ISLAMABAD: The works of abstract artist Wahab Jaffer went on display at the Tanzara Gallery on Thursday.

The colourful, inventive and symbolic paintings highlight the mood and attitude of subjects. The smooth lines and colour coordination make his work all the more sharp and effective.

The use of colour has been the hallmark of Mr Jaffer’s work. In this exhibition, the artist furthers his creative experimentation by creating various sized portraits that are composed with diverse shades and tones.

Wahab Jaffer is a respected artist who has been exhibited extensively at home and abroad.

His bold and adventurous style has a strong identity as it exudes the simplicity of his female subjects.

“Wahab Jaffer is one of Pakistan’s most respected abstract artists. His work has been extensively exhibited in solo and group shows, notably at the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, the National Art Gallery in Islamabad, the Peel Art Gallery’s juried exhibition in Brampton and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai,” said owner of the gallery, Noshi Qadir.

Mr Jaffer started painting in the 1970s when he practiced with renowned painters such as Ali Imam, Ahmed Pervez and Bashir Mirza.

The artist claims that he was strongly influenced by Ahmed Pervez, a modernist painter, even though the two artists usually had opposing temperaments and views.

Mr Jaffer’s first solo exhibition was held in 1982 at the Indus Art Gallery. Since then, his fascination with paint and canvas has been a predominant factor in his life.

He is an artist who enjoys art and appreciates the fine work of other artists.

He rarely misses an art exhibition in town and is a popular member of art circles. Bashir Mirz, a realist and abstract artist, once mused in the late 1980s: “Wahab Jaffer is the best artist of his generation.”

The individuality of Jaffer’s work involves his understanding of space and tone in compositions that are inspired by various palettes of colours.

Mr Jaffer’s canvases offer a visual experience that challenges the imagination of his audience.

The show will run until Nov 6.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2017