ISLAMABAD: Abdul Jabbar Gull’s journey began with painting commercial hoardings and cinema boards. It took him around the world and today he is a known name in art circles.

The Karchi-based artist has returned to Khaas Gallery with a new collection of sculptures in a show titled ‘Musings on the Self’.

The works juxtapose forlorn figures with the liveliness of floral motifs sculpted in metal, at once evoking feelings of both melancholy and hope, communicated in the inner vocabulary of an ordinary man.

“My work reflects the different moods of various periods of my life. The human form for me is the most fascinating phenomenon of the universe. It is a major source of inspiration for me in all my work,” Abdul Jabbar Gull told the visitors to the show.

Symbolism surrounds the ordinary man in Gull’s work. Elegantly detailed patterns and indiscernible symbols, numbers and letters reflect the dexterity that comes from years of working with the materials.

Among the wall-based pieces one finds a brass plaque with an abstracted, surreal landscape carved onto veneer.

According to Gull, his time in Africa and participation at a recent sculpture symposium in Korea showed him that man has the power to choose between spirituality and materialism. These influences have found their way into the work on display in this show.

The African influence is reflected in the works in dark hues of brown. The visitors found this influence made Gull’s works distinctive from other sculptors.

“I am impressed with the heightened sense of exploration,” said a guest.

The artist has studied design, photography, ceramics and printmaking at National College of the Art (NCA).

He has been awarded for his works including the National Excellence Award by Pakistan National Council of the Arts and the Punjab Artist Association Award for sculpture.

He has been commissioned by the public and private sectors. The show will continue till October 18.

Published in Dawn, October 1st , 2014