Khalid Soomro's masterful curation intertwines artistic genres, weaving narratives of urban-rural disparities, societal complexities, and environment
Khalid Soomro’s masterful curation intertwines artistic genres, weaving narratives of urban-rural disparities, societal complexities, and environmental consciousness
The essence of Full Circle Gallery comes alive in the masterful curation of Khalid Soomro, a polymath in the realms of art, design, restoration, curation, and education. Hailing from Hyderabad and rooted in Karachi, Soomro’s visionary touch graces the exhibition “Silent Eyes,” a tapestry woven with compelling narratives from artists like Agha Jandan, Ahmed Ali Manganhar, Ali Karim, Ali Shariq Jamali, Jam Depar, Kainat Saif, Mahbub Jokhio, Nadir Ali Jamali, and Qadir Jhatyal.
Intriguingly diverse, the group of artists converges under Soomro’s curation to shed light on the intricate shades of their concerns through an array of media and techniques. A symphony of talents harmoniously articulates concepts within their respective domains, reflecting a deep connection between creator and creation.
An interplay of photorealism and expressionism graces the exhibition, portraying contrasting yet complementary dimensions of artistic expression. Agha Jandan deftly fuses these approaches in his works, offering poignant commentary on the world and human experiences. His depictions of paper, balloons, and strings against blackboard-like backdrops evoke childhood nostalgia and classroom reminiscence, an ode to simpler times.
Ahmed Ali Manganhar takes the viewer on a contemplative journey through “Kolachi,” an abstract figurative painting capturing Karachi’s essence. Muted, somber colors interweave to evoke a sense of foreboding, juxtaposing the city’s vibrant persona with an undercurrent of unease.
Ali Karim’s meticulous graphite drawings, infused with tea wash on paper, emerge as haunting reflections of ruins, bearing witness to the passage of time. Scenes of a neglected mosque and a graveyard command attention, their central placement lending weight to the state of abandonment.
Ali Shariq Jamali’s charcoal-on-paper creations echo desolate landscapes adorned with architectural remnants, rendering a sense of poignant solitude. His finely observed works mirror the resonance of decay and time’s gentle erosion.
Nadir Ali Jamali’s watercolor illustrations on paper epitomize the delicate balance between water and pigment, captivating viewers with figurative vignettes rendered in a restrained yet evocative palette.
Mahbub Jokhio seamlessly transitions from the figurative, presenting an acrylic-on-paper piece resembling a folded sheet. This optical illusion requires a specific vantage point to decipher, inviting observers to engage in a dance of perception.
Qadir Jhatyal breathes life into rural subjects with his enamel-on-canvas paintings, skillfully utilizing brightness, contrast, and color to evoke striking representations of tradition.
Yet, it is Jam Depar’s oils-on-canvas that leave an indelible mark. A satirical portrayal of Michaelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” defies convention, as Adam wields a revolver in a brazen commentary on human hubris.
Kainat Saif’s conceptual masterpiece resonates with immediacy – a transparent silicon-strand dupatta adorned with sequins, an artistic metaphor for the intricate societal complexities women navigate.
Amidst this artistic tapestry, a profound curatorial intent unfolds, weaving a narrative that transcends aesthetics. The discourse navigates themes of social and economic change, the witnessing of destruction, and artists’ existential responses to their surroundings. Echoes of urban-rural disparities emerge, underscoring the challenges faced in developing nations, demanding inclusive and sustainable progress.
As we contemplate the layers beneath the surface, a philosophical undercurrent intertwines – a subtle exploration of weather pattern upheavals driven by global warming. These shifts resonate deeply in nations grappling with governmental negligence, and Depar’s brushwork serves as a poignant reminder of humanity’s impact on the natural world.
In this dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity, technique and vision, the Silent Eyes exhibition reverberates with artistic alchemy. The enduring commitment to fundamental techniques cultivates art that transcends time, while the artists’ lenses poignantly capture the symphony of chaos and disruption echoing in the modern world.
Summed Up in Two Lines: “Through ‘Silent Eyes,’ Khalid Soomro’s masterful curation intertwines artistic genres, weaving narratives of urban-rural disparities, societal complexities, and environmental consciousness, inviting viewers into a profound dialogue between creation and contemplation.”
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