KARACHI: Calligraphy is an art form in which letters or nonfigurative shapes turn into figures that are more readable and less watchable with, astoundingly, an enhanced visual appeal. It happens because of the spiritual aspect involved in the art. Text becomes an image that conjures up soul-searching scenes. This could be gauged at an exhibition of a group calligraphy show that opened at the Grandeur Art Gallery on Tuesday evening.

Works of more than a dozen artists are on display and all of them are distinct in their own ways. Some artists have gone for the more traditional scripts and style (Kufic, Nastaleeq), and some have tried to experiment with form. For example, there are pieces in the show, such as one by Saba Shahid, which use the symbol of the circle. They hint at the idea of reverence for divine oneness, of totality, of wholeness. In her other work (artwork: 25) Saba has opted for an abstract path, but here too the idea of unity in diversity could be felt.

Jamshed Khan goes for a bit difficult technique giving a wavy look to his calligraphic work, employing lighter colours suggesting the lightness of the soul in a mystical domain.

Perhaps the most striking artworks are by Aqib Faiz. The reason for that is that he has tried to seek spirituality in simplicity, and quite successfully so. The use of the colour blue and only single-word subjects in his artworks is quite special. Amid a majority of calligraphic paintings which are marked by the presence of different forms of text and explosion of colours, Aqib’s pieces represent the other end of the spectrum where the divine aspect of life is signified by nothing but simplicity.

The show will run till July 8.

Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2015

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