With a unique heritage and diverse cultures, the country’s milieu offers artists a unique opportunity to flex their creative muscles and give greater meaning to their imaginative abilities. Shehla Rehman is one such artist who is obsessed with the idea of evolving a broader perspective to a variety of focal concerns based on the rapidly unfolding national scenario.

Cognitive of Rehman’s exceptional expression, the Alliance Francaise, Karachi, recently organised a solo exhibition of her pastel drawings, calligraphy and paintings under the title ‘Spirit of Pakistan’. The repertoire of 28 paintings is prolific in its content and medium which speaks of the artist’s articulate skills in handling a variety of subjects using diverse techniques. However, the most conspicuous element is the artist’s ability to portray human anatomy through generous exploitation of ambient lighting and drawing materials.  

Versatility is a trait that strengthens the artist’s observation and production skills. Rehman has tried her hand in almost every category of painting; be it landscapes, portraiture, still life, calligraphy, abstracts or murals. Remarkably, she has a consistent style of expression which sets her apart from the rest and could be endorsed as a signature style.

Rehman has always remained close to the country’s roots by travelling frequently from the out-backs of Sindh to the northern Pakistan’s majestic mountain ranges and captivating lakes. The 29 feet wide mural of Lake Saif-ul-Maluk at one of Karachi’s leading clubs is a spellbinding example of the artist’s bold demeanour and unflinching perseverance.

Shehla Rehman’s paintings are prolific in content and medium

The artist has resolved to address women’s issues through her work, including domestic violence, harassment of working women, their suffering in jails, etc. She believes that this uncivilised behaviour is everywhere and needs to be arrested because oppressive maltreatment of hapless women can have adverse psychological effects that can drive them insane. In this context, she had also held an exhibition titled ‘Violence against humanity’, at Berne, Switzerland, in 2002 at the request of the Swiss government.

The painting titled ‘Donkey cart racers of Makran’, oil on canvas, is a rare composition which captures the true character of thrill that dwells in this sport. The element of competitiveness, speed and excitement, has been reproduced with absolute skill by the artist. The frozen moments of the animals’ canter, the fervent gestures of the competitors and charged atmosphere leave a strong impression on the viewers owing to the dynamics programmed into the painting by the artist.

The drawing titled ‘Young bride’, pastel on Canson sheet, portrays an innocent nine-year-old child, who, the artist was told, had been sold almost over a dozen times, to be finally married to a 58-year-old man. Being compassionate the artist was in tears when she masterfully rendered the model’s innocent face that reeks of poignant suffering and misfortune.

Rehman will be exhibiting at the Pakistan embassy Jakarta, Indonesia in the near future.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, June 29th, 2014