Chandio creates magic on canvas with aerial scenes

Islamabad
An exhibition of powerful paintings by Hussain Chandio, an artist who has succeeded in creating magic on the canvas through mesmerising aerial scenes portraying Sindhi men and women in traditional dresses and windy atmospheres, opens at Gallery6 here today (Friday).
Titled ‘Journey,’ this is Chandio’s first solo exhibition in Islamabad, and one that will be remembered for years to come. The artist draws inspiration from his surroundings. He paints the scenes with such passion that the viewers cannot help being deeply involved. His art not only creates a positive ambiance but also takes the viewer on a cultural trip. As one enters the exhibition hall, one feels “happenings” related to different journeys that are taking place in Sindh.
Chandio’s work presents a series of scenes seen from infrequent angles, a characteristic that distinguishes his paintings from others. The expertise that he has shown in painting the bird’s eye perspective is remarkable. Though he uses a slightly realistic approach, these unusual angles somehow add an element of abstraction to his work. Commenting on his work, the artist stated that if he had preferred a standard viewpoint, it would have been an injustice to the creativity and diversity that he possesses being an artist.
Discussing the theme of ‘Journey,’ Sana Shahid, assistant curator of Gallery6, stated: “The most interesting aspect about Chandio’s work is the presence of movement in every scene. The scenes that he paints are not static; rather they all have people moving in them one way or the other — whether it is on a motorbike, a ‘tonga,’ boat, or on foot. This is what draws the viewer deeper into the work, rather than leaving the experience static and one-dimensional. This unseen movement increases a feeling of curiosity and mystery in the painting that attracts the audience to keep looking at it and enjoy the traditional treat with vibrant colours. Chandio seems to have an extraordinary eye when it comes to observation, mastery over technique, and a thorough understanding of his theme, to achieve spectacular results.”
Chandio prefers acrylics over any other medium. He balances out the overall feel of the painting by giving appropriate breathing space to the compositions and using grey as a background colour to give depth to the bright vibrant dresses of the figures. All the techniques in his aerial scenes show that the artist has painted not only with his hands but his heart as well. With a Masters in Fine Arts from the University of Sindh in 1999, Chandio has been exhibiting his works in group and solo exhibitions.
Art lovers who are in search of conceptual and compositionally resolved paintings must visit and enjoy the artistic delight. The 27 paintings in the exhibition are aesthetically beautiful with the tones and shades of grey creating an effect of distance through the use of energetic colours. The exhibition will continue till August 8, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., including Sundays.