inner passion. I always counsel my students to excavate their hidden talents and polish them with a unique brush,” he said.
“We must value the art asset as it helps create a creative and innovative younger lot and a peaceful and tolerant society.” The exhibition at Chawkandi Art will remain open till April 7.