KARACHI: An exhibition titled ‘What is seen and not seen, with and without seeing’ opened at Gandhara Art Space on Thursday. It is evident from the rubric given to the show that the organisers do not want to leave much to the viewer’s imagination. Perhaps it’s their way of tricking them into trying a little hard(er) to interpret the artworks displayed by artists, some of whom can easily be bracketed as ‘seasoned’. Either way, it’s a journey worth undertaking.

According to the curatorial statement, the exhibition is a survey of contemporary drawing in Pakistan. It is that, and it is a lot more. A lot more, because when you look at the exhibits you do not think too much about the drawing aspect of it — it is the subjects that draw your undivided attention. A case in point is the super impressive work by Fahd Burki.

Burki plays with geometric forms. But does he? Here’s an artist that makes you see multiple worlds while you’re thinking of just one. The technique that he employs is not novel; the result that he achieves is what makes his art special. The triangle in a black circle, not to mention the scrutinising look of a creature at the bottom of the artwork, is a teacher, a sufferer, the blueprint for a historic artefact, the issue of symmetry and a few other things … all at the same time. This is one way of interpreting his piece. Another way is: just enjoy his art and craft — both are mutually reinforcing.

Quddus Mirza, too, raises multiple queries. However, he does that by using multiple tools in a single artwork. The drawing, the map, a picture … all lead to a poignant social condition. The artist’s concern, obviously, is society. A valid concern, at that!

Noor Ali Chagani, on the other hand, keeps it simple. He creates a cemented image, a wall if you like — a surface which could be used as a chessboard … in the mind.

Anwar Saeed brings the heart into the equation with his coffee-on-paper exhibit. His concern is of a personal kind, and a bit of a departure from what the rest of his colleagues are trying to convey in their exhibits.

The other participating artists whose works are on view are: Zahoor Ul Akhlaq, Adeel Uz Zafar, Mohammad Ali Talpur, Ayaz Jokhio, Ali Kazim, Sara Khan, Rahana Mangi and Hammad Gillani.

The exhibition, curated by Hajra Haider Karrar, will continue until March 14.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2017